Traverse City Cherries | Everything You Need to Know!
Traverse City cherries are world-famous for their sweet, tart flavor, making them great additions to an abundance of recipes. What started as a simple farming experiment has now become a part of our national heritage as Americans and even more so, as Michiganders. Whether you're here to visit or plan on never leaving, there is always something new to learn and somewhere new to go- eating cherries the whole way, of course!
As my love for cherries seems to grow every year alongside the number of trees in Traverse City (3.8M), I feel it is my duty to share some of the must-haves, must-dos, and must-sees.
Origins on Old Mission Peninsula
In the revolutionary year of 1852, Peter Dougherty planted the first of what would soon be millions of cherry trees, despite the hesitance from local natives. His hunch that the fertile earth beneath Old Mission Peninsula would be a suiting soil for such a sensitive tree panned out to be the best move he ever made. Because of this risky venture, Grand Traverse Area has become the cherry capital of the world!
Old Mission Peninsula is still one of the most prominent areas for growing cherry trees, though they can be found along the bay going west, east, south, and north. The sandy hilled terrain provides the perfect conditions for sustainable water drainage, giving life to these fruit trees that otherwise are not nearly as prosperous.
To this day, you can coast the peninsula and find yourself in awe over the landscape. If such a view is too tempting to you, though, don't worry! We all know there is something so much more fulfilling about picking your own cherries versus snagging a basket at the market stand, which is why the U-Pick farms have boomed. Take time to visit the prominent farms such as Cherry Connection, Third Coast Fruit Co., and Edmondson Orchards to get in on the pinnacle of cherry experiences.
National Cherry Fest
What started as partnering and celebrating economic growth in the community has now become a nationally known celebration. The National Cherry Festival takes place in Traverse City, Michigan, and has been doing so since May 22, 1925. Back in the day, it was better known as the Blessing of the Blossoms Festival (which if you ask me sounds quite a bit more elegant). The excitement and congregation fueled by the booming of economic enhancement for the area is now a vibrant scene full of festivities and culture- both of which have changed this county forever.
If given the opportunity, do take a stroll through downtown Traverse City during that first week of July, even if just to feel the atmosphere. There is a literal buzz in the air, a crisp yet catering feeling that follows you from the food trucks down to the bay. Street performers, local businesses, and best of all- every cherry concoction you can imagine (and maybe even some that you can’t).
Cherry Republic Reaches the World
What started in Glen Arbor as a play of food and local favorites has now become world-famous- the Cherry Republic. The slogan "Life, Liberty, Beaches, and Pie" embodies the Northern Michigan experience to a 'T’ and was indeed the fire under the pot for this company.
The Cherry Republic was founded by a Glen Arbor native, Bob Sutherland- but not overnight. The cherry farms were rolling and the tourism growing, which gave room for such a catch-all business to bloom into what it is today- unforgettable. There are locations in various places throughout Michigan, but the best of them is still that first spot in Glen Arbor.
Whether you're exploring the area for the first time or live right around the corner, there will always be something delectable within Cherry Republics' walls- and we mean WALLS as the Glen Arbor location had grown tremendously since its start back in 1989. Once just T-shirts and cookies, Cherry Republic now sells a dizzying variety of cherry-based products, over 200 different items! Salsas, jams and jellies, soda pop, cherry wines, or just plain cherries- there is truly something for everyone.
Must-Try Local Products
I’m with the best of us and must agree that eating straight cherries all day, every day is not a good idea, regardless of how much you love Traverse City cherries. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the fruits of our labors here in Northern Michigan year around! There are so many other ways to enjoy our cherries that it's hard to believe they are all made of the same thing.
Wines, beers, meads, and whiskeys are all fan favorites for cherry lovers. If you don’t know Northern Michigan for its cherry’s or for Sleeping Bear Dunes (which obviously you do), then you know it for its local crafting and brewing. If you are lucky enough to be remote to the area at some point during the year, catch Bells Cherry Stout beer on tap or take a wine tour on Old Mission Peninsula. Having a firsthand experience as such will stick with you every time you take a sip, thereafter, making memories of this magical place the way it was meant to be done.
Besides alcohol, cherries are fitting for an overwhelmingly large assortment of flavors. Pair it with jalapeños in salsa from the Cherry Republic or twang it with some carbonation as they do at Benjamin Twiggs with the Twiggs Swig. Cherry sweets are an apparent local luxury, and the best ones come straight from the farm- Gallagher’s Farm Market, that is! Between the sweets and the jars of cherry based butter, any baker would be blushing from all the possibilities found on their shelves. Speaking of bakers, there is even a company that specializes in such an endeavor- the Grand Traverse Pie Company! Try their desserts or enjoy their famous GT Chicken Cherry Salad Sandwich, but either way, take advantage of their unique usage of the local delicacy. And if you visit Traverse City during the summer season, you can also try one of my favorite pizza toppings… Cherries!
Every Cherry Counts
Northern Michigan prides itself on providing the best quality cherries alongside all the products you can imagine that satisfy the cravings thereafter the belly ache from eating the whole bag before you arrived at your next exploration destination. We, for one, know that every cherry counts, which is why supporting local businesses are so important to the area.
Upon visiting or residing in this region of Michigan, your perspective on the versatile use of cherries will never be the same- and trust me, it's better that way! With that being the case, though, why not bring the blossoming home? Northern Nail Polish supports the energy that encompasses Northern Michigan, and so within the Northern Apothecary store, there are cherry tree growing kits for sale! Make the memories last for years to come and maybe even try out a few local recipes once the time comes, but either way, live, laugh, and love cherries!
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