Forest to Fork events will be held at more than a dozen venues from May 14 to 17. Local chefs, farmers, artisans, and hosts have designed a series of activities that shed light on springtime foods and pairings. Events include foraging excursions, vineyard walks, cooking classes, intimate dinners featuring spring ingredients, and seasonal beverage pairings.

 

“This is a tribute to the connection between the land, our culinary culture, and the community,” said Traverse City Tourism Chief Operating Officer, Whitney Waara. “In the springtime, with the longer days and the flora waking up around us, the flavors are vibrant and alive. We are excited to bring people together to enjoy some of the unique wild and cultivated foods growing around the region.”

 

A few of the events include, “Foraging and Found: A Wild Food Dinner Experience,” Vines and Forest Finds,” “An Edible Container Garden Demonstration,” and “Morels in Season: An Old World, New World Wine Tasting.”

 

One event will include a sneak peek behind the newest vineyard in Leelanau County, Bohemian Cellars, which is scheduled to open later this year. The small-group experience will include exploring nearby woods to uncover mushrooms.

 

“There’s nothing like the experience of foraging for the freshest ingredients and tasting them moments later. We have an incredible bounty growing here and experts who know how to bring the flavors and textures together perfectly,” Waara added.

 

Forest to Fork is created as part of Traverse City Food & Wine, a five-day culinary festival scheduled this year for August 19 – 23. Details of the August event will be announced soon. Traverse City Food & Wine is produced by Traverse City Tourism and presented by 4Front Credit Union.