In Michigan we're spoiled with beautiful towns. We know the beaches, the trees, and small town charm. Growing up here I thought I had already grasped how incredible "Pure Michigan" was. But this state never fails to amaze me. Just when I think I can't be any more blown away with Michigan towns, I visit a place like Traverse City and fall in love with this state all over again. This city is wonderful year-round but spending two days in October in this charming area was the perfect fall vacation! Here are a few reasons why.

THE TREES! One thing I absolutely love about the Midwest are the seasons! Each city varies so much between the summer sun, the fall foliage, the spring blooms, and the winter snow. October is my favorite month and the colorful trees around Michigan make me feel all warm and cozy every time I see them. Michigan had a particularly warm fall this year so the colors had just begun to change when I was in Traverse City, but every road I turned onto took my breath away! The bright green trees and the shifting color changes were stunning!

The Trees

One thing I absolutely love about the Midwest are the seasons! Each city varies so much between the summer sun, the fall foliage, the spring blooms, and the winter snow. October is my favorite month and the colorful trees around Michigan make me feel all warm and cozy every time I see them. Michigan had a particularly warm fall this year so the colors had just begun to change when I was in Traverse City, but every road I turned onto took my breath away! The bright green trees and the shifting color changes were stunning!

Cherries, Cherries, and More Cherries

Traverse City is the self-proclaimed cherry capital of the world. With over a million cherry trees and the country’s biggest harvest, cherries put Traverse City on the map with their annual Cherry Festival. And the place to go for the most “cherry experience” is the Cherry Republic. Rachel Ray explained the store best when she said “If Disney did cherries, the result would look like Cherry Republic.” With six stores and over 200 cherry-based products, this place is a little slice of cherry heaven! Throw in the samples ranging from cherry salsas, to candies, to wine, you can’t come to Traverse City and not check this place out!

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sand is sand right? WRONG! I’ve been to a few different places with dunes; so many so, I thought I’d already been to Sleeping Bear Dunes until I showed up and realized 1. I’ve never been here before, and 2. this place is unlike any other! ABC’s Goodmorning America even named it the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. With 450′ tall bluffs, crystal clear blue waters, and hundreds of miles of trails it’s easy to see why this place is so special! We started on the Empire Bluffs trail and it was not only quiet and peaceful but had some insane views of the dunes! The easiest way to experience all the park has to offer is by taking the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive which winds through tree-lined backroads, a covered bridge, and a variety of scenic overlooks of the lakes and dunes.

So Much More Than Cherries

Traverse City blew me away with it’s combination of down-home eateries that use local ingredients, to up-and-coming wineries and breweries. The variety was endless! While many towns have beer festivals, Traverse City dedicates an entire WEEK in November to it’s local brews with their Traverse City Beer Week. Places like Right Brain brewery offer flights of their local and unusually delicious beers that range from Cherry Pie Ale, to the Chubby Squirrel Fall Ale, to Shrute Farm Beet Beer. And don’t even get me started on the burgers! From Slabtown Burgers in a house that is filled with historical photos and facts about Traverse City, to the oldest continuously running restaurant in Michigan – Sleder’s Family Tavern where you must “kiss the moose” for good luck, Traverse City knows how to do burgers!!! And no trip is complete without a slice (or three) of pie from the Grand Traverse Pie Company.

From the quaint downtown, to the scenic backroads and rolling dunes, to delicious food and drinks, this town has it all! Lakes, local and organic fare, and small town charm, Traverse City is Pure Michigan with a cherry on top!

Watch the full episode here! 

To learn more about Traverse City click here