An Eerie Silence
I COULD MAKE THE DRIVE UP THE COAST of Leelanau Peninsula every day and not get tired of it. The oak trees were exploding with autumn colors, surrounding the Grand Traverse Bay with scenery that practically forces you to pull over to get a better look. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse sits at the tip of the peninsula, marking the spot where the bay meets Lake Michigan. There is a slight somberness in the air; a quiet during what is usually peak leaf-peeping season. I would sometimes find myself taking in some gorgeous view and, momentarily forgetting what year it is, wonder “is no one else seeing this?”. This area is a botanical bonanza, with tens of thousands of acres dedicated to the apple orchards, cherry trees, and vineyards—all of which grow easily here, and all of which rely on money from tourism.
Bowers Harbor Vineyards has adapted their popular tasting experience in a way that is both safe and exciting by placing their wine-barrel tables out amongst the rows of vines—far more than 6ft apart. You pick up your wine with no contact and walk out onto the hill to select an open table, each with a view of the sunny valley below. “I actually hope it stays like this”, one of the employees of the vineyard tells me, “it’s much more safe for all of us, and provides a sense of exploration for the guests, to go out and explore the fields where we grew the fruits that made their drink”. With the cold quickly setting in, the vineyard started serving warmed cherry wine—one of their most famous varieties.
The people of TC love their cherries, hosting a nearly century-old annual Cherry festival that pulls in half a million patrons, with most people flying into “Cherry Capital Airport”. You’ll find cherries in nearly everything here, on every chef’s menu from the obvious things like desserts and beers to the more intriguing cherry-bacon grilled cheese, and of course—wine. I’m not usually one for cherries—they often remind me of cough medicine—but on a cold day, the warm, fruity, tart wine was nothing short of divine. I’ll admit, Traverse City has won my trust, and I’ll try just about anything the chef’s here recommend.
