Our Northern Michigan town has had quite a year of recognition! Following are some of the many accolades Traverse City received in 2010 and 2011:

Bon Appetit Magazine—America’s Top Five Foodie Towns

Bon Appetit’s article raves about cherries, wine, and local restaurants. Mentions of Trattoria Stella, Black Star Farms, and Mario Batali’s vacation home remind locals of the sophisticated side of Traverse City’s food industry.

USA Today—Ten Great Places for Local Wines

USA Today writes about the Riesling grapes that are particularly well established here. Both Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas boast fruit wines that are “fabulous,” and the recent addition of sparkling wines has made the industry skyrocket into infamy.

USA Today—Ten Great Places to Get the Scoop On Ice Cream

USA Today’s review of Moomer’s Ice Cream gives readers a taste of the farm. The ice cream shop, opened by the local Plummer family in 1998, won national recognition on Good Morning America in 2008. The Cherries Moobilee flavor pays tribute to our cherry capital fame, but the rotating flavors keep even the most frequent customers on their toes.

TripAdvisor.com—America’s Top 10 Wine Destinations (ranked #8)

Traverse City’s grapes are grown on the water, and Tripadvisor.com reminds us how unique our growing region is. Entitled “Shore-ly the Best,” the article excites with mentions of wine country’s rare but popular fruit and ice wines.

TripAdvisor.com—Top 10 Charming Small Towns (ranked #2)

Once again, Tripadvisor.com gives notoriety to Traverse City’s wine country, but this article ranks us at second. Visit Chateau Grand Traverse or Chateau Chantal for a taste of what the article expects its readers to enjoy.

AOL Travel News—America’s Best Beach Towns (ranked #8)

AOL Travel News is quick to give us the nickname “Malibu of Michigan” but boasts that our beaches do more than merit the term. Mentions of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore, South Manitou Island, our Victorian downtown, Old Mission, and Leelanau Peninsulas help readers get a well-rounded view of everything Traverse City has to offer.

AOL Travel News—Top 10 Coolest Towns in the States

Here, AOL Travel News gives mention of our historic Grand Traverse Commons, bike-ready TART trail, peninsula restaurants and wineries and, the ultimate, our Grand Traverse Bay. With highs of 80 degrees in July and August, Traverse City can hardly be beat as a beach town destination!

Livability.com—Top 10 Surprising Foodie Towns (ranked #1)

Livability.com names Traverse City its number one “Surprising Foodie Town” and doesn’t stop at that. The article’s mention of Trattoria Stella helps readers understand Traverse City’s food culture. Most of our restaurants use local ingredients to help create a sustainable food industry.

Midwest Living Magazine—Top 5 Food Towns (ranked #2)

According to Midwest Living, Traverse City is the second best “food town” in the region. From Front Street to Leelanau and from the Culinary Institute to Old Mission, our local eateries provide farm-fresh and sophisticated food. The quality and quantity of fresh ingredients provide friendly and honest food choices that keep everyone happy.

NationalGeographic.com—America’s Top Adventure Towns

National Geographic’s fun and friendly article gives its readers tips for play, eat, and sleep. We like to think these are the three things Traverse City does best! For playtime, check out Sleeping Bear Dunes, Broneah Kiteboarding, or Arcadia Bluffs. To eat, remember all things cherry—Cherry Republic on Front Street is at the top of the heap. For bedtime, visit Chateau Chantal for views of East and West Bay and Power Island.

The crowds have spoken! While you’re enjoying the films, don’t forget to check out the many eateries, ice cream joints, and wineries that Traverse City has to offer! Explore the ins and outs of Northern Michigan with downtown Traverse City as your anchor.