Traverse Bay Farms co-owner Andy LaPointe was quoted by Realtor.com as Traverse City earned recognition as America's Best Lake Town, highlighting Northern Michigan's boating, cherry, and outdoor lifestyle.

Bellaire, MI (PRUnderground) July 6th, 2026

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.

About Traverse Bay Farms / Fruit Advantage

Traverse Bay Farms – America’s #1 award-winning superfruit brand – Inspired by Northern Michigan, recognized with 38+ national food awards for flavor and quality. Family-owned in Northern Michigan, we provide fruit-forward gourmet foods and wellness products using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible—USA cherries.

Our lineup features fruit salsas, fruit barbecue sauces, no-added-sugar dried cherries and blueberries, and our renowned tart cherry juice concentrate—bottled in glass and backed by the industry’s first and only sediment-free guarantee. We also publish educational resources to help customers enjoy healthy lifestyles, understand the science behind cherries and other superfruits.

About Fruit Advantage

Fruit Advantage®, our sister brand, offers fruit-based supplements formulated to support everyday wellness. Offerings include tart cherry, wild blueberry, and pomegranate capsules. Cherry Prime — Complete Muscle & Joint Complex uniquely combines tart cherries with glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint comfort and active recovery.*

• 38+ national food awards
• Glass-bottled cherry juice with a sediment-free guarantee
• As much Michigan-grown fruit as possible; USA-grown ingredients
• Two year-round retail stores in Bellaire and Elk Rapids, Michigan
• 24/7 live phone customer service: 1-877-746-7477

Learn more at TraverseBayFarms.com.

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Original Press Release.