A 1-acre cherry orchard, planted here in the 1880s, has multiplied to such an extent that today the entire region produces more than 75 million pounds of cherries a year. Traverse (TRAV-ers) City is now one of the largest cherry-marketing cities in the country, as well as a year-round resort. The city's beaches are legendary, and the views of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay are breathtaking. There are six ski areas within 35 miles of town. More than 30 public and private golf courses are also found in the area.