This Lesser-known Fall Foliage Destination Is the ‘Cherry Capital of the World’ — How to Plan Your Visit

Traverse City, Michigan, has already made its mark as an exceptional summer destination, with sandy beaches, rolling vineyards, and lakefront views. Plus, it’s long been considered the “Cherry Capital of the World,” with roadside stands selling the summer harvest and blossoming cherry trees announcing the arrival of spring.

But come autumn, Traverse City tends to fall off travelers’ radar, which is a shame since summer is really only the start of the fun. 

When the weather starts to cool, the orchards, vineyards, and forest surrounding the city begin their colorful shift and the fall apple harvest begins. Bushels of apples replace cherries at local farm stands and the area’s U-Pick orchards prepare for apple pickers. (Plus, the arrival of apples means cider donuts, apple cider, and hard cider aren’t far behind.)

Here’s how to plan an idyllic fall visit to Traverse City, the land of cherries and apples:

What to Do (and Eat)

Taking a scenic drive from your home base in Traverse City will get you oriented and set the tone for the entire trip. The tourism board has put together five fall drives that all start and end in Traverse City and are known for their fall colors.

We recommend starting your journey driving along the Old Mission Peninsula, which juts into Grand Traverse Bay north of the city. Along the way, you’ll pass several orchards and wineries, which tend to be fully decked out in fall foliage by mid-October. 

You’ll spot several orchards, farms, and wineries if you decide to explore the region by car, but a few are not to be missed. At Rennie Orchards you’ll find 19 varieties of apples that you can pick yourself, while the neighboring Myrtle & Maudes expands the fall celebration to include a pumpkin patch, apple cider slushies, and special events like bonfires and football games displayed on an outdoor big screen. 

To the west of Traverse City sprawls the family-owned Jacob’s Farm, which is known for its elaborate corn maze, along with U-Pick orchards and an on-site restaurant. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for fall baked goods and fresh cider, head to Gallagher’s Farms, another family-owned farm that has a market and bakery.

What to Drink

Fall is cider season in Traverse City, so do as the locals do and embrace it. In addition to fresh-pressed apple cider at the area’s farms and orchards, you’ll find several cideries that turn local apples into delicious hard cider. 

Townline Ciderworks between Elk Rapids and Traverse City is a longtime favorite. They’ve been growing apples for 60 years and making hard ciders for a solid 20. Across the bay, you’ll find Souls Squeeze Cellars and Suttons Bay Ciders, the latter of which has lakefront views from its tasting room. 

If you’re not a cider fan, you’ll find a hearty handful of breweries scattered throughout downtown Traverse City and there’s the Traverse City Beer Week running from Nov. 8–16.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of quaint, boutique properties scattered throughout the Traverse City area. Favorites include the new Alexandra Inn, which has a rooftop terrace overlooking the bay and 32 luxury guest rooms — each with a view over the water. 

If you want to stay in the heart of Traverse City check out The Flats at Front + Union. The beautifully designed and decorated 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom flats provide ample space and an apartment-like feel that will have you dreaming of a move to Traverse City. 

For a more standard-style hotel room in downtown Traverse City, book a room at the Hotel Indigo.