When visiting Traverse City, you will find in addition to many outdoor activities a number of fun things to do from shopping for anything involving cherries and visiting museums to attending the annual film festival or a theater event. In the spring the cherry blossoms are a must see. Don’t miss:
American Spoon: With several locations throughout Michigan, this is my go to place for the best in jams, jellies, fruit butters, salsas, grilling sauces, maple syrup, dried cherries, granola and more made from locally sourced ingredients. I highly recommend the Sour Cherry Jam or Spoon Fruits. 230 E. Front Street.
Cherry Republic: At 154 E. Front St., cherry lovers will love this fun store to buy gifts, cherry jam and jellies, cherry salsa and BBQ sauce, chocolate covered cherries and dried fruits. I love the dark chocolate covered cherries.
Dennos Museum Center: Located on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, the museum features exhibitions throughout the year along with concerts in blues, jazz and chamber music. It is known for its collection of Inuit art from the Canadian Arctic. 1701 E. Front St.
State Theatre: Catch a movie at the famous art deco style downtown movie theater built in 1949. It was donated to the well-known Traverse City Film Festival in 2007. 233 E. Front St.
City Opera House: At 106 E. Front Street, this a Michigan State Historic Site. Catch a music concert, a musical, a production of the Young Playwrights Festival or a lecture of the National Writers Series.
You may also like to attend a concert of the Traverse City Symphony Orchestra.
Traverse City Film Festival: A close friend recommends this local film festival that brings films and filmmakers from around the world to Northern Michigan in late July to early August. The festival was founded by Academy Award-winning director Michael Moore who makes his home here, runs the festival, and serves as president of the board of directors. It uses several venues downtown as well as offers free outdoor screenings.
Wine and Food Events: There are a number of wine and food events in Traverse City throughout the year, including the Traverse City Wine and Food Weekend in May, the Traverse City Wine and Cider Festival in June and the National Cherry Festival also in June. The Leland Wine and Food Festival is in June as well.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons: The former Traverse City State Hospital has been totally transformed into a large complex of residential buildings, restaurants, shops and boutiques, plus a microbrewery and urban winery. 830 Cottageview Dr.
Interlochen Center for the Arts: Founded in 1928, this is a well-known arts center south of Traverse City. During the year they feature adult programs in creative writing, visual arts, theater and music, along with concerts and events. Their Summer Arts Camp is nationally known and is for children in grades 3 to 12 and features classes in creative writing, music, theater, dance, visual arts and motion picture arts. There is also the fine arts boarding high school for grades 9 to 12. You might check out one of their concerts or programs when you are in the area.