Cherry Capital Airport, Traverse City, MI
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Cherry Capital Airport (TVC, KTVC) is a towered, public airport 2 miles south of Traverse City, in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. There are two grooved asphalt runways as follows:
| Designation | Dimension | Surface | Condition |
| 10/28 | 7,016′ x 150′ | Asphalt (grooved) | Fair |
| 18/36 | 5,378′ x 150 | Asphalt | Fair |
Formerly, this airport was known as Traverse City Airport or Blair Field.
Avflight Traverse City is the full-service FBO providing fuel (AvGas, Jet-A, and Jet-A+Prist), hangars, tie-downs, GPU, oxygen/nitrogen, de-icing, catering, concierge, and charter services.
Also, on this field is the flight school, Giving Wings Aviation, offering aircraft rentals and training programs. Maintenance providers, Cherry Capital Aviation, handle inspection, routine servicing, avionics support, as well as maintenance and repair. Avionics specialists, 45 North Aviation, specializing in avionics installation and repair.
There is also a collegiate flight training program here through Northwestern Michigan College.
This airport has commercial traffic from Delta (daily to Detroit), United (service to Chicago and Denver), and American (Chicago) during the year, with seasonal flights to Florida and Arizona provided by Allegiant Air.
Transportation
There are no crew or courtesy cars here, but rental car counters are located in the baggage claim area. Other options include local shuttles, taxis, Uber, and limousine services. The three top-rated taxi services in Traverse City are Traverse City Taxi, Up North Taxi (call to arrange rides needed between 12:00 and 8:00 a.m.), and My Taxi (No website, but 231-409-5776 is their number). If you need a limo, Grand Traverse Limousine is available 24/7. To find the best deal on a rental, go to Carla Car Rental.
Where To Stay
Prices and names change frequently. For current prices, amenities, and new owner re-brands, check Expedia.com or Hotels.com. However, here are the places to stay that are within 1-3 miles of the airport.
- Hampton Inn Traverse City-Modern hotel with an indoor pool, fitness center, and free breakfast. Conveniently located near the beach. Pets Allowed.
- Cambria Hotel Traverse City-Highly rated all-suite hotel with on-site dining, shuttle service, and an indoor pool. No animals allowed.
- Grand Beach Resort Hotel-Lakefront resort offering rooms with private balconies, free breakfast, and a pool. No animals allowed.
- Comfort Inn & Suites-Close to everything and includes free shuttle service to both downtown and the airport. Pets allowed.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson-Casual hotel with free Wi-Fi, hot breakfast, and an indoor pool.
- Baywatch Resort-(East Bay) Modern, comfortable, with great views of the lake and easy access to the water. No pets allowed.
- Bayshore Resort-(West Bay) Victorian-style beach hotel. It’s about 4 miles out, but they have free airport transfers, breakfast, and a pool.
- Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City-Affordable option with an indoor pool, hot tub, and free breakfast.
- Parkshore Resort-Beachfront lodging with a bar, live music, and a heated indoor pool.
- Pinestead Reef Resort – Lakefront retreat with kitchen-equipped units, free Wi-Fi, and an indoor pool/sauna.
Where To Eat & Drink
Specific restaurant names vary seasonally, but the airport typically hosts local and chain concessions. At the FBO, you can expect complimentary coffee, water, soft drinks, and light snacks. As a bonus, there’s a freezer stocked with locally sourced Moomer’s ice cream!
Close to the terminal and popular is the J & S Hamburg South Airport. This is an airport-themed diner. Their website was considered unsafe and blocked me. I would check Google Maps or TripAdvisor for more info. Please don’t consider the restaurant itself unsafe. Many of the smaller places I choose don’t provide regular updates or pay for security badges on their websites, which causes my security software to flag them as unsafe.
Other options nearby, Bubba’s, a casual bar & grill. The Cottage, serving homestyle cooking, and the Firefly Restaurant, an eclectic eatery with small plates, sushi, and fondue.
Local favorites for a craft beer or a drink are Right Brain Brewery and Traverse City Whiskey Co. The Filling Station Microbrewery looks like a cool place to check out; it’s in the old train station.
Old Mission Peninsula & Leelanau Peninsula Wineries-Over 40 wineries produce award‑winning Rieslings, Chardonnays, and cherry wines. Scenic drives through orchards and vineyards are part of the experience.
Things To Do
Traverse City is famous for its cherry orchards and the annual National Cherry Festival, held late June through early July. Highlights include the air show over Grand Traverse Bay, parades, big-name concerts at the Open Space, a carnival, and various cherry (pie eating, pit-spitting) food contests. The festival draws over 500,00 visitors every year.
The other large draw is the annual Traverse City Film Festival in late July. Founded by Michael Mooe in 2005. The festival now attracts filmmakers, celebrities, and movie lovers from all over. Book your hotel early for either event.
Grand Traverse Bay-Perfect for sailing (Traverse Bay Parasail), kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The bay’s clear waters make it a summer playground.
If you are willing to travel a little farther afield and are a lighthouse lover, there are two here. The Mission Point Lighthouse sits just south of the 45th parallel, halfway between the equator and the North Pole. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. Both lighthouses have a maritime museum inside. Both are open seasonally.
Of a whimsical nature? You can visit The Hippie Tree, a brightly painted local landmark said to be haunted. Or, see the roadside attraction of the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Tin.
There is also an 18-hole public golf course near the airport. Elmbrook Golf Course.
Why Fly Here?
Cherry Capital Airport is a well‑rounded GA/commercial hub in northern Michigan. Traverse City blends natural beauty, culinary richness, and Americana with a twist, making it more than just a festival town. Visitors can hike the dunes, sip wine overlooking the bay, wander historic sites, or discover offbeat roadside oddities.
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Safe travels,
jo@jettreks