Travel Brand Pure Michigan Sets Sights on Growing the State's Culinary Reputation, Elevating Agritourism

Recent James Beard Award nomination for The Cook's House and upcoming, inaugural Traverse City Food & Wine Festival highlight destination's agricultural diversity and farm-to-table experiences

CHICAGO, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IPW – Coming off a thrilling James Beard Award nomination for The Cook's House restaurant honoring co-chefs Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson, Pure Michigan, the beloved travel brand responsible for attracting and inspiring tourism to the Great Lakes State, says it wants the destination to be known just as much for its noteworthy chefs and fresh agriculture as it's known for Detroit-style pizza and coney dogs. 

From its fertile farmlands, orchards, and vineyards to its expansive freshwater lakes and rivers, Michigan's unique geography and agricultural diversity provides an ideal environment for local and in-season cooking and dining.

"People know Michigan for its incredible freshwater beaches and idyllic fall escapes," said 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."

While 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—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. 

Michigan restaurants, chefs, and beverages have been increasingly 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—plus a variety of beer, wine, cider, spirits, and other craft beverage events featuring local flavors.

Michigan's culinary story will be further elevated August 20-24, 2025 at the first Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, a multi-day event featuring nationally recognized chefs and culinary personalities showcasing the bounty of the Traverse City region's amazing agriculture, craft, and creativity.

Beyond 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 Company, and fudge in partnership with Mackinac Island and Ryba's.

For travelers looking to get inspired by Michigan's rich flavors and experiences, visit michigan.org.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Follow along or join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.

Traverse City Food & Wine Festival
Traverse City Food & Wine will kick off on Wednesday, August 20th with a Harvest Blessing Ceremony and cooking demonstrations at the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market and an Opening Night Patio Party at Delamar. A full list of events and participating talent is available at traversecity.com/food-wine.

Media Contact:
Elise Quintana
FINN Partners on behalf of Pure Michigan
elise.quintana@finnpartners.com 

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SOURCE Pure Michigan