Something magical happens each spring on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City—the cherry trees blossom. Alas, this doesn’t last forever, so we’ve come up with 6 ideas for a blossom tour in Traverse City to make the most of the blossoms while they are here.
1. Breakfast at Rounds
Start the day out right with a slice of Traverse City tradition. Rounds is a local’s hangout with a friendly staff and plenty of cozy diner charm. You can’t go wrong with some eggs, pancakes and their homemade corned beef hash!
2. Mission Point Lighthouse
After a filling breakfast, take a scenic drive out to the very end of the Old Mission Peninsula. On the drive you’ll see gorgeous houses, sparkling freshwater and of course plenty of the iconic white cherry blossoms. Once you’ve arrived at the Mission Point Lighthouse work off some breakfast by walking a trail or exploring the rocky beach. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours seeking out Northern Michigan nature.
3. Lunch
A short drive south will bring you to Peninsula Grill for a laid back and tasty lunch. Split a flatbread with crab, roasted corn, asiago cream and mixed greens on it. Since the day is all about celebrating cherries try the cherry chicken salad with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, dried cherries, candied pecans, red onions, blue cheese and then drizzled with a cherry vinaigrette. They also serve sandwiches, burgers and tasty appetizers.
4. Wine Tasting and Blossom Viewing
Once you’re sated, cruise down M-37 for prime cherry blossom viewing. If you are out on Saturday, May 16, consider purchasing tickets to Blossom Day to sample new releases from 8 wineries along with spring-inspired food pairings. If Blossom Day isn’t a possibility, then enjoy a leisurely personal wine tour. Chateau Chantal has a gorgeous view that promises plenty of photo opps.
5. Mission Table Dinner
After a day of sightseeing and adventuring, head to a farm to table oasis in the form of Mission Table. The menu is created seasonally from fresh, local ingredients and the scenery is appetizing too, with a picturesque view of West Grand Traverse Bay. Tempt your tastebuds with the spring menu which offers salads like one with salt roasted beets, lemon, basil, goat cheese and pickled radish or try the the lake trout, a pan seared local filet with with English peas, fingerlings and pickled ramp butter.
6. Ice Cream Break
After a great day on the peninsula head back into Traverse City and make one last stop near the base of the peninsula at Bardon’s Wonder Freeze. Dive into a turtle sundae or try a monkey tail (a banana dipped in chocolate and coated in nuts), it’s hard to go wrong with any yummy treat you have!