A birds-eye-view, looking at Michigan's Lower Peninsula, places Traverse City at the bottom of an imaginary little finger on Grand Traverse Bay. Located in the northwest, this coastal detail is lost in an overall view of the Michigan mitten. Lying at the southern tip of the bay, Traverse City is the largest city in northern Michigan, attracting many of its residents with a moderate climate. Grand Traverse Bay, a large, protected body of water, creates these mild weather conditions and extends the area's growing season. The county's farmers take full advantage of these exceptional opportunities, with special attention to fruit trees and vineyards. Traverse City is known as the cherry capitol of the world, celebrating the fruit all week long during the first week in July.
   This scene takes in a small section of Grand Traverse Bay from Traverse City State Park, a 47 acre urban park along the shoreline. Although the bay may be a big drawing card, it's the cherry tree blossoms that put on a popular springtime show, with most of its 2.6 million trees spread over the Leelanau County and Old Mission Peninsula

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