Pure Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s tourism advertising campaign, is turning its attention on the state’s noteworthy chefs and fresh agriculture as well as its Detroit-style pizza and coney dogs.
Michigan’s geography, freshwater lakes, and rivers, as well as an agricultural market that includes farmlands, orchards, and vineyards, offer “an ideal environment” for local and in-season cooking and dining.
“People know Michigan for its incredible freshwater beaches and idyllic fall escapes,” says Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan. “But they may not know Michigan for the Traverse Wine Coast or the decorated chefs and restaurateurs relocating from mega food cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, and New York to build their culinary dreams in Michigan. That’s why we’re inviting travelers to plan their next great culinary vacation in Pure Michigan.”
Travelers to Michigan will find a range of spotlight ingredients and cuisines in different regions of the state — white fish and wine in northern Michigan, craft beer and Mexican fare in Grand Rapids and East African, Asian, and Lebanese fare in metro Detroit.
They’ll also discover locally grown, brewed, cultivated, caught, and foraged ingredients are a recurring theme across Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. It’s a big part of what inspires chefs and restaurateurs in Michigan, according to Wolgamott.
Michigan restaurants, chefs, and beverages have been recognized in the last several years by culinary media, institutions, and competitions.
More than 150 Michigan chefs have earned James Beard Award nominations over the last 35 years, and the state hosts numerous food-centric celebrations throughout the year, such as the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Romeo Peach Festival, Michigan Honey Festival in Corunna, and the Romulus Pumpkin Festival. A variety of beer, wine, cider, spirits, and other craft beverage events featuring local flavors also are regular happenings.
The first Traverse City Food & Wine Festival Michigan’s will take place Aug. 20-24. This event will feature nationally recognized chefs and culinary personalities showcasing the Traverse City region’s agriculture, craft, and creativity.
In addition to destination dining, Pure Michigan produces several food and beverage collaborations each year with Pure Michigan-branded beer via Short’s Brewing, pie via Grand Traverse Pie Co., and fudge in partnership with Mackinac Island and Ryba’s.
For more information about Michigan travel and culinary offerings, visit Michigan.org.
