No matter what time of year, it’s always a good time to visit Traverse City, Michigan. Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World”, Traverse City is the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States and home to the National Cherry Festival. Perfect for weekend getaways with tons of recreational activities and dining options available. First, check out the views 400 feet above vibrant Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, named the Most Beautiful Place in America by Good Morning America. Next, head over to the Lake Michigan Overlook on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for unmatched views. Continue exploring the outdoor recreation activities, no matter the season. Long summer days allow time to explore the many hiking and biking trails, fishing, golfing, swimming and sailing on the lake. Winter doesn’t slow down, with fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, ice fishing and more. Being the Cherry Capital of the World has its perks, like fertile soils also allowing Traverse City to be home to more than 40 different wineries. Sharing a location on the 45th parallel with both Italy’s Piedmont region and Bordeaux, France, it’s no wonder Traverse City is one of the Travel Channel’s Top Ten Cities for Wine Snobs.

Legalizing medical-use marijuana back in 2008 and adult-use marijuana just ten years later, Michigan is a leader in the midwest when it comes to cannabis. Unfortunately, Traverse City’s restrictive recreational marijuana laws became subject to several lawsuits, mainly due to the city only allowing four medical dispensaries to gain recreational licenses. Now, the city is rethinking some of the laws and will eventually revise them. Just because recreational marijuana is now legal in Michigan, we wouldn’t recommend sparking up that blunt on a hike. Possession in public spaces, like parks, could mean a fine of up to $2000. Luckily, outside of that, the state of Michigan allows adult users to carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana with 15 grams being concentrates. At home, Michigan adults are allowed an additional 10 ounces of marijuana in a secure container and any marijuana grown from up to 12 plants.

Traverse City Resources:

• https://norml.org/laws/michigan-penalties-2/ 
• https://library.municode.com/mi/traverse_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTEIGHTBURETACO_TITTWOBURE_CH843ADUSMAPERE 
• www.traverseticker.com/news/city-revisits-recreational-marijuana-rules-as-lawsuits-pile-up