As you tour around both pleasant peninsulas for good food and farm experiences this summer, keep this checklist in your pocket.
Arcturos Dining Series | Seafood is for Summer at Black Star Farms
Head to the Inn at Black Star Farms on Friday, June 28 for an evening you’ll never forget. Dine al fresco and savor sumptuous seafood elevated by local, seasonal ingredients and paired perfectly with food-friendly wines. The evening begins at 6:30pm with a sparkling wine reception followed by dinner at large feasting tables. Guests will enjoy a breakdown of the evening’s menu inspiration by Estate Chef John Korycki and a winery representative will discuss the wine pairings and updates on new releases and vintages. View the menu and find more information about the event here.
Cheese Fest at Leelanau Cheese
Join fellow cheese lovers for a day of workshops, tastings, and fun on Saturday, June 8th. Here’s what participants can expect: a workshop where participants will master the art of hand-stretched mozzarella cheese, a curated tasting experience with The Cheese Lady, an hour of chocolate and cheese pairings with Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate, a Fromage Blanc cheese-making workshop, a class on how to plate your cheeses with Petoskey Cheese Co, and a local wine pairing session with experts from Leelanau Cheese Co and Black Star Farms Winery. Attend any or all events but make sure to reserve your spot by RSVPing here.
Annual Plant Sale at Lakeview Hill Farm & Market
From May 15 to June 15, select organic, locally-grown plants from Lakeview Hill Farm to fill your garden space with high-quality starts. Discover their array of 100+ organic varieties of vegetables, cut flowers, and native transplants. In addition to plants, they sell compost and essential garden tools! The Annual Plant Sale is held at the Farm Market during its regular hours of 9am-6pm all days, except Sunday. The convenient setup allows visitors to browse the plant sale while stocking up on organic produce. Check out the plant sale lineup here and visit their website for more information!
Artisan Sunday Brunch at the Delamar
Enjoy a leisurely midday meal at Artisan in Traverse City every Sunday from 10am-2pm. Their menu includes items for sweet and savory lovers alike. From fluffy pancakes with cherries jubilee compote and lemon ricotta to Faroe Islands salmon with summer squash and cous cous, there’s something for everyone. View the menu before your visit here.
Summer Camp at Forest & Farm
Get your kids in the dirt this summer! Children ages 4 and up in the Missaukee County area can attend up to seven weeks of educational fun in the 2-acre gardens and greenhouse at Forest & Farm. Campers will care for baby animals, conduct science experiments, learn about food systems, and complete take-home projects! From July 29 – August 1 the theme is Gardens Galore – every child will have the opportunity to learn about their favorite foods. Send an email to [email protected] to sign up and view the week-by-week schedule here.
The Flight Path at Delamar
Head to the edge of Grand Traverse Bay at the end of June from 1-4pm for an exclusive dining experience hosted by Delamar Traverse City while the National Cherry Festival Airshow takes place overhead. Get more information and purchase tickets here.
Oryana Co-op Explorers: Kids Summer Activities
This summer, families are invited to a variety of hands-on activities at Oryana West in Traverse City. Drop in on Fridays from 10am-noon from July 12 to August 30 for local food tastings, coloring, crafts, and more!
In addition to these special occasions, you can find live music, workshops, and tastings at many Michigan farmers markets. So, be sure to check out our directory to learn more about farmers markets near you!