Where to Find Fresh, Seasonal Blooms

When thinking about a Northern Michigan summer, what often comes to mind are fresh cherries and farm stands filled with zucchini, tomatoes, and greens. But there’s another joyful agricultural season throughout the summer and early fall: flower season! With no pressure to cook them up, flowers can be the perfect way to support local farmers during a Traverse City visit. Here are a few suggestions for a vacation in bloom: 

Farm Stands: Easy and Charming Floral Finds

Certainly, the easiest way to pick up a bouquet is to stop by a local farmstand. While there are many to choose from (visit our website to find one!), we recommend the charming schoolhouse store created by Lakeview Hill Farm. You’ll be sure to find plenty of locally made and grown things to choose from, and we love their selection of fresh-from-the-farm stems. As you head further into Leelanau County, visit Cedar’s Leelanau Specialty Cut Flowers’ enchanting Flower Shed. Brightly painted in floral blooms, the mural outside is simply a peek at what seasonal blooms may be inside.  Finish your floral search at the Lively Neighborhood Market on M-72 east of Empire, which is hosted by the local Lively Farm. On the Old Mission site, be sure to stop in at Local Yokels or Peninsula Petals for an array of fresh flowers.



Farmers Markets: A Blooming Bounty

Are you planning to stroll through one of the area’s iconic farmer’s markets? Flowers are found in abundance throughout each market in Northern Michigan! Bluebird Farm and Garden attend Traverse City’s Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market, the Interlochen Farmers Market, and Glen Arbor Farmers Market, and their flowers are a joyful addition to their fresh produce.

U-Pick: Create Your Own Bouquet

Dive a bit deeper into the local flower experience and plan for a U-pick activity during your stay! U-Pick flowers are a great way to bond as a family, offering little ones a chance to flex their creative muscle and get fresh air. Traveling with friends? Schedule a morning activity with your group to drive home with something bright and fragrant to remember the trip by.

On the Old Mission Peninsula, Lightwell Lavender offers a peaceful opportunity to stroll amongst the rows of highly-scented blooms, picking a fresh bouquet of lavender to make your car smell delightful. For another unique floral experience nearby, register for a Moondance Flower Farm Yoga and U-Pick event, which is also available as a family-oriented experience. On the Leelanau side, head to Omena Cut Flowers to craft your own bouquet of seasonal flowers, perfect as a gift or a touch of sunshine for your nightstand or table. 



Flower Memories: Scenic Photo Opportunities

Does your perfect vacation include plenty of scenic photo opportunities? Take one for the ‘gram at the Secret Garden at Brys Estate. This scenic garden consists of rows of 6,000 blooming lavender plants as well as other perennial flowers. To complete the experience, sip on an in-house lavender lemonade. If traveling in early August, or sunflower season, drive up U.S. Route 31 towards Elk Rapids for a welcome brigade of sunflower fields and join the photographers capturing the sunny season.

So what are you waiting for? Make your vacation bloom and support local farmers while doing so when visiting Northern Michigan this summer.