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Emily Bingham | ebingham@mlive.com

An insider's guide to Traverse City's National Cherry Festival

Heading to the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City (July 2nd - 9th)? Heed the advice of two longtime locals -- Beth Milligan, a local food scene and business writer; and Gary Howe, city commissioner -- as they share their tips and tricks to navigating one of northwest lower Michigan's biggest festivals of the summer.

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Photo courtesy Gibby's French Fry Report

The snack you gotta try

Picking up fresh cherries from the farmers market is a must-do, but the true locals’ favorite Cherry Fest treat happens to be a certain kind of fresh-cut French fries only found at a midway food booth. “If you talk to most of the locals here, the thing that everybody looks forward to is Gibby’s fries,” Milligan said. “They’re hot, they’re salty, they come in a big bucket, you douse them with a bunch of vinegar and ketchup, and they’re amazing. It’s a big local tradition.”

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Photo by Kyle Mattson

Sure-bet spots to eat along Front Street

There's no shortage of spots to eat along Front Street, but Milligan and Howe said locals are loving two new additions: Gaijin, a Japanese eatery specializing in ramen and bao buns, and Mama Lu's, a taqueria serving up margaritas and tacos that Milligan calls "out of this world." Another no-fail spot: The Little Fleet, a food truck pavilion and bar where you can sit outside, just steps from the beach, and eat everything from brick-fired pizza to smokehouse ribs.

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Photo by Kyle Mattson

Where to splurge on a nice meal

If you're looking for a nice dinner tucked away from the commotion on Front Street, two longtime local favorites for finer dining are Trattoria Stella and The Cook's House; at both spots, locally sourced proteins and produce provide the foundation for exceptional meals (but definitely call ahead for reservations). If you'd like to check out the food scene's much-buzzed-about newcomer, grab a table at Alliance, which opened earlier this year. The offerings here are stellar vegetable-forward small plates.

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Where to drink

"In spite of it being kind of obvious, there are always tons of locals at the beer tent -- you'll run into everybody you know," Milligan said. "It's also a great spot to watch the air shows and to watch the concerts." Milligan's other fave spot for imbibing: 7 Monks Taproom (though she said it'll likely be packed so "you might have to be happy standing up and having a beer). Howe recommends Rare Bird Brewpub, which is a few blocks off the beaten path. Two "basement-level" spots out of the tourist sightline: Low Bar, a tucked-away craft cocktail lounge, and Kilkenny's Irish Pub, which offers solid weekday specials.

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Where to watch the fireworks

"If you want to be right in the heart of the action, the main beaches like Clinch Park or West End Beach are going to be packed, but there's never not a space," Milligan said. For more breathing room, Milligan suggests beaches farther east that are still within walking distance of downtown: Sunset Park and Traverse City Senior Center beach are both good bets. Finally, if you want an even quieter spot to take in the fireworks display, Milligan suggests driving up Old Mission Peninsula for one of the west-facing beaches -- or even snagging a spot on the porch at Jolly Pumpkin, which offers a great view of the bay.

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Where to watch the sunset

One of our favorite insider tips? When it comes time to watch the sunset, skip the beach: Get in line for the ferris wheel. "Riding the ferris wheel at sunset on a clear day is just awesome," said Howe. If the line's too long, he suggests heading up to the scenic 10th-floor bar, Beacon Lounge, at the historic Park Place Hotel (but if you're asking for directions, call it by the name locals know it: "Top of the Park").

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Where to eat late-night

Not ready to head home after the music and midway rides have ended each night? Milligen suggests the following spots for late-night bites: Brady's Bar for wings; U & I Lounge for burgers; and Howard's Hot Dogs on Union Street for a Vernors and a T.C. coney.

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What to do on a rainy day

In the event of inclement weather, Milligen suggests catching a movie at the State Theatre or Bijou by the Bay, independent volunteer-run cinemas that are scheduled to offer free matinees most days during the festival (schedule here). Howe's rainy-day suggestion: Check out the newly opened pinball lounge and classic arcade, The Coin Slot, where a $10 day pass scores you endless play on Pac-Man, skee ball, and tons of other vintage games.

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How to get around

Any local will tell you: Traffic is a nightmare during Cherry Festival. "After the fireworks, it's gridlocked downtown," Milligen said. "I would advocate for people thinking strongly about finding a way to get into town that does not involve cars." To do as the locals do, take advantage of the city's cross-town bike paths (there are several bike rental shops downtown), or simply pack a backpack with your day's essentials and walk from your hotel or a farther-away parking spot. Of course, the free shuttle is an option, too.

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Emily Bingham is a former Traverse City resident; she covers Michigan travel, history and culture for MLive.com. Follow her on Twitter (@EmilyBingham) or email her at ebingham@mlive.com.