Traverse City is filled with wonderful restaurants, and the Grand Traverse Distillery produces the six best vodkas in the world. Traverse City is also home to the iconic National Cherry Festival. Now in its 84th year, it attracts million of visitors and has helped Traverse City earn its title as the cherry capital of the world. In the tip of Michigan’s thumb is Port Austin, with its happy and relaxed atmosphere, sandy beaches, picturesque piers, beautiful bed and breakfasts, and a wonderful downtown filled with shops all within walking distance. Stay at ‘The Little Yellow Cottages,’ whose location in the heart of town leaves visitors with only a short walk to the parks, pier, and shops. Dave Thuemmel is a dairy farmer turned woodturner.