Dear Crabby, Lately, the weather has been wacky. Are there still places where I can drive to see the leaves changing or have I missed my chance?Thanks!Greta GreeneryDear Greta Greenery, Good news - you’re in luck! Typically, toward the end of September is when the trees start to turn, but the warmer weather has delayed the process a bit. So, while there is still time to catch the color-changing happening around our beautiful state, I wouldn’t wait too long, though. Especially, if you plan … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Where is the Best Place to See Michigan’s Beautiful Fall Colors?
October 13, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Are the Cider Mills Open as Usual?
September 18, 2020 by Leave a Comment
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...]
Rochester Cider Mill is Oakland Township’s Oldest Cider Location
November 9, 2019 by 3 Comments
In 1938, Frederick Sargeant and his son, George, planted an orchard on a 73-acre parcel along North Rochester Road in Oakland Township. Sargeant’s Fruit Farm sold apples, peaches, and cherries, along with tomatoes, potatoes, and flowers from a farm stand on the property. In 1948-49, they made an addition to the building to accommodate a cider mill and an additional sales room. At first, the Sargeants took their apples to Yates Cider Mill to have them pressed into cider, but then Frederick and … [Read more...]
Paint Creek Cider Mill Stands on Historical Mill Site
October 23, 2019 by 1 Comment
Paint Creek Cider Mill in Goodison is a popular stop for outdoor enthusiasts who use the Paint Creek Trail, as well as for those passersby who crave a good, cold glass of cider and a doughnut during the fall season. Although the present structure was built over the course of a decade beginning in 1958, its location has been the site of a mill for 184 years—since Michigan was a territory. Col. Needham Hemingway built the first mill on the property in 1835, and his sons, Freeman and Henry, … [Read more...]
Goodison Cider Mill is Now in Its Sixth Decade of Cider Making
September 28, 2019 by 3 Comments
The Goodison Cider Mill has been a fixture in the small community that shares its name for over half a century. Lloyd Blankenburg, a local fruit grower, and his wife, Marion, opened the mill in 1965. At the time, the Blankenburgs were already operating a fruit stand on the property, so they expanded the building and added a cider press. The fruit stand had stood at the location since the 1920s, and one section of the current building dates from that time. When Lloyd Blankenburg decided to … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Where’s the Best Cider Mill in Southeast Michigan?
October 4, 2017 by 1 Comment
Dear Crabby, Now that fall sorta feels like it’s here, I was wondering if you have a favorite cider mill you could recommend. Thanks, Paul Pomme Dear Paul Pomme, Gee, pal. Are you looking to get me into trouble? Michiganders take their cider mills pretty seriously and showing favoritism could cost me some fans. Then again, when have I ever cared what people think about me? While I haven’t been to every cider mill in southeast Michigan, I will tell you where you go all comes down to … [Read more...]
Rochester Hills Public Library Hosts Cider Tasting
October 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Visiting Michigan Cider Mills To get you in the fall mood, the Rochester Hills Public Library is hosting a cider tasting during the lecture, Visiting Michigan Cider Mills on October 10. Starting at 7:00 p.m., writer and local cider enthusiast Michael Dwyer will speak on the variety of cider mills throughout the state. Concluding the event will be a cider tasting. “Southeast Michigan is fortunate to have several cider mills in our community, each one offering the visitor a difference … [Read more...]
Cider Mill Hike
September 22, 2016 by 1 Comment
Next Tuesday, Michael Dwyer of Rochester Media, will join The Midweek Meanders walking group to lead a hike in Oakland Township and the Village of Goodison to visit two of the area's cider mills. Free and open to all. Meet at 10:30 a.m. under the large covered porch at the Paint Creek Cider Mill building at 4480 Orion Road, Oakland Twp. (about 2 1/2 miles north from Rochester Road). Paint Creek Cider Mill (lots of free parking) is a large cedar building. From there we'll explore the new … [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...]
Cider Mills Open with Bumper Apple Crop
September 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Bumper Crop 2013 The Michigan apple crop is back. After last year’s disappointing drop of 90%, causing apple and cider prices to rise, the apple crop is way above average for this fall season. Only 2.7 million bushels were harvested in Michigan in 2012. This year, an estimated 30 million bushels is expected. “Many factors have contributed to this large crop,” said Diane Smith, Michigan Apple Committee executive director. “Great weather this past spring and summer, including cool … [Read more...]
