Cherry Blossom Tour Set For May 16

Volunteers are announcing plans to hold the Second Annual Leelanau Cherry Blossom Tour on Saturday, May 16, with tour buses complete with local guides departing from and returning to Eagles Ridge Conference Center in Peshawbestown.

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians has joined founding organizations the Leelanau Conservation District, Leelanau Conservancy and Leelanau Enterprise in seeking to promote the beauty of Leelanau County at blossom time.

Horticulturalists within the cherry industry have helped select this year’s optimum blossom-viewing date, which is some six days later than the 2008 tour. The estimated 600 participants in 2008 rode tour buses or drove in their own cars along a mapped route provided by tour guide organizers. The one-hour route started and ended in Lake Leelanau.

Organizers have mapped out a new one-hour route for the 2009 tour that will again include two stops. Participants will be encouraged to exit buses for a first-hand experience at working cherry farms in the Omena area and in northern Suttons Bay Township. Cherry growers will be on hand to explain their work, and tour guides will offer explanations along the route of the history and importance of cherry farming for Leelanau County.

At the Eagles Ridge Conference Center, participants will be provided free cherry brats, cherry drinks and cherry cookies.

The day will begin with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at Eagles Ridge, with bus tours starting at 10 a.m. Musical entertainment will be provided from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The final bus will leave Peshawbestown at 2 p.m., and return approximately 3 p.m.

Tour maps will be available at area businesses and other outlets prior to the tour. As the tour grows near, maps will be posted in downloadable format on this page.isitors and residents alike are encouraged to visit the route at their convenience.

The route was selected to show a glimpse of the beautiful Leelanau County countryside as cherry blossoms reach their peak.

Leelanau has more tart cherry trees than any county in the nation. Our paved and well-maintained road system offers views of vistas with Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay backdrops to hillsides dominated in May by cherry blossoms. Visitors are encouraged to spend the weekend in the county, also stopping at our many fine shops, restaurants and wineries.

There is no charge for the Leelanau Cherry Blossom Tour. For more information, please call 231-256-9665.