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Vineyard Showdown, Taco Wars Heat Up, Sweet Pie Debates & School Reset Buzz in Grand Traverse!
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Vineyard Showdown, Taco Wars Heat Up, Sweet Pie Debates & School Reset Buzz in Grand Traverse!
New wines, taco wars, pie debate, school reset & Otsego news—don't miss this tasty lineup!
Cherry Buzz

Cherry Buzz

Jul 30, 2026

Sponsor of The Week

That'sa Pizza

Trivia Question❓

Which popular annual event in Charlevoix, Michigan is famous for featuring massive, intricately carved sculptures made entirely of mushrooms?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

💬 16 Comments

Grand Traverse vineyard events are captivating summer crowds, spotlighting the renewed Sugar Loaf property and its debut wines from French Valley Vineyard.

 

Locals and visitors alike are rallying around these special releases, which blend winemaking with community-driven purpose.

 

French Valley's new Sugar Loaf Red and Sugar Loaf White honor the iconic landmark and support its protection—every purchase helps restore and conserve the cherished 285-acre site, thanks to a partnership with the Leelanau Conservancy.

 

At a lively release party, guests tasted the new blends and learned about upcoming plans for expanded trails and native habitats.

 

This signals a fresh chapter for Sugar Loaf, left dormant for years until revived by widespread community support.

 

Across Grand Traverse, wineries are offering pop-ups, farm-to-table feasts, and unique local pairings, enhancing the region’s vibrant wine scene and drawing even more enthusiasts.

 

Each glass poured moves the community closer to uniting conservation and celebration.


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DO
dot_traverseReader
1 day ago

“Pop-up dinners around here are the best! If you get a chance, try the salmon paired with a local pinot.”

💬 18 Comments

Suttons Bay’s culinary scene is buzzing with the arrival of Cantina TwentyTwo, a vibrant new restaurant transforming the waterfront’s dining landscape.

 

Taking over the revamped space formerly home to North Country Kitchen and Bar, this spot marks a bold shift toward Mexican-inspired favorites powered by local ingredients.

 

Patrons rave about authentic tacos, shareable appetizers, and standout seafood, all served in a lively, patio-driven setting.

 

The beverage lineup impresses with handcrafted margaritas and a selection of tequilas, bourbons, and mezcals—perfect for summer evenings.

 

Locals and visitors flock for the happy hour deals and the vibrant atmosphere that bridges tradition and innovation.

 

Suttons Bay restaurants have become must-stops for food lovers, and Cantina TwentyTwo’s debut adds extra excitement to a village already alive with seasonal energy and evolving tastes.


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EL
Elle_94Reader
3 days ago

“Can’t wait to take my parents here when they visit. Good excuse to go wine tasting nearby too!”

Cherry Buzz Weekend Event Guide: July 31–August 2

 

Day Trip: Lakeside Shakespeare Festival — Frankfort

Take a scenic summer drive to Frankfort for the Lakeside Shakespeare Festival at Tank Hill. The festival runs through August 1, with 7 PM performances featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth in a Shakespeare-in-the-park setting. Suggested donation pricing is $30 for adults and $10 for kids.

Link: https://www.michigan.org/event/lakeside-shakespeare-festival

 

Afternoon: Traverse City Horse Shows — Williamsburg

 

Spend the afternoon at Traverse City Horse Shows at Flintfields Horse Park in Williamsburg. The venue is open Wednesday through Sunday during the season, with free admission on non-ticketed days and featured competitions on select days. It’s a polished outdoor option with horses, vendors, food, and a different kind of Northern Michigan summer atmosphere.

Link: https://traversecityhorseshows.com/events/

 

Evening Out: Michigan Trivia at Grand Traverse Resort

 

For Friday evening, head to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for Michigan Trivia Night at the Beach Club on Friday, July 31 from 6:30–8 PM. It’s a casual evening option for readers who want something social, easy, and close to Traverse City.

Link: https://www.grandtraverseresort.com/explore/event-calendar/

 

Evening Music Option: Turtle Creek Casino

 

For a later night out, Turtle Creek Casino has Live Music featuring 1 Wave DJs on Friday, July 31 from 8 PM–midnight at the Waterfall. Pigs Eatin’ Ribs Food Truck is also listed that evening from 4–9 PM.

Link: https://www.turtlecreekcasino.com/events/

 

Family Trip: Art, Horses, and a Casual Evening

 

For a family-friendly weekend plan, start with a local art stop in Traverse City, then head to Traverse City Horse Shows for an afternoon outing. If the weather holds, finish with an easy dinner or a casual evening event. Families looking for something quieter can keep the day flexible with indoor art, museum time, or a resort-based activity.

Rainy Day Alternative

With showers and thunderstorms possible Friday afternoon and Saturday, keep a rainy-day backup ready. A good indoor plan is Crooked Tree Arts Center for local art exhibits, the Dennos Museum Center for a museum stop, and Grand Traverse Resort’s evening trivia if conditions turn wet.

Crooked Tree Arts Center: https://www.crookedtree.org/
Dennos Museum Center: https://www.dennosmuseum.org/

 

Weekend Weather Note

 

Friday may bring afternoon showers and a thunderstorm, Saturday looks mostly cloudy and humid with more shower chances, and Sunday looks like the better outdoor day with partly sunny skies.

 

Cherry Buzz Blurb

 

This weekend around Grand Traverse offers a nice mix of lake-town theater, horse show excitement, local art, trivia, live music, and indoor backup options. Take a day trip to Frankfort for the Lakeside Shakespeare Festival, spend an afternoon at Traverse City Horse Shows, or keep it close with Michigan Trivia at Grand Traverse Resort and live music at Turtle Creek Casino. With rain chances Friday and Saturday, Cherry Buzz recommends keeping a flexible plan and saving Sunday for the best outdoor window.

Area Gas Prices

Need a quick fuel check before you head out?

 

Start here: Today's Grand Traverse Gas Prices Click Here

 

More county fuel-price links:

 

Fuel Prices in Antrim County, MI

Fuel Prices in Charlevoix County, MI

Fuel Prices in Leelanau County, MI

💬 2 Comments

Michigan State Police are stepping up recruitment in Otsego County, spotlighting new opportunities for locals interested in law enforcement careers.

 

This summer’s hiring events will place entry-level candidates in the center of community attention, as leaders emphasize the urgent demand for passionate new recruits.

 

Fitness and written exams, set at a familiar public school, will test both the physical and mental readiness of applicants.

 

Officials urge aspiring officers to arrive early, as the tightly scheduled process only guarantees consideration to those on time.

 

Candidates will also get face time with recruiters, gaining guidance on every step of the journey.

 

Growing neighborhoods like Gaylord, fueled by retail and downtown development, are driving a fresh wave of demand for skilled public safety professionals.

 

The evolving force hopes to attract candidates who mirror the community’s values and the region’s spirit.


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CB
Clint B.Reader
1 day ago

“good to see more hiring”

💬 5 Comments

Grand Traverse Pie Company continues to serve as the heart of Traverse City’s cherished pie tradition, enriching Michigan with comfort and flavor for over 30 years.

 

Locals and visitors return each season, drawn by the aroma of fresh-baked crusts and classic fillings crafted one pie at a time.

 

Even as new bakeries and pop-up shops experiment with inventive flavors and gluten-friendly options, timeless favorites—like cherry crumb and apple pie made with Michigan fruit—remain seasonal highlights.

 

Neighborhood events and pop-up tastings further showcase how dessert pies Grand Traverse are interwoven with the community’s identity.

 

Behind every flaky slice and family recipe is the story of founders Mike and Denise Busley, whose vision still brings neighbors together and ensures the sweet rituals of pie-making will continue uniting generations across Traverse City.


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RI
rick_smithReader
1 day ago

“Love seeing the little pop-up shops. Always excited to try a new flavor!”

Quote Of The Day

"Some journeys wind through beauty so vivid, they remind us our footsteps are brushstrokes on earth’s own masterpiece."

Back-to-School Reset Prompt

AI Prompt of the Week: Back-to-School Reset

 

Back-to-school season can sneak up fast. This week’s AI prompt helps families get organized with routines, supplies, lunches, schedules, and calmer mornings.

 

Copy and paste this prompt into ChatGPT or any other AI platform:

 

Act as a calm back-to-school helper for a busy family. Help me create a simple back-to-school plan that includes:

  • A school morning routine
  • An after-school routine
  • A bedtime routine
  • A basic school supply checklist
  • Easy lunch and snack ideas
  • A weekly family calendar plan
  • Tips to reduce stress during the first week of school

Make the plan realistic, simple, and easy to follow. Keep it family-friendly and avoid making it feel overwhelming. Ask me any questions you need to customize it for my family.

 

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Let us know if this helps you out.

Save a Pet: Meet Shirley

This week’s Cherry Buzz Save a Pet spotlight is Shirley, a sweet 1-year-old female dog waiting for her forever home at Cherryland Humane Society in Traverse City.

 

Shirley is listed as a medium mixed-breed dog with a blond coat and a gentle, loyal personality. She may be a little shy when meeting new people, but once she warms up, she is loving, playful, and ready to be someone’s loyal sidekick.

 

She enjoys running, sniffing, playing fetch, and rolling around on her walks. Shirley would do best in a home with no cats and kids ages 12 and up. She may have potential with the right dog.

 

Shirley came in with her sister, Laverne, and the two share a special bond. They can be adopted together or separately, but Shirley would love a home where she can feel safe, loved, and close to her people.

 

Pet: Shirley
Animal ID: 60679963
Type: Dog
Breed: Medium Mixed Breed / Mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: Female
Size: Medium
Color: Blond


Location: Cherryland Humane Society


Area: Dog Adoption Floor

Adoption Link:
https://ws.petango.com/webservices/adoptablesearch/wsAdoptableAnimalDetails2.aspx?id=60679963&css=&authkey=mm2bgiwlt8jwex5i3tw2x6cqqb6k6wqbh4x6drus5kugrv8brk&PopUp=true

 

Cherryland Humane Society:
https://www.cherrylandhumane.org/

 

Adoption availability can change quickly, so please check Shirley’s listing or contact Cherryland Humane Society before making plans to visit.

 

Help Shirley find her forever home — share this spotlight and help a local pet get seen.

As we wrap up this week’s edition, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for spending time with us. Your support and curiosity inspire our work every single week.

We appreciate having you as part of our community and hope you found value in this edition. If there’s anything you’d like to see in future issues, we’re always eager to hear from you.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. Take care, and see you in your inbox next week!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Mushroom House Tours
Cherry Buzz

© 2026 Cherry Buzz.

Cherry Buzz is Grand Traverse’s local guide to events, food, businesses, shoreline adventures, and community stories throughout Traverse City, Grand Traverse Bay.

© 2026 Cherry Buzz.