Dear Crabby, Are the Cider Mills Open as Usual? Sincerely, Johnny A. Hi Johnny, Well yes they are! And they are busy! If you like lines, go on the weekend. However, if you're like me and cannot stand a line for any reason (unless it's for something free) then go through the week and go to a smaller cider mill, such as Rochester Cider Mill or Goodison Cider Mill. But the Rochester area has four great mills and you should hit them all at least once this season. Dear Crabby Gives … [Read more...]
Michigan Made Shurms Candy Available at Local Cider Mills
October 1, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Cider Mills Open, Local Products a Hit Fall can be bittersweet. The end of summer, back to school, and snow around the corner will make most people wish they had done more in June and July. However, the autumn also brings many wonderful traditions. Cider mills, Halloween, and the changing colors of the trees are some of the best things in Michigan. Cider Mill season is in full swing—October is now here—with local products on hand to catch the eyes of conscience-minded shoppers. Shurms … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Can You Suggest a First Date Idea?
September 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, I just met a girl at college here in Rochester and I want to ask her out. I’m not from the area; can you recommend a first date idea that will knock her socks off? Sincerely, Need a Good Plan Dear Need a Good Plan, First of all, socks should not be coming off until at least the third date and then, only to give her a foot massage. But I know you didn’t mean that literally. You’re in luck, back in the day I was king of first dates, not so much second dates, but certainly … [Read more...]
Cider Mills Wind Down For Season
November 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Michigan Apples Set State Record It was a good season for apples here in Michigan. The state set shipment records two weeks in a row in October. With 9.2 million total apple trees in commercial production on 36,500 acres, Michigan is the third largest producer of apples in the United States, and distributes apples to 26 states and 18 countries. As one of the largest fruit crops in the state, apples have an estimated annual impact of $700–900 million on Michigan’s economy. “Our growers, … [Read more...]
October Scares, Treats, and Events near Rochester
October 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Haunted Houses Several scary attractions haunt the area. A 43-year tradition, the Tunnel of Terror, returns to the Rochester Municipal Park. Located on Pine Street north of University Drive and west of Main Street, this annual tradition hosted by the Rochester Area Junior Chamber (Jaycees) is open Friday and Saturday nights from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. $15.00 per person. Just outside the Rochester Area are Erebus and Scott’s Haunted Corn Maze. Erebus is in Downtown Pontiac and is a … [Read more...]
Cider & Salmon
September 4, 2013 by 3 Comments
I’m all geared-up not just because the salmon are starting their annual river spawning migrations, but also because I can smell that heavenly aroma of sweet apple cider, fresh baked donuts and caramel apples drifting down from the 137-year-old cider mill just upstream. The amazing thing is that both are happening right here in Rochester Hills right now and the epicenter for all of this excitement is Yates Cider Mill. Yates is a Michigan landmark and a registered historic site and its mill has … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, What’s all the hype about Cider Mills?
September 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, I just moved to the area from down south, and I see all these signs and advertisements for cider mills. What is all the hype for? What do these mills have to offer? Sincerely, Sal Sourly Dear Mr. Sourly, As a lifelong Michigander, and as a Rochester Hills resident who has three cider mills within three miles of my house, I have to say that I am a big fan of them! I'm not sure how the whole thing got started; I assume some farmer had a big crop of apples and was … [Read more...]
It’s Apple Cider Time! Cider Mills are Opening in the Rochester Area
August 31, 2011 by 1 Comment
Everything is still green and it seems summer just started. However, the kids go back to school soon and the cider mills are opening this weekend. We’ve waited all year to taste that wonderful nectar from our Michigan apple growers – finally, it is apple cider time. Our state is blessed with over a hundred cider mills and the Rochester area has three that still press their apples the old-fashioned way, on site for you to watch and enjoy. On the north edge of the village of Goodison, is … [Read more...]
