Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor

In Glen Arbor, part of Michigan's pinkie, you'll find the Cherry Republic "Stomp House" Winery which makes a lovely cherry hard cider and cherry pop and cherry wines and tons of other cherry products. You haven't lived until you've eaten a cherry boomchunka cookie! If you are looking for Christmas gifts, they offer free shipping on orders of $100 or more. They also make a unique blend of popcorn that they call Snow Orchard Crunch with cherries, pecans, caramel and white chocolate. Their slogan is Life, Liberty, Beaches and Pie. For Black Friday, Nov 23, they are having a pajama party from 5-8am!

Romeo's Westview Orchard, Cider and Corn Maze

Michael Bowerman began this Romeo farm in 1813 and his offspring--6th and 7th generation--proudly carry on the tradition.  Brian gave us an awesome tour showing us the creek that his great great great great great great grand daddy would follow in order to trade with the Indians.  They use underground irrigation to water their crops. We enjoyed the animals to pet, hay wagon rides, cider, honey, peach flips, ice cream, cheddar chive bread, a peck of apples, and apple cherry butter.  Want a pumpkin? They have wagons out in the field for you to pick one out then pull it back in a toy wagon.  Our favorite thing is their corn maze--actually they have three of them with one running at night, so bring your flashlight. This is a beautiful bicentennial farm!

Uncle John's Cidery in St John's

Our favorite hard cider in the state has to be Uncle John's from the cidery on Highway 127 just north of Lansing in St Johns. Their flavors are all delicious--apple cider, pear cider and especially apple cherry cider. They make a popular non-alcoholic cider as well to go with homemade donuts, pies and breads. Their gift shop sells wines produced on the farm as well as preserves and various souvenirs.  Don't forget a wagon ride to top it all off.

Sleeping Bear Winery

We're getting close to grape harvest time and Michigan has a myriad of excellent wineries to explore. Our latest discovery is the new and unpretentious Sleeping Bear in Albion, just west of Jackson. We not only like their wines, we love their cider called Farmhouse. Their big Winetoberfest is October 9th complete with Polka Band.

Almar Orchard and Cidery in Flushing

The little town of Flushing, just west of Flint, is home to a farm that produces fruits, veggies and livestock. They make their own cider and the fermented kind as well. The pigs on the farm are fed apples which gives their meat a distinctly different and delicious taste, too. We bought the organic cider (both kinds) and the organic pork. You can get your cider in a growler (Scott is filling our jug here) and then when you come back with your empty container, refill it at a reduced price. Can't beat that. They are open to the public with hayrides and a petting farm. More info here.