The unseasonably cool weather this week has got me thinking...
Next week school is back in session, football season is just around the corner, the days are getting shorter and the nights have begun to cool ever so slightly. These subtle changes indicate that it's time for cider, donuts, and visiting area apple orchards! Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, and visiting the many great apple orchards and cider mills is the highlight of the season. In the interest of shopping locally however, I have compiled a list of cider mills, pumpkin patches and apple orchards in Washtenaw County that I have visited and like to visit. Be sure to add additional locations in the comments below!
Belleville
1 DeBuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch (50240 Martz Rd., Belleville, MI 48111): Enjoy the kids are as well as go carts, hay slide, a pumpkin patch, and corn maze highlighting Frozen.
(734) 260-0334
2 The Pumpkin Factory (48651 Harris Rd., Belleville MI 48111)
Haunted hayride, a country store, pumpkins a playground for the kids, farm animals, children's maze, straw jump, the free little haunted house, pony rides on weekends and a corn maze. (734)461-2763
Dexter
3 Berry Hill Farm (12835 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter MI 48130): Buy pumpkins or patch-pick in the field. Also find honey from hives on the farm. Typically open August through October. Parking and fall scenery are free. From the owner of Berry Hill Farm (Dexter).
734-475-1516
4 The Blast Corn Maze (6175 Daly Rd., Dexter MI 48130): Kids pumpkin patch field, corn maze, hay bale maze, wagon rides, snacks and refreshment stand. Restrooms, a picnic area, and farm animals are also available. Open September through October. Cost: $5+ Kids under 4 free. Hayrides are $3/ride.
734-845-7127
5 Dexter Cider Mill (3685 Central St., Dexter MI 48130): The Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest operating cider mill in Michigan. Families can find natural cider, fresh apples, doughnuts, caramel apples and bakery goods in addition to seasonally available locally grown vegetables and apple products. Families can also enjoy slushies, and popcorn. Open mid-August. Cost: Admission and parking are free.
734-426-8531
6 Lesser Farms and Orchard (12651 Island Lake Rd., Dexter MI 48130): Offering families plums, apples, cider, homemade jams and jellies, beeswax candles, honey, soaps and pumpkins. Open year round, cider and apples are available in the fall. Free parking.
734 426-0606
Manchester
7 Alber Orchard & Cider Mill plus corn maze (13011 Bethel Church Rd., Manchester MI 48158): Families enjoy a family owned orchard that has been in business since 1890. View an old fashioned cider press, pick pumpkins, enjoy the fresh cider, wander the corn maze or take a hay ride. Open Labor day through November 7. School tours are $5.00 per child or parent, corn maze admission $5+. Many free events at the orchard throughout the season.
734-428-9310
Milan
8 Wasem Fruit Farm (6580 Judd Rd., Milan MI 48160): Families will find apple cider, donuts, pumpkins, squash, plums and seasonal fruits and veggies with u-pick raspberries. Open September through early November. Call for specifics. Parking is free.
No u-pick apples for 2012.
734-482-2342
9 Talladay Farms (6270 Judd Rd., Milan MI 48160): Find several corn mazes, a straw bale maze for kids and bonfire firepits. Located 1/4 mile from Wasem's Apple Orchard. Open September 16. Cost $1. 734-439-2313
Northville
10 Obstbaum Orchards and Cider Mill (9252 Currie Rd., Northville MI 48167): Take the family for u-Pick apples and pumpkins. Open September through late October. Free parking.
248-349-5569
11 Three Cedars Farm (7897 6 Mile Rd., Northville MI 48167): Find a u-pick pumpkin patch, a variety of gathered pumpkins, a corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, produce, a gift shop, snacks and a refreshment stand with nearby picnic area and farm animals. Free parking.
248-437-8200
Plymouth
12 Donahee Farms (6055 Tower Rd., Plymouth MI 48170): Three generations of farmers offering families u-pick pumpkins and a straw maze. Open seasonally. Free parking.
734-459-0655
13 Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill (10685 Warren Rd., Plymouth MI 48170): Pick a pumpkin or purchase and already picked one or take a leisurely wagon ride through the orchard - Lots to taste, see and do. Enjoy fresh donuts and apple cider while visiting the farm animals. Open August 27 to November 6. Free parking, wagon rides are $2+, children 3 and under are free.
734-455-2290
Saline
14 Lutz Orchard (11030 Macon Rd., Saline MI 48176): Families will enjoy fresh picked apples, produce, and pumpkins. Children will enjoy seeing the animals on a real working farm. Closed on Thursdays. Open seasonally September through October. Free parking.
734-429-5145
15 Coleman's Corn Maze (12758 Jordan Rd., Saline, MI 48176): Fun for the entire family including a petting zoo, kids maze, pumpkin patch, a hay pile and barrel train.
734-429-1212
Ypsilanti
16 Wiard's Orchards and County Fair (5565 Merritt Rd., Ypsilanti MI 48197)
Enjoy a fall festival with apples, pumpkins, hay rides, inflatable bounce houses, putt putt, a petting farm and the perfect backdrop for fall family photos.
734-482-7744
As the weather turns, like the leaves gently blowing outside the window, be sure to step out and visit one of these great local cider mills for their fall attractions and events, family fun and perfect apples, cider and donuts! Many will have weekend events and entertainment suitable for the whole family or for a visit from your child's classroom.
Sources: www.AnnArborMom.blogspot.com, individual company websites and www.pickyourown.org, www.Arborwiki.com
Do you have old costumes your kids have outgrown? Perhaps your children don't enjoy hand-me-downs and want to see what else they could wear. If either of these scenarios appeal to you, then consider participating in the Halloween Costume SWAP at the Ann Arbor District Library.
