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As I sit here at my kid’s tennis camp, I’m reminded just how many camps and activities we have in and around TC. When I moved here I wish there was a guide to all these amazing camps and activities. Which brings me to my next idea and question.

If you have any camps or programs for the kids that you know of, please send us an email at [email protected] and we will add it into our guide we’re building.

Also, thank you for all that have emailed in about the style of our newsletter. With the verdict of preferring the way we have always laid out our newsletter; we will be going back to the earlier format. Again, thank you for sharing your opinion.

The 2026 cherry crop took a hit. Here's what you should know.

A late frost event in April decimated the tart cherry crop across the region, with losses estimated at 70% to 80%. Sweet cherries were mostly spared, but tarts, the crop that makes Northern Michigan the Cherry Capital of the country, got hammered.

Some growers statewide had an "economic zero" this year. Others, like Paul Hubbell, a third-generation cherry farmer in Whitewater Township, fared better but are still facing a smaller-than-normal harvest. Processors are matching last year's higher prices for whatever's available, which helps, but it doesn't replace a lost crop.

Here’s how you can help: the cherry farmers who make this region what it is need your support right now. Go U-Pick at Santucci Farm, King Orchards in Central Lake, Hallstedt Homestead Cherries, Edmondson Orchards, Rennie Orchards or Third Coast Fruit Co. on Wilson Road. Buy local at the farmers market. Every pound of cherries you buy from a local grower this month matters more than you think.

Two development proposals are on the table for the West End.

Two bids have come in for the six city-owned parcels on State and Pine streets, land the city spent $7.6 million assembling. Both proposals include workforce housing, public parking, restrooms, and a police substation. Commissioners review them August 10. Housing North puts the median rent at $1,695/month with a shortage of more than 2,600 units.

Cherry harvest is underway. Northwest Michigan growers are just getting started while west Michigan is wrapping up. Sweet cherries look good this year. Tarts are scarce due to the April frost. If you see tart cherries at the market or a farm stand, grab them. I was lucky enough to grab some at the Sara Hardy Farmers Market and they were gone within an hour. Don’t judge me.

Blueberry season is peaking. U-Pick farms across the region are loaded right now. Bring a bucket, bring the kids. Freeze what you don't eat. I highly recommend Buchan’s Blueberry Farm. Leave with buckets full of blueberries, some lemon poppy seed ice cream & a few hours of sun on your face.

New "True Tart" label launching. The industry is rolling out a trademark to help consumers identify domestically grown Montmorency tart cherries as imports from Turkey and Poland increase. Look for it at stores and markets.

At the market this week: Sweet cherries, blueberries, summer squash, cucumbers, fresh herbs, cut flowers, baked goods. Sara Hardy Farmers Market, Saturday 7:30am–12pm, Lot B.

Colibri Wine Bar is open. The hummingbird finally landed. Chef Guillaume Hazaël-Massieux and partner Bastien Le Guen opened on Eighth Street inside the Commongrounds building. Full bar, extensive wine list, small plates, oyster bar at the front counter. Mon–Sat 2–10pm.

Dojo Sushi is moving to Bonobo Winery. Sushi at a winery on Old Mission Peninsula.

Traverse Wine Institute is running monthly blind tasting socials at Lake District Wine Company. First Wednesday of every month, $25 drop-in. Masterclasses, winery trips, and certification courses for every level. Whether you just want to learn why you like what you like or you're chasing a sommelier credential, start here. traversewineinstitute.org

Bohemian Cellars, a new Leelanau vineyard, was previewed during Forest to Fork in May. Opening later this year. Another new name on the peninsula.

Achrimère Wines on Old Mission might be the smallest winery on the peninsula. One woman, Aimee Desautels, grows the grapes, makes the wine, runs the tasting room. Seek this one out.

🏃 Port Oneida Run | Saturday, August 1 | Maple City

Choose between the Farmers Flat and Fast 5K, Homesteaders Hardcore 5K, Tiller's 10K, Half Marathon, or the Kids Schoolhouse Dash. Every course winds through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore's Port Oneida Rural Historic District, 3 miles north of Glen Arbor. The 10K includes trail running, gravel back roads, and a stretch on firm sandy beach along Lake Michigan. Finish the race, walk down to the water, and swim. This is one of the prettier races in Northern Michigan. Also, I have a 5K entry taht I can no longer run this weekend due to an ankle injury. If you’re looking to try it out, maybe we can switch my entry to you! Email me for details. Register at phsb.org/port-oneida-run-2/

🚴 Trail news: TART is expanding. Construction is underway on the TART Bayfront Improvement & Extension, building new trail from the Senior Center to Peninsula Drive with wider paths and separated pedestrian/cycling lanes. The Nakwema Trailway (TC to Charlevoix) is growing too, with the Maple Bay to Elk Rapids segment next. When it's done, you'll bike from downtown TC to Charlevoix on a continuous trail.

🏞️ Sleeping Bear update: Both Manitou Islands are closed for the entire 2026 season (dock repairs). The evening Shoreline Cruise from Leland still runs. Everything else in the park is in peak condition. Empire Bluff Trail, Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking, and the Heritage Trail are all open. Go early on weekends.

🏞️ Crystal River restoration. A multi-million dollar project is actively replacing old culverts with timber bridges near Glen Arbor to restore natural water flow, improve paddling, and reconnect wildlife habitat. If you float the Crystal this summer, you're floating a river that's being reborn. We’ll see you out there!

🐟 FishPass on the Boardman. The Union Street Dam was removed in 2025 and a technologically innovative fish sorting system is being built in its place. Expected completion 2027. This is the capstone of a 20-year, $25 million dam removal project that reconnected 160 miles of river.

🎣 Fishing: Charter season on Grand Traverse Bay is in full swing. Late July is prime for lake trout, whitefish, and bass out of Clinch Park Marina and Elmwood Marina. The Platte River near Empire is the fly-fishing move. (If you’re looking for some gear or information on fly fishing, I highly recommend The Northern Angler in downtown Traverse City.)

🛶 Float the Boardman. Paddle TC and The River Outfitters are running daily rentals. Note: Beitner Bridge area access may be limited due to bridge replacement construction.

VASA Singletrack: Fast, dry, shaded. Full summer canopy. Best riding of the year.

🏁 On Deck:

State Street is officially two-way. Commissioners voted 4-3 to make the two-way traffic pattern on State, Pine, and Boardman permanent. Physical improvements (signals, lane markings) will roll out over the next 12-18 months.

Consumers Energy vs. Old Mission homeowners. A years-long dispute is escalating. The MPSC has granted a formal public hearing. More to come.

Garfield Township eyes data center moratorium. Up to 18 months to update zoning before allowing data centers. Where and whether data centers belong in Northern Michigan isn't going away.

DDA prepping the riverwalk upgrade. Board members directed staff to prepare an RFP to redevelop the Lower Boardman/Ottaway riverwalk. Phase One includes the J-Smith Walkway, a new pedestrian bridge, and connection to the planned Farmers Market Pavilion.

GTACS Superintendent Michael Buell retired after 27 years.

Umbo now has its liquor license. Dinner service is launching. Wine, beer, and batch cocktails are now being served. Updated hours: Mon, Thu–Sun 11am–3pm for lunch. Dinner coming any day. This changes everything. 430 E Front St. 231-944-2797.

Colibri Wine Bar is open on Eighth Street. Escargot, frites, charcuterie, oyster bar, French-focused wines. Mon–Sat 2–10pm. Commongrounds building.

Thirsty Fish + Taqueria T.C. Latino. Thirsty Fish Sports Grille on East State Street launched a kitchen partnership with Taqueria T.C. Latino. American and Mexican cuisine under one roof.

Chez Amie opened. Former Patisserie Amie owner Eric Fritch is back in TC's brick-and-mortar scene in the former Hexenbelle space in Warehouse MRKT.

The Dandy is serving brunch daily at 115 E Front St (former Greenhouse Café space). 7am–3pm. I’ve been here, I can vouch for this place being exceptional. Great food, amazing service & great atmosphere.

Three Pigs Korean BBQ in the Warehouse District. Karaoke rooms. Photo booth. Food from a guy who spent a decade cooking in Korea. Still the new spot worth trying.

🍒 King Orchards in Central Lake. Forty-five minutes from TC, worth every mile. Their U-Pick sweet cherries are some of the best in the state. Call ahead: 231-588-6524. Bring cash. Bring extra buckets.

Brim Beverages; The 2024 Gamay Noir

Tasting Notes:

Dark cherries and blackberries, Leather and crushed pepper, Crunchy and lively

Only 34 cases were produced. I highly recommend you don’t sleep on this one. You can order it directly from their website or find it locally at Sara Hardy’s Farmers Market, The Blue Goat, or Lake District Wine Store.

"After Years of Struggles, Michigan Cherry Industry Pushes for a Better Future" | Bridge Michigan

A deep dive into the cherry industry's challenges: declining production, rising costs, increased imports, and the growers fighting to keep Northern Michigan's most iconic crop alive. Profiles third, fourth, and fifth-generation farmers who refuse to quit. Read this before your next trip to the farmers market. Read it →

Best U-Pick farm in the TC area? Cherries, blueberries, whatever. Reply and tell us where you go. Best answer gets featured next week.

Aug 1: Port Oneida Run. Sleeping Bear Dunes. Register now. Aug 1: Lakeside Shakespeare final performance. Frankfort. Aug 7: Friday Night Live returns downtown. Aug 8: Harborun 5K/10K, Elk Rapids. Aug 9: All Call Music Festival at The Little Fleet. Aug 10: City Commission reviews West End development proposals. Aug 11: Happy Together Tour at Interlochen.

☀️ Perfect temps coming through this week: