Nestled in a bay along Michigan's northwest coast, Traverse City is one of those towns that's been making a name for itself as a great place to live for several years now. One reason is food.

The region produces cherries, apples, peaches, pasture raised chicken, grass fed beef and specialty cheeses, among other things.

Local food entrepreneurs are taking advantage. There are 13 breweries, dozens of nearby wineries, and restaurants such as Stella and The Cook's House specializing in local, sustainable fare.

"A lot of businesses are really thriving off the food industry," said Evan Smith, head of operations at Cherry Capital Foods, a local distributor. "We've seen a reversal in the national trend of small farms disappearing."

One of those businesses is Smith's -- Cherry Capital expects to do $3.8 million in sales this year with 12 trucks, up from one truck when it started in 2007.