A Northern Michigan July: Fireworks, Wine, and a Journey North

Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World, and for good reason. Every summer, this picturesque city hosts the National Cherry Festival, which has been a beloved tradition since 1925. What started as a simple "Blessing of the Blossoms" ceremony to promote the cherry industry has blossomed (pun intended) into an eight-day extravaganza filled with parades, concerts, cherry pie eating contests, and more. The festival attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, all eager to celebrate the fruit that put Traverse City on the map.

This year, we were among those visitors, and we couldn’t have picked a better time to visit. The city was alive with the buzz of festival-goers, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of cherries.

Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is a gem on the Old Mission Peninsula, offering stunning views of the vineyards and East Grand Traverse Bay. We’ve been here several times before, but it never gets old. There’s something about the rolling vineyards and the tranquil bay that instantly puts us in a relaxed state of mind.

We spent a leisurely afternoon sampling some of Brys Estate’s finest wines, including their award-winning Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Franc. The highlight, however, was their famous Frosé – a frozen rosé wine that’s perfect for a warm summer day. It was the perfect start to our Traverse City getaway.

After our wine tasting adventure, we headed to one of our favorite dinner spots, Harrington’s By The Bay. This restaurant offers incredible views of West Grand Traverse Bay, and the food is just as impressive as the scenery. We dined on fresh seafood, with my wife opting for the whitefish (a Michigan specialty) while I indulged in the scallops. As we enjoyed our meal, we watched the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the bay. It was one of those moments where everything feels just right, and we couldn’t help but feel grateful to be in such a beautiful place.

A Perfect 4th of July

The next day was the 4th of July, and we had big plans: spending the entire day on the beach. Traverse City is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Michigan, with soft sand and crystal-clear water. We packed a cooler, grabbed our beach chairs, and set up camp on Clinch Park Beach, right in the heart of downtown.

The day was everything we hoped it would be – warm, sunny, and filled with the sound of laughter from families enjoying the holiday. We spent all day on the beach (from sun up to sun down), just relaxing, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

As evening approached, the excitement in the air grew. We already had our perfect spot on the beach to watch the fireworks, which are launched from a barge in the middle of the bay. As the sky darkened, the first bursts of color lit up the night, reflecting off the water in a dazzling display. It was a magical end to a perfect day, and we couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate the 4th of July.

Of course, not every moment of our trip was spent out and about. We also made sure to take full advantage of the condo we had rented. Located just a short walk from downtown, it was the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventures. We spent plenty of time simply relaxing, watching movies, and enjoying each other’s company. There’s something about being away from home that makes even the simplest moments feel special, and we cherished our downtime just as much as our time exploring.

After a few days in Traverse City, it was time to hit the road again. First we had to return home to pick up our daughter, and then we were headed even further north to Marquette, Michigan. Our daughter had a test she needed to take, and Marquette was the closest location for it – a solid 6.5-hour drive from home. But we didn’t mind the long drive; in fact, we were excited to explore a new part of Michigan.

Marquette is a city with a rich history, nestled on the shores of Lake Superior. It was founded in 1849 as a center for iron mining and quickly grew into one of the most important shipping ports on the Great Lakes. Today, it’s a vibrant college town with a thriving arts scene and plenty of natural beauty to enjoy.

While in Marquette, we made a stop at the Marquette Maritime Museum, eager to dive into the area’s rich nautical history. Unfortunately, the museum itself was closed during our visit, but that didn’t stop us from exploring the surrounding area. The exterior of the museum is fascinating in its own right, with displays of old anchors and maritime artifacts that give you a sense of the region’s deep connection to Lake Superior. There’s also a striking view of the nearby Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, which has stood as a sentinel over the bay since 1866.

After taking in the sights outside the museum, we wandered down to the shoreline. One of the coolest parts of the area is the massive boulders lining the edge of the lake. These giant rocks provide the perfect spot to sit and take in the beauty of Lake Superior, its waves gently crashing against the shore. We spent some time perched on those boulders, soaking in the peacefulness and appreciating the rugged beauty of the lake. Even though the museum was closed, the time spent in the surrounding area was serene and memorable, offering a quiet moment amidst our Northern Michigan adventures.

Later, we took the time to stroll along the cool piers that jut out into Lake Superior. There’s something so calming about walking out over the water, with the lake stretching endlessly before you and the fresh breeze blowing in from the shore. The piers offered fantastic views of the surrounding landscape, from the rugged coastline to the distant ships making their way across the lake. We watched the waves lap against the pier’s edges and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to pause, reflect, and take in the beauty of Lake Superior.

To celebrate our daughter passing her test and capping off our time in Marquette, we headed to Elizabeth’s Chop House for a special dinner. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was elegant and welcoming. The menu featured top-notch selections, and each dish we tried was exceptional. Perfectly cooked steak, fresh scallops that melted in your mouth. The service was impeccable, and the presentation was just as impressive as the flavors. It was the perfect way to end our trip, with a memorable meal in a truly fantastic restaurant.

After about a day and a half in Marquette, we packed up and started the long drive home.  The drive back was long, but we didn’t mind. We had spent 19 hours on the road in Northern Michigan, and every minute was worth it.

We returned home feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and grateful for the time we had spent together. Our July adventures in Northern Michigan were everything we hoped they would be and more. From spend the 4th of July in Traverse City to the rugged beauty of Marquette, we experienced some things that this incredible state has to offer. And while our trip may be over, the memories we made will stay with us forever – until our next adventure, that is.