Nestled between the east and west arms of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay, artsy, outdoorsy, eco-conscious Traverse City is northwest lower Michigan's largest outpost, known for its pristine waters, rolling landscapes, tart cherries and award-winning wineries. The economy is tied to tourism, including agritourism, recreation, higher education, small businesses, casinos and farming. Downtown booms with upscale shops, galleries and a restaurant scene featuring local foods and getting national attention as a foodie haven -- further enhanced by Northwestern Michigan College's Great Lakes Culinary Institute, which opened in 2003. The cultural scene is sweet, too: Between Front Street's restored 1891 City Opera House and 1916 State Theatre, the Dennos Museum on NMC's campus, Interlochen Center for the Arts and two casino resorts—Turtle Creek and Leelanau Sands -- national acts and programming light up stages year round.