Up North Blog

Every hostess needs a go-to appetizer for those last-minute gatherings over the holidays. This one isn't only easy, it's delicious and sure to become a seasonal favorite!Favorite Holiday AppetizerIngredients:- Cream Cheese, 8 oz. softened- Cherry Nut Mix, 14 oz. bag- Cherry Pepper Jelly, 9 oz. jar - Water Crackers, 1 boxDirections:Spread cream cheese in the center of a serving plate. Cover with Cherry Republic Cherry Pepper Jelly and top with crushed Cherry Republic Cherry Nut Mix. Sur ...

Ingredients:4 oz. bag Ruby Red Freeze Dried Cherries1 1/2 cups almond milk, skim milk, or fruit juice1 banana, sliced1 cup frozen mixed berries3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt1 tablespoon honeyFresh fruit and mint sprigs for garnishInstructions:Place all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth. If the smoothie seems too thick, add a little more liquid. Add additional honey to taste. Pour into two glasses, and top with fresh fruit and mint sprigs. Enjoy!Visit Dinner at the Zoo for more d ...

It may seem to some that Northern Michigan is far-removed from the heated debates about racial equity happening around the country. But a recent incident with our local county commission pointed a harsh spotlight on us, and it illuminated the very real need for racial education in our corner of the world.After all, while our area has very few Black residents and is not as diverse as Michigan's metropolitan areas, we are blessed to live among our Indigenous brothers and sisters -- the Grand Trave ...

One of our favorite summer recipes combines the cool crispness of a salad with plump Montmorency Dried Cherries and the Asian-inspired BBQ taste of our Cherryaki Sauce. Pair our Cherryaki Lettuce Wraps with a crusty loaf of bread and a chilled bottle of wine, and you have the perfect late-summer dinner.Cherryaki Chicken Lettuce WrapsINGREDIENTS:1 1/4 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts2 tbsp. canola oil6 tbsp. Cherry Republic Cherryaki Sauce1 1/2 cup  shredded carrots2/3 cup M ...

Pictured above: Poets Evelyn and Kate ParkSince some summer visitors haven't been able to make it up north this year, we thought it would be fun to document this unique time through poetry. So in our summer catalog, we asked our Citizens to share an original poem that expresses what they would miss most about not being here this summer or (for those who were lucky enough to come up) what has meant the most about being in Northern Michigan after our social-distancing spring. Entries were acc ...

For too long, northern Michigan lived with the threat of a massive oil spill from the Line 5 pipeline. The recent revelation that at least two more ships struck the pipeline and an anchor support failed is another reason why we must shut down Line 5 immediately.As a small business owner, I know firsthand how critical it is to protect our air, land and water. Surrounded by Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, northern Michigan’s rolling sand dunes and miles of beaches create a wonderful place inspiring ...

At 8 a.m. Sunday morning, my wife Emily and I slipped our kayaks in the upper Boardman for our first paddle of the river. The smell of campfire lingered in the air and families were rousing for breakfast at a nearby campground. It was cool and damp, as a storm had come through hours before.The immediate quickness of the current took our slow-moving morning minds by surprise. As we settled in and our minds cleared, we took in the sights and sounds of this iconic northern Michigan waterway. Purple ...

2020 Holland Career Tech Center interns (l to r): Anna Kloosterman, Josh Walters, Grace Kloosterman, Program Director Jill Landman, Haley Brannan, Alex Braun, and Jonathan Desantiago. All are from Ottawa County.Cherry Republic has been cultivating a culinary program with the Holland Careerline Technical Center for the last three years to create a pipeline of new and upcoming food experts to work at the Cherry Public House each summer. But Program Manager Jill Landman's ties with Cherry Repu ...

Mary Swikle, who spends most of her time studying Theology and Humanities at Villanova University, has graced Cherry Republic's Glen Arbor campus with her impressive painting talent this summer.  This creative college student's Mom is also a painter, and when she was little Mary got to play with her Mom's paints, which lead to her interest in art. She's translated that love for artistic expression into a beautiful new mural that graces our new sample tasting counter outside of  ...

The combination of Michigan raspberries and tart Montmorency cherries in our Cherry Berry Jam make these the best thumbprint cookies you've ever had. And while they're a favorite during the holidays, we think this iconic and yummy cookie is a welcome treat any time of year! Ingredients:1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon fine salt3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened2/3 cup sugar, plus more for rolling1 large egg1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract1 ...

Cherry Republic will mark the official start of summer with the 3rd annual product release of our Sunset Blush 100% Montmorency Cherry Wine on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21. ‘It’s Sunset Somewhere’ will be celebrated at all six of Cherry Republic’s retail stores in Glen Arbor*, Traverse City, Charlevoix, Ann Arbor, Frankenmuth and Holland. Fun summer giveaways and drink recipes will highlight this free event.Sunset Blush was introduced in 2018 and was our first offering crafted fro ...

There’s just something about a hike or bike ride on your favorite trail to clear your mind, calm your soul, and re-energize your spirit. And in Northern Michigan, we are blessed with an abundance of outdoor opportunities. Whether venturing out to the trails and beaches snaking through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or hiking and biking your way through the surrounding counties, you will be rewarded with spectacular vistas, majestic birds and animals, sweet fresh air, and a peacefuln ...

MAY 27, 2020 UPDATEWe were thrilled to welcome customers back to our retail stores over the Memorial Day Weekend! Below is the latest info you need to know before visiting a store or ordering online during this time.RETAIL STORESBefore venturing out, check online for the hours of operation for your local Cherry Republic store. For the safety of both our employees and our customers, we spent more than a month planning significant enhancements to our store environment and opera ...

March 24, 2020Dear Citizens of the Republic,With the rapidly changing circumstances surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, I wanted to update you on some changes we’ve made at Cherry Republic since my last post to you on March 13.First, please know that Cherry Republic continues to value the trust both our customers and employees place in us, and we take this responsibility seriously. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, whether it be directly through the illness it ...

Thanks to all who have responded to our call for nominations for Operation Cherry Cheer. We are acknowledging those who are going out of their way to help others during the coronavirus crisis, or those who simply need a pick-me-up during these challenging and uncertain times. We are choosing one deserving person each day to receive a free gift box from now through May 17, 2020. Below is a list of our very deserving recipients. We'll keep updating this blog every few days, so be sure to chec ...