West Michigan Cider Trail
What is one of the many things that sets Michigan apart? Cider! Fall has become a highlight for Michiganders because of the beauty and family fun offered during these months. Whether you’re looking for a hard cider to enjoy with friends as you sip your way through West Michigan, or a classic apple cider to enjoy with family—Michigan has you covered with bushels of options.
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HARD CIDER:
Archival Brewing
Located in Belmont, Michigan, this brewery boasts an extensive beverage and food menu from professionals who have cooked all over the world. They gained experience in craft brewing at home and honed their skills in several Grand Rapids breweries. After educating themselves in the ancient styles of beer they have grown their passion into their livelihood. Their ciders are a must try, but don’t forget to also sample one of their many beers, sparkling beverages, and their delicious food items.
Painted Turtle Hard Cider
A trip to Lowell, Michigan isn’t complete until you’ve stopped at the Red Barn and visited the Painted Turtle Hard Cider tasting room. Run by fifth generation apple growers, this is where experience and passion merge together to provide a great experience with a great cider. Made from 100 percent pure apple cider, sip on a delicious glass while enjoying all that the Red Barn has to offer! This experience includes the farm store, café, ice cream shop, and the barnyard with activities for the whole family.
Sierra Rose Cellars
Enjoy year-round ciders, limited release, and seasonal ciders from Sierra Rose Cellars. Starting with apple cider, fermented themselves, natural fruit juices are added to each cider to provide a unique and refreshing beverage. Family owned and crafting since 2003, their gluten-free and artificial-free beverages are a must try. Give their fantastic wine and beer selection a try, as well the experience of visiting their tasting room, located in the Cascade Winery on Broadmoor Avenue. Afraid to get hooked on their ciders and not be able to enjoy them anytime? They distribute their libations to many locations around the country so you can enjoy them anytime, anywhere.
Thornapple Brewing Co.
Opened in 2017 in Cascade Township, this company offers a robust menu of drinks brewed by internationally awarded owners who bring their combined 50 years of brewing experience to the table. With a drink menu including ciders, meads, wines, seltzers, beer, and spirits, this is a place you’ll want to stop and stay awhile. Their passion and experience are apparent in each glass. Make sure to try some of their amazing food items as well—especially their gourmet pizzas.
Farmhaus Cider Co.
Starting as a hobby out of their parents’ garage in 2006, the owners of Farmhaus Cider Co. combined their need for a creative outlet with their liking to drink to create this cool company in Hudsonville, Michigan. Their blood, sweat, and tears are apparent in every aspect of this business—including the structure. It began as an abandoned barn in the woods and, after rebuilding it themselves, grew into the cidery it is today. Their cider won the People’s Choice Award four years in a row and they offer a core series year-round to those who enjoy a staple beverage, as well as session series throughout the year to give patrons something new to try.
FAMILY FUN
Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo
Another cider destination in Michigan is Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo. What makes this a must for future visits? Well, aside from their delicious and fun cider beverages, there is a ton of family fun activities to fill your day. Enjoy over 46 attractions, see over 100 animals, and burn off some energy on the Hillbilly Giant Slide, low ropes and activity course, pedal carts, and more. Then recharge with some delicious donuts and sweets at the bakery or grab lunch at the Farm Market Kitchen. Make sure to say, “hi” to all of their animals in the zoo—including sloths, wallabies, lemurs, and other company! To plan your visit and learn more about their hours, check out the link:
Robinettes Apple Haus and Winery
Stop into Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery and sip away at their Michigan-made wines and ciders. With over 20 options to choose from, made right at Robinette’s, whether you’re looking for an adult beverage or just a great glass of cider, everyone is sure to find something that ignites their taste buds. Make sure to enjoy their nature trails, hayrides, jumping pillow, and more. It’s super fun to get lost in their corn maze and let the smell of fresh baked donuts guide you out. Don’t forget to get your picture taken in the massive Adirondack chair and huge apple out front!
Crane Orchards
The Crane family has perfected the art of pressing cider and providing delicious food to those who visit. Spend a good part of your day in their 20-acre corn maze, enjoy a cow train ride, and fun-filled tractor-driven hayride for all. Make sure to stop into the Pie Pantry Restaurant for delicious food and enjoy their phenomenal cider all throughout your visit.
Gull Meadow Farms
For a fun filled day, jam packed with activities for the whole family, head over to Gull Meadow Farms in Richland, Michigan. Attractions include duck races, labyrinth, tube slide, petting zoo, and so much more! Pick your own apples and stop by one of the food trucks they schedule throughout the season. With all the fun activities, you’ll have to make sure to hydrate with their fresh-made apple cider. They also offer a huge variety of special events throughout all seasons, including the winter. Check their website for more details and for the new attractions coming this season. https://gullmeadowfarms.com/
Jollay Orchards
Perfecting the art of growing fruit since 1857, the Jollay Orchards in Coloma, Michigan offers many activities and delicious, one-of-a-kind options in their market. Purchase an array of jams, jellies, BBQ sauce, mustards, salsas, cider donuts, and apple cider slushies. U-pick a variety of fruits and have fun in the corn maze, animal farm, playground, and western town. Picnic areas are also available with charcoal grills. Make sure to check the dates of their annual Harvest Festival and take part in their hay rides, haunted house, farm market, and pick a pumpkin from their patch.
VerHage Fruit Farm and Cider
Grab your delicious cider beginning in September through Thanksgiving at VerHage Fruit Farm and Cider. Growing fruit in Kalamazoo since 1960, you’ll enjoy a delicious cup of cider every time you visit. With experience in milling cider since 1962, the farm has kept the secret blend of specially selected apples in the family, providing quality cider each year. Using their vintage press that dates back 125 years, their cider is all-natural with no additives, preservatives, and no pasteurization. Want more? Look no further! This one-of-a-kind place offers the experience of the milling process firsthand for interested customers! Reservations are available weekdays for group tours to see a demonstration of the cider making process from beginning to end. Finish your day with u-pick apples and take home a variety or other fruits, donuts, caramel apples, fudge, and homemade pies.
Blok Orchard
Getting its start in 1965 with just 29 acres of apple and peach trees, the Blok Orchard made a name for itself and has continued to grow and become a staple in Ada, Michigan. If you’re looking for a great place to get your fruits and even vegetables in the Grand Rapids area—look no further. Beginning their u-pick in 1988, they continued to diversify in 2000 and added tomatoes, flowers, and other vegetables to their already apple and peach offerings. Now they house 43 acres of apple trees, three acres of peach trees, half of an acre of blueberry bushes, and another half of an acre of cherry trees where you’re sure to find a variety of delicious, locally grown produce!
Grandview Orchard
Looking for a no-frills orchard with delicious cider and donuts? Well look no further than Grandview Orchard in Hudsonville, Michigan. This family-owned orchard offers apples by the half bushel or a full bushel. However, they do not offer a u-pick option so be sure to order ahead and simply pick up your order for better ease and convenience! Make sure to sip on some delicious cider while grabbing your order and enjoy a couple of delicious donuts, because one won’t be enough!
Heritage Farms Market
Fremont, Michigan is home to Heritage Farms Market, where you can come and enjoy preservative-free cider and freshly made donuts. Watch your fresh-made cider being pressed or, on those warm days, slurp on an ice-cold cider slushie. The season begins in June—just in time for the slushies—and runs into November. One unique feature of this market is their mini gold course.
Play a round and then visit the Farm Town Petting Zoo before finding your way through the corn maze and bouncing on their giant jumping pillow! In the fall, make sure to stop by their u-pick pumpkin patch. Say, “hello” to their elk, buffalo, and Scottish highlander before checking out their ninja goat walk. Stop into the market on your way out and pick out some delicious produce and bakery offerings. School and group tours are welcome so make sure to visit their website to reserve your tour.
Anderson and Girls Orchards
Anderson and Girls Orchards has been a family run orchard in Stanton, Michigan since the family bought the farm in 1978. From humble beginnings, the orchard has grown into a destination. The cider mill starts its operations annually on Labor Day weekend and continues through the beginning of December—making it one of the longest local cider seasons.
After starting a petting zoo in 2000 with just five goats and two jersey calves, the orchard is now home to over 140 animals and 14 bird species. The best part? Visit all of those wonderful animals at no additional cost! After that, stop into the sweet shop and check out their full menu and gift shop, including novelty gifts and farm market foods. The bakery is a great way to finish off your trip, offering homemade donuts, pies, specialty breads, brownies, cookies, jams, cheeses, local honey, and maple syrup! You’re sure to find a bunch of fun at the orchard and a ton of treats and gifts to take home along with the memories.
Cotants Farm Market
Located one mile south of Hastings, Michigan, this family-owned farm has been in operation since 1947. Fresh apple cider is a staple at this market, along with a variety of other treats, produce, and flowers grown by specialized greenhouse growers. All their goodies are made on-site and include the highly sought after, donuts, homemade lemonade, cookies, kettle corn, cheese popcorn, caramel apples, and even elephant ears. U-pick some delicious apples to take home and make sure to mark their annual Fall Fest on your calendar. Are you one to enjoy a fun corn maze, pumpkin patch, concessions, and more? Their Festival is a must to attend! Bad weather? Don’t worry, they also offer a bunch of great indoor activities including straw mountain, straw maze, an obstacle course, bounce house, zipline, and mini-John Deere tractor raceway!
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Cute Fall outfits!
