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Grand Traverse County sits at the base of Grand Traverse Bay with Traverse City as its activity hub. Old Mission Peninsula juts about 18 miles out into the bay from Traverse City, dividing the bay into its east and west arms. A drive out the peninsula is rewarded with spectacular views of water, rolling hills, vineyards and cherry orchards. It has
been said that enough cherries are harvested on Old Mission Peninsula each year to provide a cherry pie for every family in America.
Traverse City is known as the “Cherry Capitol of the World.” A Presbyterian missionary from Europe, Peter Dougherty, planted the first cherry orchard on Old Mission Peninsula in 1852. Since then the cherry industry has grown until now Michigan produces more than 70% of the tart cherries grown in the United States. Most of Michigan’s sweet cherry
production takes place in the Traverse City area. The annual Cherry Festival in July has grown into an event which draws people to Traverse City from all over the world.
Traverse City is the “anchor city” for all of northern Michigan, especially the five county area consisting of Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Antrim. Kalkaska, and Benzie counties. World class medical facilities, shopping, dining, and recreation are all here. Business and the arts thrive in the Grand Traverse area. World renowned Interlochen Center for the
Arts, Dennos Museum, the Traverse City Symphony, and community theatre are among the attractions. Artisans continue to discover the natural beauty and tranquility of this special place. The Traverse City area is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts as well. Boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, golf, hunting, snowmobiling, downhill, and cross country
skiing are among the activities readily available to visitors and residents. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Northern Michigan, begin by visiting Traverse City, the “Jewel of the North.”
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