Cherry Republic, TC

Week 24 - June 11-17, 2023

Summary

Cherry Republic is a TC and County institution. I wasn't sure it was an actual winery until visiting, now it seems to me that it actually is. This is the cherry store I take my tourist friend visitors to and I've always been curious about their wine tasting bar. The wines are either mostly grape with some cherry (like 98% grape with 2% cherry) or more cherry, up to 100%. The residents of the 1980s would be horrified by my question, "Is cherry 'wine' actually wine?" While the region's two main AVAs and their talented [grape] winemakers may continue to shovel a sandy uphill battle to shout "NO," my respect for Cherry Republic as a business and commitment to this project landed me here in week 24 when my availability was 45 minutes and I was already in town, implying that my answer and the region's de facto definition of a winery is yes.

Something to Do

Cherry Republic TC is located in the heart of downtown Traverse City on Front Street, TC's "main street." There is so much obviously to do, something for everyone, and seriously so much of it, you don't need my advice. Go anywhere! Here are a few of my personal favorite entities nearby:

Paperworks Studio, inside Great Lakes Bath and Body. This is my best local's rec. They tell it better than I could.
Backcountry North - all the gear, great clothing for men and women
Yana Dee, sustainability-minded clothing for women and girls, founded in the UP
Toy Harbor, incredible toy store, Santa shops here
Fustini's, olive oil and vinegars - tastings available, I recommend the Fig Balsamic Vinegar and the Coratina Select Olive Oil
Movies at the State Theater - kids matinees on Saturdays at 10 AM for $1
Eat: Flying Noodle (pasta for everyone, dietary restrictions are welcomed, and the kids meal grapes are cut in half #IYKYK) - or Good Bowl (hearty Vietnamese with a cause). Hon mention goes to Seven Monks (great food, incredible tap list) and The Little Fleet and Coin Slot which are a little further walk. Little Fleet has the most outdoor seating, and Coin Slot is an arcade for grown ups. Both have food truck(s). Extra honorable mention goes to U&I Lounge, a dive bar that low-key has really good greek food, darts, and a solid draft list. OK one more: Mama Lu's, same owner as Flying Noodle but very limited seating especially in winter, so only try to go here if you are a generally lucky person.
Brilliant Books (best quality) and Horizon Books (biggest, with huge kids section)
Coffee at Morsels (best coffee) or Brew (best vibe, also serves food)

Something to Love

Living here is at best, a love-hate relationship with cherry tchotchkes, Cherry Fest, and a weirdly disconnected relationship with the actual orchards, farming, production, and industry. Me personally, the cherry itself is about halfway down on the fruits I most prefer, above boring banana and red herrings like papaya but well below the far superior pineapple, strawberry, or watermelon. My work is in the Organic regulation, so I gravitate towards Certified Organic and there are only two orchards in the region who are certified for Cherries, neither of which is in Grand Traverse or Leelanau Counties. (Anyone can search the public Organic Integrity Database anytime!). All of that said, what I love love love and always buy when I accompany my tourist guests to here proudly is the Cherry Licorice Bites. They are mouthwateringly delicious and everyone should buy them. They are the best thing in the store.

Something to Hope For

There is a reason that imports like me don't roll my eyes at Cherry Republic, and that is not the licorice bites (though they are exellent). CR has been on the vanguard of the housing crisis, LGBTQ+ employee needs and community advocacy, and more. When there isn't enough housing for CR to build a workforce, they build it. When the community asks for organizations to step up and commit to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, CR is the first business in line to say, "we're in"! I don't understand at a fundamental level why the idea that no one should be discriminated against or seek housing is political. Cherry Republic walks the walk. I hope that their business success inspires other employers in the region to take the same path.

Two Wines

The wine is the cherry elephant in the room. And while I knew as soon as I saw the menu that I couldn't use the TCWY rating system, I have to admit, there was only 1 wine out of 6 that I hated, the Rose. The other wines, while I wouldn't reach for them or buy a bottle, were well-made in the most essential realm of quality: free of defect. I don't want to drink cherry wine, but if you do, get it here.

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