The Grand Traverse County Clerk’s Office now offers LiveScan fingerprinting at the Governmental Center on Boardman Avenue.

 

This new service responds to local demand for electronic fingerprinting needed for jobs, licensing, volunteering, adoption, and other background checks required by the state.

 

LiveScan gathers fingerprints digitally and sends them directly to state agencies for swift processing.

 

The Clerk’s Office expects to serve educators, healthcare and childcare workers, nonprofit volunteers, and residents needing state-mandated checks.

 

County Clerk Samuel Gedman highlighted the benefit of offering this locally, ensuring residents avoid long travel or confusion with multiple agencies.

 

The goal is to make essential government services more accessible and efficient for the community.

 

The National Cherry Festival Air Show will light up Grand Traverse Bay on July 4 and 5, 2026, running from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM both days.

 

Spectators can expect aerial excitement, including dynamic search and rescue demonstrations by the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City.

 

The popular Flight Deck at Open Space Park offers exclusive bayside seating, with tickets priced between $25 and $51, and early gates at noon.

 

Beyond the show, visitors can browse the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market on July 4 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, filled with fresh produce and local goods.

 

New eats await at The Dandy on Front Street, making the festival weekend even tastier.

 

With over 200 employees recently returning downtown, local businesses are gearing up for a bustling event, promising a lively festival spirit for everyone.

The Detroit Red Wings are making a major change by moving their longstanding preseason training camp from Traverse City to Grand Rapids, ending a tradition that began in 1997.

 

General Manager Steve Yzerman explained the move was prompted by this year’s compressed preseason schedule and the need for greater efficiency.

 

Training camp will now run from September 18-20 at Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City, but the annual Red & White Game shifts to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on September 21.

 

Key rookie activities and the NHL rookie tournament, featuring the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, and Pittsburgh Penguins, will take place at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, September 12-15.

 

Yzerman noted this streamlined approach allows the team to focus on players with strong NHL potential while keeping future Traverse City returns a possibility.

 

Fans can buy camp tickets for $20-$30 starting August 13.

 

The Red Wings remain committed to maximizing their preseason readiness for a competitive NHL season.

Traverse City's hospitality scene is evolving, highlighted by the upcoming Hotel Avec, part of the Hilton Tapestry Collection.

 

Breaking ground next month on West Front Street, this $60 million downtown project aims for a summer 2028 debut, bringing 114 upscale rooms, a French bistro café, a full-service restaurant, a rooftop speakeasy bar, and 3,000 square feet of event space—all overlooking Grand Traverse Bay.

 

Travelers seeking boutique experiences now can look to the Alexandra Inn, a family-owned gem on East Grand Traverse Bay with private beach access, lakeview balconies, and the exclusive Blush Rooftop Terrace, the city’s only waterfront rooftop bar.

 

Nearby Elk Rapids also shines with the Dexter Hotel, opened in 2026, featuring 29 thoughtfully designed rooms and the Noble Lounge, focused on local flavors.

 

This surge in distinctive boutique hotels reflects Northern Michigan’s growing appeal for unique, personalized stays.

Grand Traverse and Up North Farmers Markets 2026

 

Summer in northern Michigan brings a vibrant array of farmers markets across Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Charlevoix, East Bay, Elk Rapids, Boyne City, Torch Lake, and more.

 

Local shoppers will find fresh cherries, fruits, flowers, handmade crafts, baked goods, honey, farm-raised meats, eggs, maple syrup, and regional specialties from both growers and local makers.

 

Most communities host weekly markets through October, with Traverse City offering both outdoor and winter options for year-round access.

 

Saturdays are the region’s market highlight, with major venues in Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Empire, Boyne City, Northport, and Alden.

 

Thursdays and Fridays also bustle with activity, especially in Leland, Charlevoix, East Bay, Elk Rapids, Northport, and Bellaire.

 

Enjoy discovering a taste of Pure Michigan at these welcoming, community-driven spots.

Grand Traverse Distillery has made significant strides in Leelanau County by launching tasting rooms in both Suttons Bay and Leland.

 

The Suttons Bay location, found at 321 North St. Joseph Street, invites guests to enjoy spirit tastings and bottle sales, with plans for signature cocktails debuting this fall.

 

Leland’s tasting room at 110 North Lake Street offers a spacious and lively setting, encouraging patrons to explore a full range of the distillery’s craft spirits.

 

A standout feature is the single-barrel program, connecting each venue with a local nonprofit.

 

Leland supports the Fishtown Preservation Society with a special 8+ year Ole George Rye, while Suttons Bay’s collaboration with the Inland Seas Education Association features a unique blue and white corn bourbon.

 

Portions of proceeds benefit these organizations, underscoring the distillery’s local commitment.

A fresh twist on Traverse City’s dining landscape is coming as Bonobo Winery and Dojo Sushi team up to launch a sushi bar and tasting room at 115 Franklin Street downtown.

 

This unique spot will blend Bonobo’s acclaimed wines with the remarkable flavors of Dojo Sushi, all in an intimate setting designed for 25-30 guests plus a relaxed outdoor area with stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay.

 

Visitors can expect a curated list of Bonobo red, white, and sparkling wines, inventive cocktails, and a sushi bar where diners can watch skilled chefs at work.

 

Takeout will be available, making it easy to enjoy premium sushi and wine at home.

 

This marks a major step for Bonobo Winery, expanding from its Old Mission Peninsula roots into the heart of the city, with a mid-July opening targeted.

 

Local food lovers can look forward to a fresh, vibrant addition just in time for summer.

Grand Traverse County is weighing a new 10-year trails millage that would bolster non-motorized transportation options for area residents.

 

County commissioners will soon decide whether to place a 0.3-mill levy on the November ballot; if passed, it would generate about $2.6 million each year for local trail improvements.

 

Homeowners with a $100,000 property would pay roughly $15 annually.

 

Funds would support trail construction, planning, maintenance, property acquisition, and program management.

 

Supporters like TART Trails CEO Julie Clark say the push reflects a decades-long conversation now gaining momentum as the region prioritizes safer non-motorized routes.

 

Potential projects include the Three Mile Trail extension and the Interlochen Community Art Trail, with future plans for a separated trail along Five Mile Road.

 

This investment aims to improve connectivity, health, and quality of life as the community grows.

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.

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.

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.

The International Fireworks Championship will light up Grand Traverse County this September, welcoming six world-class teams for a dazzling two-night showdown at Turtle Creek Stadium.

 

This eagerly anticipated event takes place September 11 and 12, drawing contestants from Poland, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Romania, and the United States.

 

Each night, three teams will combine breathtaking fireworks with music, creating one unforgettable spectacle after another.

 

Organizers expect a major boost for local businesses, as crowds of visitors and locals flock to enjoy the festivities and hospitality.

 

Tickets begin at $45 and include options from stadium seating to premium suites and exclusive tables.

 

With excitement building, early ticket purchase is advised to secure the best views.

 

Experience a night where creativity and international artistry meet high above Traverse City.

Cherry season in Northern Michigan transforms Traverse City and the Grand Traverse Bay area into a summer paradise.

 

Locals look forward to the flavors and traditions that cherries bring every year, making them far more than just a simple fruit.

 

Traverse City Fresh Cherry Crisp is a beloved dessert made with fresh pitted cherries, almond extract, a hint of lemon, and a golden brown sugar topping.

 

This crisp is a staple after beach days, family gatherings, or scenic drives through cherry orchards, especially when served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

 

Cap't Cherry’s tip: For an authentic Northern Michigan treat, use local sweet or tart cherries, and adjust the sugar if using tart varieties.

 

Easy to make and bursting with regional flavor, this cherry crisp is the ultimate sweet slice of Up North charm to share with family and friends.

Plan a vibrant weekend getaway in Grand Traverse with a creative blend of arts, food, and music from June 12–14.

 

Begin your adventure at the Music House Museum in Williamsburg, where the lively GROJ Sale offers both nostalgia and local charm.

 

Savor a relaxing, waterside dinner at Apache Trout Grill in Traverse City, a favorite dining spot with picturesque views and a cozy Northern Michigan atmosphere.

 

As evening unfolds, head to Interlochen’s Dendrinos Chapel for the Akropolis Festival Finale Concert, the highlight of the weekend’s arts scene.

 

If the weather turns, immerse yourself in art and culture indoors at the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City—a rewarding rainy day escape.

 

This well-rounded itinerary invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy memorable culture, scenic flavors, and summer vibrancy across the region.

Traverse City Food & Wine Festival returns for its second year from August 19 to 23, 2026, promising an exciting showcase of Northern Michigan’s culinary talent.

 

The festivities kick off with a prestigious James Beard Foundation Dinner, spotlighting award-winning Michigan chefs at an elegant outdoor gathering.

 

Food lovers can attend the Writers Series on August 20-21, featuring talks with celebrated critic Ruth Reichl and Great American Baking Show champion Martin Sorge.

 

Saturday’s Grand Tasting is the centerpiece event, with live chef demos, regional bites, and samples of over 100 local beverages—highlighting the flavors of Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.

 

Other offerings include a whiskey boat cruise, special film screenings, and vineyard cookouts.

 

Tickets are selling fast, and early lodging reservations are strongly urged to make the most of this vibrant Traverse City celebration.

Traverse City stands out as a Midwest fishing haven, celebrated for both its natural beauty and vibrant angling options.

 

With Grand Traverse Bay opening to Lake Michigan, the Boardman River winding through downtown, and nearby inland lakes, the region offers year-round excitement for those after salmon, trout, bass, or panfish.

 

Recent upgrades are making waves locally.

 

May 2024 marked the start of the FishPass project, modernizing the Union Street Dam to help native species thrive while stopping invasive fish from advancing.

 

At the same time, about 100,000 Chinook salmon smolts were released into the Boardman River, boosting future runs.

 

Visitors can book local charters for deep-water action, cast from shorelines, or paddle a kayak into tranquil waters.

 

Always check for licensing and local fishing rules to make the most of Traverse City’s thriving fisheries.

Michigan’s summer pulses with free outdoor concerts that bring every corner of the state alive with music and community spirit.

 

From Detroit’s Wild Summer Nights at the zoo—where visitors enjoy music and animal habitats after hours—to Lowell’s Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts along the Flat River, residents can discover diverse, family-friendly lineups under open skies.

 

Ludington’s Waterfront Park lights up with 12 weeks of performances, while Brighton’s Live at Millpond Park showcases energetic acts against a scenic backdrop.

 

In West Bloomfield, families flock to the Kids Komotion Concert Series for music, bounce houses, and more.

 

Patriotic tunes and special performances anchor Grosse Pointe Farms’ SummerFest, celebrating America’s upcoming 250th Anniversary.

 

Whether basking in sunsets or dancing with neighbors, Michigan’s concerts deliver unforgettable summer rhythms for everyone to enjoy.

Wheels on Rails in Grawn is elevating Traverse City’s outdoor adventures with upgrades debuting for the 2026 season.

 

The popular attraction, founded by Macie Keffer, invites visitors to pedal unique rail bikes across scenic, disused tracks winding through southern Traverse City’s forests.

 

New for 2026, pedal-assist motors make the journey even more accessible, catering to riders of all abilities and encouraging more locals and visitors to join.

 

This family-friendly, non-alcoholic activity stands out in a region known for wineries, offering a memorable way to explore and connect with loved ones.

 

Keffer credits the community’s warm support with the venture’s success and is grateful to play a part in Traverse City’s vibrant charm.

 

Reservations for the upcoming season are now open, and high demand is expected.

 

Wheels on Rails welcomes all to discover the beauty and thrill of rail biking in northern Michigan.

The Grand Traverse region, known as the Cherry Capital of the World, is facing a major dried cherry shortage after a dramatic drop in tart cherry production.

 

Output fell from 101 million pounds in 2024 to just 34 million pounds in 2025, leaving local businesses like Traverse Bay Farms working hard to maintain supply.

 

By prioritizing Michigan-grown Montmorency cherries, they hope to shield customers from severe shortages and unpredictable prices.

 

Still, the challenge of meeting steady demand remains.

 

The Cherry Industry Administrative Board recently launched the “True Tart” campaign so shoppers can identify products made with U.S.-grown Montmorency tart cherries, aiming to boost confidence and support local growers.

 

Despite these efforts, limited supplies and rising costs are expected, as stakeholders await better harvests and the impact of new strategies.

Delamar Residences is poised to bring a new level of luxury waterfront living to Grand Traverse, breaking ground in September 2026 near Sunset Park.

 

This limited collection of 14 private homes promises exclusivity, with prices starting at $2.4 million.

 

Created by local architect Ray Kendra, the homes will feature two- and three-bedroom layouts, ranging from 1,660 to 2,080 square feet, each designed to maximize comfort and privacy.

 

Each residence includes private outdoor areas, stunning rooftop spaces, and sweeping bay views.

 

Owners have access to a new public full-service spa and upscale hotel amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools and top-tier concierge services.

 

Branded residences like Delamar’s are growing in demand, blending resort-style perks with the sanctuary of a private home.

 

Presales launch June 1, with completion expected by fall 2027.

 

Delamar Residences offers Traverse City’s most distinctive address for those seeking refined living.