SUMMERLAND

In my many years of travel, I’ve never given Michigan much thought.  I think I went to Mackinac Island once when I was a kid.  That was it.

So when my Brooklyn daughter surprised us by saying that she and her family were moving to Traverse City, Michigan, I was excited.  It sounded like an adventure that I might be able to participate in!

They moved over Memorial Day weekend, and we’ve been able to visit a couple of times since.

A few downtown scenes, with Lake Michigan one block away!

On seeing their charming old house, big fenced yard with huge trees and dark, quiet streets, I realized these weary New Yorkers had landed in paradise.

They had recreated their many weekends in Airbnbs in upstate New York with a permanent residence that gave them all the perks and none of the hassles.

Little Fleet, an outdoor eating experience owned by former Brooklynites.

One of the first things my daughter did was plant a butterfly garden.

So where have I been all these years?  Ask anyone about Traverse City and you hear nothing but accolades!  Great, friendly people; amazing food; hundreds of vineyards and distilleries; not to mention breath-taking natural beauty –and of course, cherries.  A perfect place to raise a family.

Farm Club, a beautiful brewery and restaurant, has a delightful country setting about 20  minutes from the house.  I’ve heard it, too, is owned by former Brooklynites.

No one talks much about the winters there.  I imagine all those wonderful folks embrace the season with great enthusiasm and a positive outlook.  And a sturdy SUV with 4-wheel drive…

And those cherries!

The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a big event!  This year it was held from July 2nd through 9th with an air show, parades, carnival rides, concerts and an actual National Cherry Queen to officiate.

There’s a lot of cherry pie offered, also cherry drinks, dried cherries and cherry graphics on every conceivable souvenir .  Even the Traverse City airport is named Cherry Capital Airport!

Life actually is like a bowl of cherries in this little city.  It is a hidden gem that lots of Midwesterners know about but may not have experienced.  Its a Never, Neverland – a Summerland – of delights that I can’t wait to get back to and explore in greater depth.

Lazy days mean verandas are well-used here.

Although the season is short, beautifully landscaped yards are really emphasized.

Neighbors even decorate and landscape their garages!

What I took away from my time there is an image of blue skies, beautiful views of Lake Michigan, majestic trees and…friendliness.

This little gal is now living her best life ever!

As the Official Taverse City song goes, “Sunrise paints these cherry colored clouds; wakes the earth; shines rays out on the ground; brings to life a town we love.  Take me there to Traverse City…I’m dreaming of paradise and mine is north!”