by Emily Carroll
Autumn in Michigan is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the outdoors — especially with Rochester University's fall break starting tomorrow Oct. 14 — and the many cider mills within a few miles of campus are the perfect place to start.
Yates Cider Mill
Yates Cider Mill, a perennial RU favorite because of its close proximity to campus, is the oldest cider mill in Michigan, born in 1863. Junior Olivia Francis visited Yates with her family, recently and said, “The donuts and cider slushies were top-notch from Yates. I highly recommend it!”
Yates won WWJ Radio's 2022 Mill Madness tournament and was named "The Big Apple." After narrowing it down from 32 of Michigan’s most popular cider mills and orchards, WWJ listeners have voted Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills as the state’s top location for cider, donuts, and overall fall fun.
As noted on its website, Yates' mission is: "We want people to leave happier than when they arrived. And that mission can be heard, felt, seen and tasted in every single thing we do." So stop by Yates on East Avon Road to try their various doughnuts, ciders, apple treats, and fresh pies and pastries, and leave a little happier. Yates is located at 1950 E. Avon Road in Rochester Hills.
Rochester Cider Mill
Rochester Cider Mill, located north of campus on Rochester Road, has apples, ciders and donuts, and also offers fall decorations with corn stalks, pumpkins and hay to help bring the fall spirit back to your home. One unique aspect to the Rochester Cider Mill is its display of antique farm tools and equipment, which makes for fun photo opportunities!
Goodison Cider Mill
Goodison Cider Mill, located on Orion Road in Rochester, is a great place to visit for a live music experience to go along with your apple cider. A local bluegrass/folk band called String Time plays music every Sunday from 1-4 p.m. You can even watch the cider get pressed before taking a sip of the apple goodness.
Paint Creek Cider Mill
While going for a hike on the Paint Creek Trail, you might get hungry and want to stop at the Paint Creek Cider Mill, located at the corner of Gallagher and Orion Road in Rochester. This mill offers cider, a plethora of handmade dishes, and a restaurant with a from-scratch menu open all year long.
Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill
Recently, freshmen Karlee Jackson and Kamila Marin went with a group of friends to explore Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill located on Armada Center Road in Armada. Marin said her favorite part about the cider mill was “feeding the animals, especially the goats,” while Jackson said she enjoyed the cider slushies and all the activities available at the cider mill.
Blake's is a large operation featuring an open-air apple press, u-pick seasonal fruits and vegetables, a Funland area, a tasting room and restaurant, and a lavender market.
Long Family Orchard, Farm & Cider Mill
Long Family Orchard, Farm and Cider Mill, located on East Commerce Road in Commerce, includes endless activities for kids, or shameless adults. They have a fun farm area that includes a corn maze, jumping pillows, a ball zone, a giant slide and more! There are also fun games to play like a pedal track for some racing fun or apple and pumpkin cannons for some target practice.
In the fall, Michiganders have endless opportunities to make fun memories with cider, doughnuts and other fall treats. Grab some friends and family and enjoy these fun places around RU this fall season.
Pictured:
Top Left: Allison Scott Freshman
Top Right: Emma Schindler Freshman
Right: Jenna Gayle Junior
Bottom Right: Karlee Jackson Freshman
Bottom Left: Angel Zoulek Freshman
Left: Kamila Marin Freshman
Pictured:
Left: Karlee Jackson
Middle: Jenna Gayle
Right: Emma Schindler
Bottom: Kamila Marin
Pictured: Kamila Marin
Pictured:
Left to Right: Angel Zoulek, Karlee Jackson, Jenna Gayle, Allison Scott, Emma Schindler
Bottom: Kamila Marin
Comments