Check out Absolute Michigan keyword "Old Mission" for more web sites and articles about Old Mission.

A Vintage Year? by oddzen

Lake Magazine has a nice feature by Emily Bingham on Northern Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula that focuses on the culinary attractions of this orchard and vineyard filled peninsula that divides the East and West Grand Traverse Bays of Lake Michigan. She notes that the Traverse City region has established itself as a destination for culinary connoisseurs with first-class restaurants, a renowned culinary arts institute, the annual Traverse Epicurean Classic and dozens of family-owned farms.

“May and June are the best times to come to the wineries out on the peninsula because it’s a quieter time,” says Ed O’Keefe, whose family owns winery Chateau Grand Traverse. “There are fewer tourists and many of the wineries have new releases ready.”

The weather is still mild, and the earth is fresh with promise – hills quilted with vineyards and blossoming cherry trees, fields made green with rows of young asparagus, and wild surprises such as edible violets, leeks and morel mushrooms sprouting up in the shadowy woodlands.

Old Mission Sunset by The Real Ferg

She maps a tasty tour that winds through Traverse City restaurants, the five Old Mission vineyards and the 2 day itinerary to which I'd only add a stop at the Old Mission Tavern (Bella Galleria) and the Boathouse Restaurant (you have to at least sample their great Old Mission links page) ... and the Old Mission General Store for some old-timey hard candy and geegaws.

There's a nice map at OldMission.com with links to all the businesses and also points of interest like the Mission Point Lighthouse.

Speaking of wine and culinary and Old Mission, check out Joey Randall's Village Voice for some tasty recipes and Michigan wine pairings such as this Montrachet Spinach Linguine and Brys Estate Pinot Noir. Great photos too!