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Apples and Cider and Donuts ~ Oh my!

Where to go in and around Livingston County

By Autumn J. Moricz October 6, 2023

We all have our go-to place in the fall where we find THE BEST apples, cider, pumpkins and donuts. 

For some we go for the hot, fresh donuts, others pick a place based on the activities and keeping their kids busy.

No matter the reason for making your Cider Mill or Pumpkin Patch choice enjoy your family time this fall at one of the MANY local farms and cider mills.


Spicer Orchards

A Livingston County staple and a fall favorite, Spicer Orchards has been around since the 1950’s. Starting out, the family had locations in Detroit and Novi, and eventually moved to the Hartland area in 1967. Since then the operation has grown to include a 10,000-bushel storage facility, sorting machine, donut shop, bakery, cider mill, winery and sales room. Anything you need, you can probably find it here. Just a few of the many activities they offer are: hayrides to pick fruit, donut production, farm animal barn, pony rides, and pumpkin picking. Bring the whole family to enjoy the activities, find that perfect pumpkin, and try some of their unique wines.

810-632-7692

10411 Clyde Rd.

Fenton, MI 48430

http://www.spicerorchards.com/


Blake Farms

(Formerly ERWIN'S)

Blake’s is proud to now serve South Lyon. The first tree was planted here in 1920 by James N. Erwin and the Blake Family is excited to continue the apple growing tradition started here and to provide the community with delicious cider, donuts and much more.

(248) 437-0150

61475 Silver Lake Rd,
South Lyon, MI 48178

WEBSITE: Blake Farms


Parshallville Cider Mill

Parshallville Cider Mill, as it is commonly known, was originally called Tom Walker’s Grist Mill and is a Michigan Historic Site. Situated on North Ore Creek, the 136-year-old mill is one of the last remaining water-powered mills in Michigan. They make a variety of products in including cider, spiced donuts, caramel apples, and homemade apple pies. The mill is open 7 days a week from Saturday of Labor Day weekend thru mid-November, weather permitting.

810-629-9079

8507 Parshallville Rd.

Fenton, MI 48430

http://parshallvillecidermill.com/


Markillie Orchard

Located just north of Howell in a quiet country setting, you’ll find the family-owned Markillie Orchard. They began planting apple trees in 1998. In 2006 they built a barn to start a cider mill and begin donut production. You’ll find jams, jellies, salsa, soft serve ice cream, cider slushes, and more available for purchase. Kids will enjoy the outdoor play area!

517-546-3485

5200 N. Latson Rd.

Howell, MI 48855

http://www.markillieorchard.com/



 


DEXTER CIDER MILL

The Dexter Cider Mill is one of the oldest operating cider mills in the state of Michigan using an oak rack press to make their fresh apple cider. Recently, they expanded to producing hard cider for those over the age of 21. Along with the cider, they offer apples, vegetables, and many decadent treats from their very own bakery.

3685 Central Street

Dexter, MI

WEBSITE: Dexter Cider Mill – The Dexter Cider Mill

 

Lesser Farms and Orchard

Lesser Farms and Orchard got its start selling apples in between Dexter and Chelsea in 1962.

Since then, the business has grown and now creates its own cider that continues to be hand-pressed the same way since the beginning.

The family business uses only apples from its orchard and mentions the taste of the cider may differ from week to week depending on the combination of apples it uses.

The orchard, 12651 Island Lake Road, is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Customers should plan to pay using either cash or check.

(734) 426-8009

12651 Island Lake Rd

Dexter, MI 48130

WEBSITE: Lesser Farms and Orchard | Michigan


CHAMBERS FARM

Family friend farm with a great seleciton of pumpkins, gourds and all things fall. Families enjoy going through the corn maze, animal barns and jumping on the hay bales. Pumpkins are available at the front, near the garage as well as in the U-pick fields.

(517) 375-5952

6820 Farley Rd

Pinckney, MI 48169

Click here for their page on Facebook



SCHELL FAMILY FARM

FROM THEIR WEBSITE:

Here’s a look at our 250 acre property and activities

Christmas Trees

Over 40 Acres of Christmas Trees (~50,000) coming in 2020

Sunflowers & Wildflowers

Starting around August we have over 7 acres of a beautiful Sunflower bloom. PLUS newly added 3 acres of Wildflowers. This is a perfect time to stop by and wander through our maze, take pictures, and pick flowers to share with loved ones!

Apples

Around late summer into fall we’ve got several acres of apples for sale. Come try our Honey Crisps!

Schell Family Farm Syrup

We harvest and process syrup completely in-house. Flavors include, Walnut, Maple, Hickory and the Schell Farm Exclusive, “Mickory“. 

Pumpkins

Come late summer we’ve got thousands of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Last year we had over 6,000 and expect even more this season!

Fruit Orchard

2 Acres of Plum and Pear Trees, as well as 350 Sweet Cherry Trees and a Peach Orchard!! When we are done we’ll have over 15 Acres of fruit roughly 11,000 trees!

School tours

We have several areas of our farm that are perfect for school trips of all ages. Including our Syrup processing tour,  fruit orchard tour, and Christmas tree trail. Click >> CONTACT US to discuss any tour inquiries you may have. 

Wagon Rides

Having such a HUGE piece of property has allowed us the ability to create some amazing trails that you’re sure to LOVE! 

Photography Sessions

We love to share all this beautiful scenery. Feel free to contact us to setup private photo sessions! WE DO NOT PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPHER 


JENNY'S FARM STAND

Jenny’s Farm Stand is a 200 year old working farm located in Dexter Michigan. Bring your family to Jenny’s Farm this fall to find a gigantic selection of pumpkins for Halloween. Farm also offers picnic areas for a family gathering, bonfires at night and tours of the 200 year old working farm.
Straw Maze:
Each year Jenny's offers a Free Straw Maze engineered on location in the fall for children to come and play in and on. Your child will have hours of fun climbing up and down and in & out of our structurally engineered Haunted Straw Maze. They’ll climb to the top or play hide ‘n seek while you sit and enjoy a cup of cider and some of the freshly made pumpkin donuts.

(734) 424-3431

8366 Island Lake Rd

Dexter, MI 48130 

Check them out on Facebook