At the annual National Cherry Festival, July 5-12, in Traverse City, MI, visitors can munch on sweet cherries while exploring a marketplace full of cherry-themed goods, such as cherry jam and cherry-based health foods. They can also visit (by shuttle transport) a nearby horticultural research station, where they can learn about growing, harvesting and processing cherries. “It's one of those unique ways where people can experience the farm firsthand,” says Trevor Tkach, executive director of the festival.
Today, Michigan produces about 75% of the nation's tart cherries. Most of the orchards are on Old Mission Peninsula and the nearby Leelanau Peninsula, which are surrounded by deep glacial lakes and bays.
For information about the festival, visit www.cherryfestival.org.
Source: www.indystar.com
