Sharing By The Shore: An Inspiring Food Blogger Retreat in Traverse City, Michigan
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when like-minded individuals, united by a passion for food and digital creation, gather in one stunning location. You know you’ve attended a truly successful blogger retreat when you return home not just rested, but thoroughly refreshed, creatively inspired, and brimming with new ideas. Spending a few precious days with friends you usually only get to see maybe once a year, or finally meeting those online connections in person for the very first time, is an invaluable experience. Add to that equation an abundance of delicious food, exquisite local wines, engaging conversation, and a breathtakingly beautiful setting, and you’ve concocted the recipe for a truly perfect and unforgettable weekend getaway.
(That poignant moment when I felt a delightful sense of “cheating” on the mighty Atlantic Ocean with the serene beauty of Lake Michigan’s shores.)
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to connect with some amazing food blogger friends in the charming city of Traverse City, Michigan. This enriching weekend was meticulously organized and brought to life by Rachel of Rachel Cooks and Erin of Well Plated by Erin. The gathering included a diverse group of talented bloggers, some of whom I had the pleasure of meeting previously, and others with whom I was delighted to finally connect face-to-face. Throughout our stay, we indulged in an array of delicious snacks, collaboratively cooked meals that delighted our palates, and savored some truly remarkable local wines, each sip a testament to Michigan’s burgeoning wine scene. Beyond the culinary delights, we dedicated significant time to sharing invaluable knowledge and insights with one another, focusing on what each of us does best. Topics ranged from mastering the art of food photography to developing efficient time management strategies for content creation, and even navigating the exciting journey of writing and publishing cookbooks. The world of blogging, while incredibly rewarding, can often feel quite isolating, with many hours spent working independently. For this reason, I am profoundly grateful for opportunities like this retreat, where I can learn directly from the experiences and expertise of others, especially in a collaborative, in-person environment. If you’ve ever wondered about the essence of a blogger retreat, this experience in Traverse City truly encapsulated it – a blend of professional growth, personal connection, and pure enjoyment.
Our wonderful group – which included Rachel, Brandy, Katrina, Kristen, myself, Liz, Deborah, Krista, and Erin (with Monique, unfortunately, not pictured but certainly present in spirit and contribution) – had the distinct pleasure of enjoying some exquisite local bubbly. This delightful tasting took place at the exceptionally hospitable L. Mawby Winery, renowned for its sparkling wines and picturesque setting. It was a truly beautiful and serene afternoon spent soaking in the idyllic Michigan landscape, savoring fine wine, and cherishing the camaraderie of fellow creatives. The experience at L. Mawby highlighted the vibrant local culture and the dedicated craftsmanship of Michigan’s wine producers, making it a memorable part of our culinary journey.
Our visit to Traverse City serendipitously coincided with their eagerly anticipated annual National Cherry Festival. This provided an incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture and celebrate Michigan’s famous cherry harvest. We dedicated a splendid afternoon to exploring the bustling town center, wandering through vibrant streets, and making a highly anticipated stop at Cherry Republic. This iconic establishment is an absolute must-visit for anyone in the area. There, we indulged in generous samples of their remarkable cherry-infused products and feasted on an unforgettable meal from their delightful café. Seriously, if you ever find yourself with the chance to visit this store, do yourself a favor and plan to have a meal here! The food was nothing short of incredible, showcasing cherries in imaginative and delicious ways. From their unforgettable Bacon & Blue Fig Jam Pie – a true revelation featuring a crispy pizza crust generously topped with a savory blue cheese sauce, provolone & mozzarella, crispy bacon, and dollops of their luscious Cherry Fig Jam (oh my goodness!) – to their perfectly crafted Cuban Sandwich, complete with house-made pickles and a tangy Cherry Mustard, every dish was an absolute culinary triumph. Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Cherry Republic was buzzing with fun and energy, and it was clear that it’s a very kid-friendly destination, welcoming families with open arms. I couldn’t leave empty-handed and happily went home with a selection of their top sellers: deliciously tart cherry sours (candy), a zesty cherry salsa, a vibrant cherry horseradish sauce, and several other tempting treats. As I pen this post, I can confirm that the cherry salsa, cherry sours, the sweet and spicy cherry trail mix, and the decadent dark chocolate-covered cherries have already vanished! I’m genuinely glad my family got to share in a taste of the Cherry Republic experience with me, allowing a little piece of Michigan to come home with us. 🙂
Another highlight of our culinary adventure was enjoying an elegant meal at Aerie at the Grand Traverse Resort. Perched 16 stories high, this restaurant offers not only a sophisticated dining experience but also an absolutely breathtaking panoramic view of the bay. The ambiance was refined, providing the perfect setting for an evening of gourmet food and delightful conversation. We savored a variety of exquisitely prepared appetizers, each a small masterpiece of flavor and presentation. For my main course, I chose the Seared Diver Scallops, which were cooked to perfection. Accompanied by tender English peas, a rich bacon jam, and a bright, zesty lemon curd, the dish was a symphony of textures and tastes. I confess, I’ve developed a significant obsession with scallops lately, and these particular ones at Aerie were truly exceptional, elevating my love for this seafood to new heights.
The majority of our shared time together, fostering deep connections and collaborative spirit, was spent at our cozy rental house in Sutton Bay. It was within these comfortable walls that we truly relaxed, letting our guard down and allowing genuine friendships to blossom. The kitchen became the heart of our retreat, a bustling hub where we joyfully cooked our meals together, sharing stories, laughter, and invaluable insights into our respective businesses. These intimate moments of collaborative cooking and conversation were instrumental in deepening our understanding of each other and strengthening our professional bonds. It’s one thing to connect online, but quite another to truly get to know someone while chopping vegetables side-by-side or stirring a pot on the stove, discussing challenges and triumphs.
Put 10 food bloggers in a kitchen together and you know you will be eating exceptionally well.
Snacking Throughout the Day…
(Our delightful snack bar featured creamy Sabra hummus paired with an abundance of fresh, vibrant fruits and crisp vegetables, all generously provided by Door to Door Organics, ensuring healthy and delicious options were always at hand.)
An Unforgettable Fajita Night!!
(For our vibrant Fajita Night, we expertly prepared a delicious spread using Rachel’s renowned homemade fajita seasoning and her incredibly flavorful and healthy refried beans recipes, resulting in a communal meal that was both easy to prepare and bursting with authentic taste.)
Each of our days at the retreat began with truly epic and inspiring breakfasts, setting a wonderful, energized tone for the learning and camaraderie ahead.
The Ultimate Waffle Bar!
(A waffle bar proved to be an absolutely brilliant and interactive way to effortlessly feed a large group of people for breakfast, allowing everyone to customize their perfect morning meal with an array of delectable toppings and fresh ingredients.)
The Customizable Yogurt Parfait Bar!
Goodness gracious, did we truly eat well this weekend! The sheer variety and quality of the food were astounding, from gourmet restaurant experiences to wholesome, home-cooked meals. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on healthy, local Michigan foods that we enjoyed, especially during our breakfast creations. I’ve always lived by the adage that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” and for me, it absolutely sets the tone for everything that follows. I made sure to incorporate creamy yogurt into my breakfast both days, finding it to be an excellent and nutritious topping for waffles when combined with fresh fruit, offering a delightful alternative to traditional syrup. And it’s no secret how much I adore yogurt, fruit, and granola parfaits; they are a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Honestly, I could happily eat like this every single day without complaint.
Get in my belly, indeed… these healthy and delicious starts were fuel for our minds and bodies!
All the wonderful food we prepared and savored “at home” during our memorable weekend retreat was made possible by the generous contributions of several incredible brands. We extend our deepest gratitude to Milk Means More, who ensured we had an abundance of fresh dairy products; Door To Door Organics, who supplied us with an array of fresh, wholesome produce; Sabra, providing us with delicious and versatile hummus; and Bob’s Red Mill, whose high-quality grains and baking essentials were central to many of our homemade dishes. We simply cannot thank these wholesome brands enough for their invaluable support and for feeding us so exceptionally well throughout our stay, enhancing every culinary moment. 
This journey marked my very first time experiencing the beauty and charm of Michigan, and I can genuinely say I’m already dreaming of a return visit, hopefully with my family, during a warm summer. My dear friend Kristen eloquently wrote about her own family vacation to Holland Beach a couple of years ago, and reading her account immediately sparked a desire within me to make a similar trip with my loved ones one day. From everything I witnessed and experienced during this retreat, Michigan truly revealed itself as a stunning and diverse part of the country. I’m eager to explore it more thoroughly, to discover its hidden gems, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant communities, and there’s no doubt in my mind that the summer season would be the perfect time to do so. The allure of its fresh waters, green expanses, and welcoming towns is incredibly strong. 🙂
My heartfelt thanks go out to Rachel and Erin for their incredible effort in organizing and hosting such an unforgettable weekend. Their dedication ensured every detail was perfect, from the engaging discussions to the delightful culinary adventures. Additionally, I extend immense gratitude to Milk Means More for their generous sponsorship, which played a significant role in enhancing our experience and providing us with nourishing, local ingredients. I absolutely returned home with a full heart, brimming with cherished memories and renewed connections, a satisfied belly from all the delicious food, and a spirit that felt completely revitalized. As a busy mom, this little getaway was precisely what I needed, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a more perfect, inspiring, and restorative escape!
To discover more about the essential nutrition dairy products provide, alongside a plethora of delicious recipes, please visit MilkMeansMore.org. You can also connect with Milk Means More across their social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.