The kids are back to school, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back, Halloween candy is on the shelves of all our major grocery stores and fall is in the air!
That means it’s time to plan family weekends at the cider mill. Nothing says autumn like enjoying a glass of cold apple cider and a just baked cider mill doughnut. Looking to create some special memories this season? You don’t have to plan a long trip to get your fall fix! Check out these local apple orchards/cider mills and get a head start on planning your visit!
Alber Orchard & Cider Mill
Another historic cider mill, Alber Orchard has been in operation since 1881. Understanding the importance of preserving such history, owners Mike and Therese Bossory grow over 100 types of apples, many of which are heirloom varieties that cannot be found in grocery stores. Additionally, guests at Alber Orchard are given the opportunity to see 1890 Mount Gilead Cider Press in action!
13011 Bethel Church Rd., Manchester. 734-428-9310.
Hours: Hours are seasonal and subject to change. Check their website for the latest information.
Coleman’s Farm
Featuring u-pick apples in addition to cider and donuts, Coleman’s Farm also offers pumpkins, sunflowers, mums and even baby animals for the kids to visit!
12758 Jordan Rd, Saline. 734-429-1212.
Hours: Open Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Closed Monday-Friday.
Dexter Cider Mill
Make your visit a history lesson, too, at the oldest continually operating cider mill in Michigan!
In addition to their famous apple cider, Dexter Cider Mill offers a variety of treats, including, but not limited to, doughnuts, caramel apples and apple nut bread. On weekends, even more options are available. These include apple strudel, apple turnovers, and hand rolled gingersnaps. Grown-ups, there’s also good news just for you! Dexter Cider Mill has recently started making its own hard cider!
3685 Central St, Dexter. 734-426-8531.
Hours: Open Wednesday-Sunday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Wasem Fruit Farm
Located in Milan, this u-pick farm offers opportunities to pick apples in the fall, and raspberries for a limited time in September and October. They also have a shop which sells apple cider and a variety of fresh donuts in many flavors including “plain batter, apple batter, blueberry batter, and pumpkin batter; all in plain, cinnamon-sugar, and other frosted varieties.” In addition to the doughnuts, apple butter and other jams and jellies are available for purchase.
6580 Judd Road, Milan. 734-482-2342.
Hours: Fall is the busiest season, and starting mid-September, Wasem Fruit Farm will be open five to six days a week until Oct. 31, with u-pick apples and pumpkins from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For the latest information related to hours, please check here.
Wiard’s Orchards
Open each fall, Wiard’s Orchards brings the fun of u-pick apples and pumpkins along with the excitement of a country fair all to one place! Attractions include a petting farm, corn maze, giant triple slide and wagon rides.
5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti. 734-390-9211.
Hours: Opens September 5th, Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m, closed Mondays.
