The months of September and October are filled with leaves changing colors, football season in full swing. Transition from summer heat to the cool crisp air of autumn starts everyone's favorite season: SWEATER weather. With fall, comes family trips to the cider mill. Here is a list of the 11 best Cider Mills in Southeastern, Michigan.
1. Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill
Blake's has more than a dozen acres of land for kids to run around, with multiple structures for jumping and climbing on. Being able to watch cider being made is an experience that feels magical only during the fall.
2. Yates Cider Mill
There are hills, benches, a river walk, a petting zoo. Don't come if you're in a hurry because the doughy doughnuts attract large crowds on the weekends.
3. Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill
This store is stocked with fresh produce, warm, crisp doughnuts, and the orchard offers U-Pick apples, pumpkins and raspberries. Be sure to reserve a spot at the scare-free Moonlight Hayride Saturday nights in October.
4. Westview Orchard and Adventure Farm
Who doesn't want to slide down a 40-foot slide and explore the rest of the three acre playground, petting farm and then finish with the cider mill. After, having a fresh doughnut and a glass of cold cider let your sweet tooth wander to Schoolhouse Ice Cream & Sweet shoppe or let your adventure side come out and romp around the tire mountain or log obstacle course.
5. Goodison Cider Mill
What's a cider mill without fresh cider and apples to take home. Sunday's has entertainment by John the balloon guy, moonwalks and music by a blue grass ensemble.
6. Long Family Orchard, Farm & Cider Mill
After picking apples and pumpkins, take a relaxing wagon ride and test your patience in the Night Time Corn Maze. Then, bring home some honey, apple butter, preserves and breads too.
7. Paint Creek Cider Mill
This is more than a cider mill, there is a menu full of sandwiches, coney dogs, pizza and ice cream. Plus, there is barbecue items on the menu. There is something for everyone in the family, even the fussy ones. After, having lunch take a walk on part of the Paint Creek Trail and check out the giant water wheel in the fall.
8. Rochester Cider Mill
Bring the kids or those teenagers who act like kids to climb the straw pyramid and go to the petting farm. After, you can admire a collection of antique farm equipment outside and in. You can guess what the old tools were used for by matching their number to the description. As a family it could a bet on who gets the most right, who doesn't enjoy beating their sibling or parents.
9. Westview Cider Mill
The smell of warm, fresh peach donuts fills the air at this cider mill. To wash it down have a glass of peach cider. If your not a fan of peach donuts then try donuts with bacon on it. WHAT! Bacon donuts! There are donuts with a dark chocolate glaze or a maple glaze topped with bacon crumbles on it.
10. Verellen Cider Mill
There is more than just the typical cider here. Instead, they also create delicious cider SLUSHIES! It is highly recommended to try the fresh homemade coffee cake or cookies. For the kids, there is fresh popped popcorn.
11. Erwin Orchards, Inc.
Traditional homemade cider and doughnuts is offered here. While your out, make a day of it and check out the other attractions. Daytime corn maze, the Barn of Horrors, Corn Stalkers Maze, personal picking for apples, pumpkins, raspberries and cherries.
