With the kids back in school and the leaves starting to change and fall, Cider Mill season is almost in full effect. Being one of the top ten apple-producing states it only makes sense we have hundreds of Family-Owned Cider Mills within Michigan. Here at Maple Cove, we are lucky to have over 10 Cider Mills within a short driving distance. All varying in size, activities, and of course their very own Cider recipe!
Start your day by waking up to a delicious breakfast, cooked by yours truly. After breakfast head over to the Polly Ann Trail, less than a five-minute drive, and take in the beautiful colors of Michigan. Walk, run, ride your bike… whatever your heart desires. Now that you are re-energized, head over to one of the chosen Cider Mills, or if you’re up for it try them ALL! Depending on which one you choose you can either enjoy food onsite or find a restaurant in the area to try out.
Listed below are 5 Cider Mills I found to be special in their own way and all offer something different. Grab a loved one and book the perfect mini-Fall vacation!
Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill
Located just five miles from the bed and breakfast the Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill will give you more of that “on the farm” feel. Offering U-Pick on the weekends, pick from apples, pumpkins and raspberries. In their Farm Stand you can find pre-picked apples, their own mill pressed cider and, of course, donuts. Shop other treats like hand-made pies, caramel apples, jams, syrups and so much more. Looking for something to do when the sun falls? They offer moonlight hayrides from 8pm-10pm. No spook, just a quiet ride through the orchard.
Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill
2961 W. 32 mile
Romeo, MI 48065
Between Mound & Dequindre
Big Red Apple Orchard
Being among the oldest orchards and cider mills in the state, Big Red Apple Orchard sits on 90 acres! Offering U-pick apples and pumpkins, along with fresh cider and cider mill donuts. Their bakery smells of homemade pies and fresh bread. Fresh seasonal produce and Michigan goods are also sold in their shop.
Big Red Apple Orchard
4900 32 Mile Rd.
Washington, MI 48095
Westview Orchards and Winery
Love trying out new wines or ciders? Westview Orchards and Winery has a two-story Wine Bar that host regular events and offers tours when you call ahead. With a wide selection of U-pick fruit and vegetables you can head to the fields and pick your favorites. If you are just looking to sip on some wine and take it easy, not to worry, they have their ‘Farm Market’ which offers pre-picked options, Michigan goods, and the usual cider and donuts. Buy some goods, enjoy a glass of wine and top it off by petting some super cute farm animals at their Petting Farm. I’m still trying to talk Mark into a mini donkey…
Westview Orchards and Winery
65075 Van Dyke
Washington, MI 48095
Blake Farms – Blakes Orchard and Cider Mill / Blakes Big Apple / Blakes Tasting Room and Restaurant
All within a ten minute drive of each other, you could easily enjoy all that Blake Farms has to offer! Drive through their U-pick orchard and farm which has over 10 apple variations, pumpkins, a variety of fruits and vegetables, lavender and wildflowers. With adult tours offered Monday – Wednesday you can still have yourself a little fun during the week. No problem if that’s not possible, they have a tasting room and restaurant located on the orchard where you can enjoy ciders not available in stores, their own wines and craft beers.
Looking to have some Halloween fun? Blakes has a haunted hayride, barn and a 3D corn maze at Blakes Big Apple. Hey, sometimes it’s fun to act like a kid again!
Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill & Blake’s Tasting Room
17985 Armada Center Rd.
Armada, MI. 48005
Blake’s Big Apple
71485 North Ave.
Armada, MI. 48005
Yates Cider Mill
Just past downtown Rochester you’ll find Yates Cider Mill, the perfect place to relax and take a stroll. Water powered since 1863 their cider is still made using a water-powered, double table press that can produce up to 300 gallons of cider an hour. You’re able to watch some of this process Wednesday through Sunday. After you purchase your cider and donuts they have other treats like hand dipped ice cream, fudge, and apples (pre-bagged or you can bag them yourself). After you stock up on their treats take a walk down their river trail, munch on those sweets and enjoy the ½ mile walk. If you work up an appetite on your way back, not to worry! They have Dearborn Brand Smoked German Knockwurst & Hot Dogs.
Yates Cider Mill
1990 E Avon Rd.
Rochester Hills, MI. 48307
Lastly, Pure Michigan has wonderful fall outing ideas. https://www.michigan.org/farms-and-cider-mills
Check it out.
Have Fun!!
