Traverse Bay Farms Co-Owner Quoted by Realtor.com on Traverse City's Best Lake Town Honor

Traverse Bay Farms announced that co-founder Andy LaPointe was quoted in a Realtor.com article by Julie Gerstein titled "Idyllic Michigan Gem Is Named America's Best Lake Town for 2026," published on July 3, 2026. The article 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.

Published during Traverse City's historic 100th National Cherry Festival, Gerstein's story showcases the community's unique combination of freshwater recreation, vibrant downtown, award-winning wineries, beaches, marinas, and the agricultural traditions that have made Northern Michigan a nationally recognized travel destination.

As part of the feature, LaPointe shared his perspective as a longtime Northern Michigan business owner and resident.

"Boating isn't just a vacation activity here; it's part of the community," said Andy LaPointe, co-founder of Traverse Bay Farms. "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 LaPointe's observations about the region's cherry-growing heritage and everyday lifestyle.

"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."

"For more than two decades, we've welcomed visitors from all 50 states to our Northern Michigan stores," LaPointe said. "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."

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 remaining 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 who come to experience Northern Michigan's orchards, lakes, wineries, scenic drives, and locally made specialty foods.

The recognition highlighted in Realtor.com's article 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.