Best Cherry Products in Traverse City

Traverse City is known throughout the U.S. as the "Cherry Capital of the World" and for good reason. Michigan produces 75% of the country's tart cherries and the majority are grown on the city's 3.8 million tart cherry trees. Traverse City also hosts an annual Cherry Festival during the peak of the season in mid-July. We had plans to attend the festival for the first time this year and unfortunately it was cancelled due to COVID-19 but we will certainly be back in 2021. 

Every time I visit Traverse City I always love seeing the creative ways cherries are incorporated into everything from wine, beer, food, and ice cream. I've rounded up 9 of the best cherry products that are definitely worth trying on your next visit. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase which allows me to keep sharing my adventures with you! 

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Cherry Republic 

For all things cherry, there's really only one place you can't miss and that's Cherry Republic. You can find many of their cherry products at the downtown location but we like to visit the Glen Arbor property for the full experience. Here you'll find over 100 different cherry products with lots of yummy free samples (not currently available due to COVID-19). The Glen Arbor location also offers a food menu with a variety of cherry-inspired dishes, beer, soda and ice cream. A few of my favorites are the chocolate covered cherries, sour cherry patches, cherry salsa, and the cherry chicken salad. 

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Cherries Moobile Ice Cream 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for cherry ice cream! One of the most well-known cherry ice cream treats in the area is Cherries Moobile handcrafted by Moomer's Ice Cream - a black cherry ice cream with chunks of black sweet cherries and brownies with a chocolate swirl. You'll find it at several locations throughout the area but I suggest going to the original shop for the full experience eating your ice cream next to the cows who helped make it. Other cherry ice cream flavors they offer are cherry cheesecake, cherry pie ala mode, and cherry praline pecan. 

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Cherry Wine and Beer

With so many cherries grown in this region, it's no surprise they have a strong influence on the flavors of the local wine and beer. A few of my favorite fruit-infused drinks to try along the Traverse City wine and beer trail are:

• Bubble Cherry at Chateau Chantal
• Cherry Wine at M22 in Glen Arbor
• Cherry Cider at Hop Lot
• Cherry Fest Cider at Sutton's Bay Ciders 
• Cherry Heritage Lager at Mackinaw Brewing 

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Cherry Cheesecake Donut at Peace, Love and Little Donuts

I have to stop here every time I visit Traverse City and try a new flavor or two. These mini donuts are made right in front of you and loaded with delicious toppings. You can order just one or grab a dozen if you can't decide. It's a small space so we always just get them to go and devour them in the car on the way to our next adventure. And of course the cherry cheesecake is a must!

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Black Cherry Soda at Rocket Fizz

You'll find this unique shop on Front Street in downtown Traverse City featuring walls lined with 100s of different soda flavors. Aside from the classic Black Cherry soda you'll have to be a bit more brave to try some of their other unique flavors including barf, butter or alien snot. 

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We're taking this expression to the next level. Barrel Proof style. The last day to purchase your Cherry Whiskeyfest Kit is 8.3.2020 - kits are shipping on 8.6.2020. Join us and be the first to try our Barrel Proof Cherry Whiskey! #tcwhiskey

A post shared by Traverse City Whiskey Co. (@tcwhiskey) on Jul 31, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT

Cherry Spirits 

​If you're not feeling beer or wine, don't worry! Traverse City has you covered with their cherry-infused cocktails. Be sure to try the Cherry Whiskey at Traverse City Whiskey Co. and True North Cherry Vodka at Grand Traverse Distillery 

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February is National Cherry Month! Come in and see all the great cherry items we carry.

A post shared by Benjamin Twiggs CherryProducts (@benjamintwiggs) on Feb 17, 2020 at 6:16am PST

Benjamin Twiggs 

Similar to Cherry Republic, Benjamin Twiggs is known for all things cherry and they offer a wide assortment of sweet treats, salsas and sauces, and their famous Swig Soda. You can find them on E. Front Street a little ways from the main downtown area. I haven't had a chance to visit here myself yet but I have my eye on their cherry yogurt pretzels and the cherry honey mustard. 
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Home is where the pie is. #PureMichigan

A post shared by Grand Traverse Pie Co (@gtpie) on Aug 2, 2020 at 9:40am PDT

Cherry Crumb Pie at Grand Traverse Pie Company 

This is the “Signature Pie” of the National Cherry Festival every year and the store's top selling pie. This sweet treat is made with tart Michigan Montmorency cherries and a toasty crumb topping. You'll find several other varieties of cherry pies here as well including cherry peach crumb and cherry rhubarb. 

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Visit our original store and kitchen in Downtown Petoskey, or pop into any of our four other Michigan shops in Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Traverse City, or Saugatuck. ⁠ ⁠ #americanspoon #michigancherries #madeinmichigan #michiganmade #upnorthmichigan #northernmichigan #madebyhumans #shoplocal #eatlocal #shopsmall #petoskey #harborsprings #charlevoix #tcmi #saugatuck #midwestisbest #artisanfood #foodbymail #michiganbymail #midwestbymail #shipgoodfoodanywhere #shelfie #sharingaworldofshops #retailinteriors

A post shared by American Spoon (@americanspoon) on Aug 15, 2020 at 9:01am PDT

Cherry BBQ Grilling Sauce at American Spoon 

​Spice up your summer dishes with this cherry-infused bbq sauce that pairs well we pork loin or chicken. American Spoon originated a little farther north in Petoskey, Michigan and features a variety of handcrafted fruit preserves and condiments. 

Other Traverse City posts you might enjoy: 

• Pet Friendly Guide to Traverse City
• Weekend Guide to Traverse City