Traverse City Named America's Best Lake Town 2026
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Traverse City has been named America's Best Lake Town for 2026 — and Traverse Bay Farms co-founder Andy LaPointe was quoted in the coverage, sharing what makes life on Northern Michigan's freshwater coast unlike anywhere else in the country.
Andy was recently quoted in a Realtor.com article by Julie Gerstein titled "Idyllic Michigan Gem Is Named America's Best Lake Town for 2026."
The story explores why Traverse City earned Boatmart's recognition as America's Best Lake Town for 2026, highlighting the region's boating culture, scenic beauty, cherry-growing heritage, and exceptional quality of life.
The timing could not have been better. The article was published during Traverse City's historic 100th National Cherry Festival, and Gerstein's story showcases the community's rare combination of freshwater recreation, a vibrant downtown, award-winning wineries, beaches, marinas, and the agricultural traditions that have made Northern Michigan a nationally recognized travel destination.
A Boating Community, Not Just a Boating Vacation
As part of the feature, Andy shared his perspective as a longtime Northern Michigan business owner and resident — someone who has watched the rhythm of this region up close for more than three decades.
"Boating isn't just a vacation activity here; it's part of the community. Life simply moves at a different pace here. On a warm summer morning, it's a common sight to see sailboats and cabin cruisers leaving Clinch Park Marina to enjoy the day on the water."
Gerstein also highlighted Andy's observations about the region's cherry-growing heritage and its everyday, small-town lifestyle — the parts of Northern Michigan that visitors remember long after the trip ends.
"Most summer afternoons, visitors and locals alike are stopping at roadside stands or filling buckets at U-pick cherry orchards on Old Mission Peninsula. As evening approaches, the downtown sidewalks are filled with folks enjoying ice cream and visiting the local shops."
Why Visitors Come Back Year After Year
For Andy, the recognition is a reflection of something he sees every season inside the company's two Northern Michigan stores: people arrive for the lakes and the cherries, and they return for the way of life.
"For more than two decades, we've welcomed visitors from all 50 states to our Northern Michigan stores. Many people first discover Traverse City because of the lakes, the National Cherry Festival, or the cherry orchards. They return because of the welcoming communities, the incredible freshwater coastline, and the slower pace of life that makes Northern Michigan unlike anywhere else in the country."
— Andy LaPointe, co-founder of Traverse Bay Farms
Rooted in Northern Michigan Since 2001
Founded in 2001, Traverse Bay Farms has grown from a family-owned business into one of Northern Michigan's best-known brands of award-winning gourmet foods and superfruit products. The company has earned more than 38 national food awards while staying committed to using Michigan-grown ingredients whenever possible and celebrating the region's rich agricultural heritage.
With retail stores in Bellaire and Elk Rapids, Traverse Bay Farms welcomes visitors throughout the year — people who come to experience Northern Michigan's orchards, lakes, wineries, scenic drives, and locally made specialty foods. Customers who can't make the trip can shop the full line online, with shipping to all 50 states.
Realtor.com's recognition reinforces Traverse City's reputation as one of America's premier freshwater destinations, while celebrating the boating lifestyle, outdoor recreation, agriculture, and small businesses that continue to define Northern Michigan.
Compiled and written by Andy LaPointe, co-founder and Wellness, Marketing and Culinary Director of Traverse Bay Farms. Traverse Bay Farms national media appearances.
