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"Cherry Crop Crisis, Coast Guard Restoration, and Pasties Galore: Your Weekly Newsletter Update!"
"Cherry Crop Crisis, Coast Guard Restoration, and Pasties Galore: Your Weekly Newsletter Update!"
"Cherry Crop Crisis, Coast Guard Restoration, and Pasties Galore: Your Weekly Newsletter Update!"
Exciting news from Grand Traverse: Cherry crop update, Coast Guard restoration project, and more! 🍒🚁 Don't miss out!
Cherry Buzz
Jun 18, 2026
Sponor Of The Week |
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Trivia Question❓What is the length of the Grand Traverse, an outdoor recreational trail that stretches across the mountains of New Zealand's Southern Alps? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Interesting Facts |
- Grand Traverse Bay is actually a drowned river mouth, formed by the rising waters of Lake Michigan thousands of years ago.
- The Grand Traverse area is known for its cherry production, with the National Cherry Festival held in nearby Traverse City every year.
- The Sleeping Bear Dunes, located near Grand Traverse Bay, were named the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by Good Morning America in 2011. |
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Grand Traverse County's cherished cherry orchards are enduring a tough season after severe spring frosts damaged both tart and sweet varieties. Tart cherry growers like Jim Nugent near Suttons Bay are seeing particularly light yields, tracing significant losses to a hard freeze in late April when temperatures plunged to 20 degrees, with winds amplifying the cold.
While sweet cherries have shown greater resilience, producers such as Jack King in Antrim County estimate a reduced tart crop despite promising spring blooms.
Experts like Nikki Rothwell highlight the highly variable damage, with some orchards reaping as little as 10% of their normal crop, while others fare better.
The statewide impact is severe, with Michigan’s tart cherry output forecast to drop well below the typical 170–200 million pounds.
Local grape growers, meanwhile, remain optimistic as later bud development shielded vineyards from the worst.
With tighter supply, cherry prices are expected to rise, offering a silver lining for growers with surviving crops. Read More... |
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A historic U.S. Coast Guard helicopter has arrived at the Legacy Aviation Learning Center in Traverse City for a multi-year restoration project. The goal is to provide students with hands-on educational opportunities and preserve the aircraft's life-saving history. The helicopter served in the Coast Guard and was instrumental in saving lives across the country. Program leaders highlight the importance of preserving history and training the next generation of aviation professionals in Northern Michigan. Students at the center appreciate the practical learning experience the helicopter offers, emphasizing the value of hands-on experiences in understanding aviation. Despite challenges, such as missing manuals and corrosion, students find the project to be a great learning experience. Applications for future students are now open. |
Delamar Traverse City invites locals and visitors to its lively Party on the Patio on Thursday, June 18, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., for an evening of lakeside fun on West Grand Traverse Bay.
Guests are greeted with a refreshing Hampton Water rosé spritz, customizable with fresh herbs and seasonal fruits.
Enjoy hands-on bouquet-making, delectable bites from a country table display, and passed canapés throughout the night.
Local favorite Levi Britton will perform live music, creating a spirited backdrop for lawn games like cornhole.
The Vilah Bloom Bag Bar pop-up lets attendees design personalized wristlets with treasured charms.
Located at 615 East Front Street, this event promises a blend of creativity, flavors, and community spirit.
June also brings vibrant festivals, including art fairs at the Civic Center and downtown, underscoring Traverse City’s thriving cultural scene. Read More... |
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Daytime:
Traverse City Boardman River Paddleboarding Adventure
Start your weekend off with a unique and adventurous daytime activity by paddleboarding on the Boardman River in Traverse City. This guided tour will take you through scenic landscapes and provide a fun and exciting way to explore the area’s natural beauty. Dining: The Little Fleet For a dining experience like no other, head to The Little Fleet in Traverse City. This outdoor food truck lot features a variety of local vendors offering delicious cuisine, from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with live music and a great selection of craft beverages. Nightlife: The Parlor After dinner, make your way to The Parlor in Traverse City for a night of cocktails and live music. This cozy speakeasy-style bar offers an extensive list of craft cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the intimate ambiance while listening to talented musicians perform. Rainy Day: Grand Traverse Mall If the weather doesn’t cooperate, spend your rainy day at the Grand Traverse Mall. This shopping center features a wide range of stores, including popular retailers and locally owned boutiques. Take advantage of the indoor environment to shop, grab a bite to eat at the food court, or catch a movie at the theater. |
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AI Prompt of the Week |
Family Schedule Organizer
Prompt: |
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Northern Michigan pasties are beloved hand pies packed with beef, potato, onion, and rutabaga, baked to golden perfection.
Although the tradition is rooted in the Upper Peninsula, pasties have become a quintessential Up North comfort food, especially cherished in Grand Traverse family gatherings.
Introduced by Cornish miners in the 1800s, these hearty pies are prized for their portability and satisfying flavors.
Families often prepare large batches ahead of time, ensuring every guest enjoys their own warm and personal serving.
The classic filling includes a savory mix of ground or diced beef, diced potatoes, rutabaga, onions, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic, then wrapped in tender pastry dough.
Best served family-style with brown gravy or ketchup, alongside classic Northern sides like pickles, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a true taste of Michigan tradition. Read More... |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Grand Traverse is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) long. |