Page 22 - Senior Times South Central Michigan October 2022 - 29-10

Page 22 Senior Times - October 2022
CIDER MILLS IN MICHIGAN PERFECT FOR A FALL DAY
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
Between the cider, doughnuts, apple pick- ing, hayrides and corn mazes, cider mills provide a fun-filled fall day for you and your family. The staff at Pure Michigan invite you to grab your loved ones and enjoy a perfect fall day at one of these awesome cider mills in Michigan. Buckle in the grand kids for a great day of adventure and start your own fall tradi- tion or just try somewhere new!
Fennville orchard and cider mill. Enjoy a hay- ride, a corn maze, or a ride on the Cow Train when you visit. But
Anderson & Girls Orchards/Gifts, Stanton – Located in Mid-Michigan, this orchard is complete with a farm market, bak- ery, ice cream parlor, and gift loft. The cider mill operates through November. What’s incredibly interesting about this orchard is that there are barnyard animals like reindeer, camels, zebras, lemurs, and more! This alone is worth the trip, as kids will love to see and interact with these incredibly diverse animals that are rarely seen in Michigan outside of zoos. Don’t miss Great Pumpkin Day in late October where you can pick your own pump- kins, ride in a wagon or on a camel, and par- ticipate in Kid’s Town.
be sure to save time
for Crane's Pie Pantry, Restaurant, and Winery where you can enjoy a meal, a slice of pie, and a glass of cider.
Blake Farms, Armada – Voted the number one apple orchard in Michigan by AAA, Blake Farms was one of the very first "Pick Your Own" orchards in Michigan. Currently, Blake’s has three locations with 500 acres of orchard and farmland. Whether you pick your own apples, sip some award-winning apple cider, enjoy a hayride, or wander their cornfield mazes, there is plenty of fall fun to be had at Blake Farms.
Erie Orchards & Cider Mill, Erie – This orchard is located in the very southeastern corner of Michigan, near Ohio. This is a great place for a family outing. Approximately 15,000 bushels of apples are harvested annu- ally off 30 acres of apple trees. The varieties include Ida Red, Granny Smith, Northern Spy, Golden, and Red Delicious, and more! Be sure
Friske Orchards, Ellsworth – In 2011, Friske Orchards was voted the number one U-Pick farm in Northern Michigan by Traverse Magazine. While at Friske’s you can choose
to pick your own fruit, shop the general store, or attend one of their many festive events such as the Apple Festival or Fall Fun Saturdays. Other activities include guided wagon rides, orchard walks, farm animal petting zoo, large kids’ playground, and an old-world bakery. Dig into a house-baked pizza and make a day of your visit.
Crane Orchards, Fennville – Crane’s sea- son begins with sweet cherries and leads soon after to peaches. But it is the nearly 20 apple varieties available for purchase or U-Pick
that draws crowds each fall at this beloved
Fruitful Orchard and Cider Mill, Gladwin – This Mid-Michigan orchard will make for a perfect day trip. Open Monday through Saturday, the location offers cider slushies, made-from-scratch baked goods like cinnamon rolls, salsa, and sauces, as well as
Diehl’s Orchard
& Cider Mill, Holly
– Family-owned and
operated, Diehl’s Orchard
& Cider Mill opened in
1954 to give families
memories that last a life-
time. The mill is open daily through October and on the weekends in November. Located off a dirt road, it gives off an up north vibe in Southeast Michigan. The orchard is the perfect place to create autumn traditions and enjoy time together while viewing beautiful fall foliage. With a corn maze, petting farm, play- ground, an orchard, and a hayride; there are so many activities to keep you and your family or friends busy. Not to mention between all of the apples, cider, doughnuts, jams, and honey, it’ll be hard to choose just one item. You might end up bringing them all home!
to check the website for information on each themed weekend in October. And set up a tour today!