[ TRAVERSE CITY ]
As the Cherry Capital of the World , Traverse City unfolds in a lovely expanse of rolling cherry and apple orchards along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan . This Northern Michigan paradise also supplies about 100 wineries , breweries , charming restaurants , boutiques , and galleries .
Although the National Cherry Festival in late June and July has the best cherry orchard views , fall offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city ’ s famous fruit . Head to the Cherry Republic on Front Street . The shop is the headquarters for all things cherry . Start at the tasting room , where you can sample a wide array of cherry wines and ciders , with even a small selection of cherry sodas for the kids . Browse through dried cherries , chocolate-covered cherries , cherry coffee , cherry BBQ sauce , cherry salsa , cherry shortbread , cherry green tea , and even cherry beef jerky .
Explore the autumnal beauty of the orchards while enjoying wine during the annual Harvest Days . The events supply perks like free flights and tastings and case and merchandise discounts at Traverse City wineries . Don ’ t miss the joys of apple picking at the area ’ s apple orchards through the end of October . Float through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail during the Paddle Atrium Festival . Paddle through seven or 42 miles for this three-day weekend festival in mid-September .
Sip your way through Traverse City during Beer Week . From November 8 - 16 , 2024 , a self-guided tour through breweries and restaurants will earn stamps in the Beer Week passport and allow you to win prizes .
The region surrounding Traverse City , particularly on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas , is known for its vineyards and wineries . The cool climate of northern Michigan is ideal for growing grapes , and the area ’ s wineries produce award-winning wines , especially Rieslings .
GETTING THERE : American Airlines offers seasonal summer service from Reagan National Airport ( DCA ) to Traverse City through Cherry Capital Airport ( TVC ). United Airlines offers seasional service from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) to TVC .
[ GRAND RAPIDS ]
As the second largest city in Michigan , Grand Rapids stretches along the banks of the Grand River with several singular museums , distilleries , and parks . Stroll through the 158 lush acres of the world ’ s most visited art museums , Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park . Marrying the natural attractions of horticultural landscapes with the creative allure of renowned sculptures , the museum provides indoor and outdoor gardens and galleries for a multi-dimensional experience . Hop onto the open-air tram for a tour through the outdoor gardens to kick off your visit . Stop by the Richard & Helen Devos Japanese Garden and view waterfalls , bonsai , Japanese flowering cherry trees , a Zen-style Garden , and a Japanese teahouse that provides traditional Japanese tea ceremonies .
As the city where the 38th President of the United States , Gerald R . Ford , was raised , Grand Rapids hosts the Gerald R . Ford Presidential Museum . The museum documents the dramatic story of Ford ’ s life and presidency with artifacts , photos , and videos .
Grand Rapids boasts over 80 breweries and earned the national title of Beer City USA . Follow the Beer City Ale Trail , tossing back brews from 40 craft breweries . At the end of September , head to Riverside Park for the free Oktoberfest activities , including German beer , music , and food .
Western Michigan ’ s dense forests make Grand Rapids a prime leafpeeping spot . 150 parks and tree-lined streets offer an explosion of fall colors . Every year , the Kent County Road Commission releases a fall color route of the best places in the area to view the season ’ s hues . Some highlights include the 200-tree arboretum of Ada Township Park , Blandford Nature Center , an extensive trail network with old-growth forest , and Grand Ravines Park , which showcases vistas of the Grand River with a pedestrian bridge and vibrant seasonal colors .
GETTING THERE : American Airlines offers nonstop service from Reagan National Airport ( DCA ) to Gerald R . Ford International Airport ( GRR ) in Grand Rapids .
Fall in Michigan
Credit : Pure Michigan
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 32 AUTUMN 2024