On October 20, the lobby at the Grand Traverse Resort became my favorite hotel lobby in the world.
An iconic, award-winning Traverse City hotel, the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa towers above the Grand Traverse Bay. Rotating doors open to a massive expanse, mahogany wood accenting the neutral, alabaster interior. Natural sunlight streams through the atrium and skylights. Lounge chairs and a piano gather in the center of the lobby, beneath dangling flags. An indoor water feature trickles adjacent to the lobby bar toward the back.
Guests check in to reception to the left. A line of eager eyed brides queue up to attend a bridal expo in the ballroom. Straight ahead, a hallway leads to restaurants and a spa. It’s bustling.
There’s an energy in this lobby, but nothing compared to the energy when the hotel lobby came alive that night.
“I can’t do it. I’m done.” She lamented, furrowing her brow and clutching her stomach.
No. NO. We’re doing this.
“We can’t give up,” I tried to encourage, while neglecting her discomfort.
Her eyes dropped, surrendering her gaze to the round O of fried batter coated with sweet cinnamon and sugar.
“I’m gonna barf.”
To anyone else, consuming a cinnamon-sugar donut and Michigan apple cider at the height of autumn is a delightful experience. But for my sister, who was now on, well, probably donut #6, that sweet donut indulgence turned sickly. Too. Much. Sugar.
You see, this wasn’t a challenge to eat as many donuts as gluttony would allow. No, we were on a mission to visit as many southeast Michigan cider mills in a day. We HAD to find the best cider mill in metro Detroit. We needed to determine who ranked as our favorite cider mill. We wanted to map out a Michigan Donut Trail or Michigan Fall Cider Crawl and discover the little nuances in atmosphere and flavor that make each cider mill unique.
And, to add to the torture, we filmed it.
While there are plenty of cider mills in Metro Detroit, we chose a particular area with an increased concentration of donuts and cider, which we lovingly and creatively coined the “Apple Corridor” (get it? Apple “Core”-idor?).
Ranking among the top apple producers in the country, it’s no surprise that an abundance of cider mills operate in Michigan.
During the fall, families, lovers, and friends flock to these cider mills. And why wouldn’t they? It’s the most quintessential autumn activity. Yet every cider mill is different and ever donut and cider tastes different.
So I wanted to challenge myself.
Visit as many cider mills as possible in a single day.
Determine which cider and which donut is my favorite. Everyone needs to have their go-to cider mill, right?
So I invited my sister to join me on a mini adventure to visit as many southeast Michigan cider mills in a day. We called it the Sisters Fall Cider Crawl (or the Michigan Fall Cider Crawl).
Advice for Visiting Multiple Cider Mills
Bring cash.
The spend range at each cider mill will be $2-5. Most cider mills require a minimum $10 spend for credit cards. Bring small denomination bills.
Eat and drink in moderation.
Remember, the goal for the cider crawl is to visit as many Michigan cider mills in a day. If you have a whole donut and cup of cider at every single cider mill, you’ll never make it – you’ll get a sugar hangover by the time you get to your fourth stop. If you’re going with a companion, split the cider and donut.
Snack between cider mills.
A sugared palette craves a salty intermission. Ever been to a beer festival and see people wearing pretzel necklaces? Same applies for the cider crawl. Trust me, your taste buds will want a break from all the cider and donuts. Bring something like popcorn or pretzels.
Map of Michigan Cider Mills
I created the map below to help you with your own Michigan fall cider crawl. Zooming into southeast Michigan, you’ll see the cider mills we visited in a different color. If any orchards/cider mills were missed, please send me a message or add it to the comments below and the map will be updated.
The Michigan Fall Cider Crawl: A Trail of Southeast Michigan Cider Mills
For the sake of good puns, we’ll call it the Apple Corridor. You get it, right? Apple Core-idor?
There’s a stretch of cider mills that straddle the borders of Oakland County and Macomb Country (zoom in on the map above to get a better view). This concentration of orchards and cider mills create an efficient trail to easily visit over 10 cider mills in a day. And if you’re extra ambitious, depending on where your journey begins, more can be added.
For the sake of this post, we’re starting south and working our way up.
Total drive time between cider mills: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total miles driven between cider mills: 44 miles
Middleton Cider Mill
Shelby Township, Michigan | est. 1956
A family-owned cider mill that makes its own products. Middleton Cider Mill is a smaller, less busy alternative to the popular Yates up the road. A duck pond keeps children entertained. Middleton’s cider is light and refreshing.
Yates Cider Mill
Rochester Hills, Michigan | est. 1863
One of the most popular cider mills in Michigan, Yates Cider Mill has been a community staple since the 1800s, following the same cider recipe that families have enjoyed for over a century. Walk along the Yates Trail adjacent to the Clinton River. Yates’ cider is a flavorful burst of apples. The donuts are puffy and soft, like dumplings.
Yates also has an outpost in Canterbury Village in Lake Orion, Michigan.
Rochester Cider Mill
Rochester, Michigan | est. 1981
The most photogenic cider mill, Rochester Cider Mill is seasonally decorated with pumpkins, mums, cornstalks, and golden leaves to complement its antique farm equipment. While its charm stays the same, the cider does not. The flavor varies week to week depending on the apple inventory.
Paint Creek Cider Mill
Rochester, Michigan | est. 2012
Paint Creek Cider Mill is nestled along the Paint Creek Trail and Paint Creek. The cider’s apple flavor is strong. The donuts are crispy, with cinnamon mixed in the batter.
Goodison Cider Mill
Rochester, Michigan | est. 1970s
A small cider mill with big flavor! only a quarter away from Paint Creek, Goodison Cider Mill creates an incredible product using a century old apple press. The cider is rich and smooth. The donut tastes like an elephant ear, with cinnamon and sugar that coats the dough to create a crunchy layer. Delicious.
Verellen Orchards & Cider
Washington, Michigan | est. 1970s
Originally a 1920s dairy farm, Verellen Orchards added cider and donuts in the 70s. Sit among their fruit trees as you enjoy their cider and donut. Their donut has a hint of orange blossom flavor. The cider is sweet, definitely the sweetest of the ciders listed here!
Westview Orchards Winery
Washington, Michigan | est. 1813
A fall family fun-zone. There’s so much to do and see at Westview Orchards (especially for kids!). You can taste the six-generations of family in their cider and donuts. The best way I can describe their cider is thick and opaque. It’s good!
Miller’s Big Red
Washington/Romeo, Michigan
Known for their u-pick fruits! Unfortunately I skipped this place on my cider crawl (needed a sugar break, see advice above) so I can’t comment on their cider and donuts. Let me know what your experience with Big Red was like in the comments.
Stony Creek Orchard & Cider Mill
Romeo, Michigan
Just up the road from Big Red, Stony Creek Orchard is the contrast to the crowded, overwhelming super mills. Stony Creek is small and intimate, with more of a family farm ambiance. PSL lovers, sometimes this orchard will make pumpkin spice donuts!
Hy’s Cider Mill
Romeo, Michigan | est. 1970s
Dirt roads lead to good things. Like Hy’s Cider Mill. Hy’s has that classic cider mill vibe, with a massive stretch of apple trees and empty fields and trees as far as the eye can see. Their donuts are very soft and puffy and their cider has a hint of tartness.
Blake’s Orchard
Armada, Michigan | est. 1946
One of my family favorites. Nobody can go wrong with a visit to Blake’s Orchard. Beyond their amazing cider and donuts, they have u-pick, family activities, and my favorite, HARD cider.
Our Michigan Fall Cider Crawl
As mentioned earlier, I challenged my sister to visit as many Michigan cider mills as possible in a day. We recorded the entire adventure, so you can watch our live reactions to the different cider mills. Hope you’re entertained! Watch out, Travel Channel. The Carnagie Sisters are the next big thing in video production!
After a few months of keeping it “show ready” and vacating the premises with cat-in-tow on a short 30 minute notice and hearing crickets after showings and open houses, we sold our house.
Finally.
What do you do with your cat when you get kicked out of your house for a showing? Wander around the local historical village, of course!
Cheddar isn’t impressed with the one room schoolhouse. Look at that cattitude. “Mom, can we go home yet?”
On your 50th anniversary, will you look back and smile at all your memories and travels as a couple?
Why should you take an Anniversary Trip?
Because science.
It’s proven that couples who travel together, stay together. I’m sure I read it in some scientific journal. I’m sure of it. Because travel makes people happy and happiness stems from dopamine in the brain and that’s just like the feeling of falling in love. Travel = Happy = Love. See? Science.
Just like you’re more likely to have a second date if you spend your first on a roller coaster vs. the movies, you’ll probably be more likely to have a next anniversary if you spend this one exploring somewhere new vs. folding laundry at home. The brain likes an adrenaline rush. The brain likes adventure. Okay, maybe it isn’t proven psychology for successful courtship (at least not what a quick Google search could divulge), but I have a good hunch about this one.
Traverse City is known for it’s wine and beer, stunning vistas, proximity to national & state parks, and unlimited itinerary options for families or couples. We’re focusing on the romance, dialing up the fancy, donning on the endearing, and setting up an itinerary that puts hearts in your eyes. This is a getaway guide to a weekend in Traverse City.
[P.S. There’s a helpful Google map at the end of this post!]
5 Attainable Long Weekend Getaways from Metro Detroit
Where to go on a long weekend getaway from Metro Detroit? As lovely as Pure Michigan is, the itch for a small change of scenery happens. The improving weather means music up, windows down, and go, go, go. It’s time to get moving – with long weekend road trips that are affordable and attainable. Here is a list of 5 adventures that aren’t too far away for Metro Detroiters to visit.
The rules for this small list were simple: The location must be (1.) outside of Michigan, (2.) approximately 350 miles away (3.) a fun place to visit. Note: distance was calculated from Campus Martius Park in Detroit.
They are realistic, achievable, and affordable road trips not too far away from home. Here they are: 5 attainable long weekend getaways from Metro Detroit.
I drove there by memory. Though if memory failed, there were enough signs pointing the way, much like the Star of Bethlehem to the Three Kings. And as I drove nearer, I grew weary with the road winding through the darkness, passing the occasional home, barn or church, but no indication of my destination. Did I go the wrong way? I began to hesitate.
Then, just as the road curved ahead – a light! Then another! Then THOUSANDS! Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store, beamed ahead with enough Christmas lights to rival the night sky.
Just how large is the largest? Well, Bronner’s is situated on 27 acres, is open 361 days per year, greets 2 million visitors annually, and holds over 50,000 Christmas goodies to sell. And my favorite fact I recently learned from the PureMichigan blog? The average electric bill is $1,250… PER DAY! Oh, and there’s a reason why you get a handy dandy map to guide your shopping experience… because it’s just that large.
There’s a section of Bronner’s dear to my heart. It’s toward the back, near the Christmas trees and angel tree toppers. I had to pass various nativity scenes, nutcrackers of every size, colorful stockings and artists personalizing ornaments. I trotted through the Santa section, perused the food decorations (& giggled at the bacon ornaments), and paused by the cafeteria to inhale the wafting hot chocolate.
There it was, my favorite section: Christmas Around The World.
Did you know you can travel the world at the world’s largest Christmas store? Because for the next hour, I swear I became so enveloped in the detail of the ornaments that the holiday tunes seemed to mute, the smell of cinnamon and pine grew stronger, and the lights from the decor created bokeh in my peripheral vision as my imagination took me to every country with ornaments on display at Bronner’s.
Here were some of my favorites:
This Santa, hand-painted in Poland is so quintessentially Christmas. I don’t think I’d ever leave home for the holidays, unless it were to visit the European Christmas markets. This ornament makes me feel like I’m strolling the markets now with mulled wine between my winter gloves.
If these Peruvian food baskets don’t say “South America” maybe the canvas burro would. So colorful and crafted.
Made somewhere in Africa, the simplicity of this angel ornament reminded me that Christmas is more than sparkles and presents.
I finally saw Buckingham Palace! When I visited London during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, I had the misfortune of the Palace blocked from pedestrians. Looks like I got my royal experience at Bronner’s. I wonder if they decorate the real Buckingham Palace for Christmas…
Asian lanterns reminded me of teaching English in China and how often I’d see these guys dangling in a window. Runner up to the Chinese dragon ornament and the Japanese sushi roll
Of course, Italy would have baskets of food ornaments. If only that cannoli were real…
I’ve never been to Russia, but this hand-painted ornament evokes the cold I can’t even imagine this place experiences.
After my recent trip to Australia, this koala made me smile so big reminiscing of the amazing time I had down under.
Poland’s hand-painted ornaments were incredible.
Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam
Before I left, I watched two young boys excitedly waving the different flags from different countries. They may not be globetrotters yet, but perhaps their magical visit to Bronner’s was a small introduction to how beautiful our world is.
If you ever visit Frankenmuth, Michigan, Bronner’s is a must. Even if you just peruse the Around the World section to fuel your wanderlust, you’ll leave with so much holiday and worldly spirit, you may just drive off singing Christmas carols in Spanish. Feliz Navidad!
This post is apart of the 2014 Travel Advent Calendar Series created by Shere y Paul. The 25 Days of Travel. Be sure to follow along here to see where we’re headed next.
300 Whitmore. Notice the door, how it widens at the bottom. This is due to the “Egypt craze” that occurred after King Tut’s tomb was discovered. On second look, it does appear similar to the entryway of the tombs of Egypt, no?
Travel back in time to the 1920s. The place to be? Detroit. This was the era that the automotive industry got its wheels turning. The Detroit skyline began to take shape as the iconic Cadillac Place (General Motors Building), Guardian, Penobscot, and Fisher buildings were erected. People flooded the city for work… and they needed a place to live.
Just north up Woodward is Palmer Park – an apartment district that was created for the slew of workers in the city. Just a block from this district was the streetcar stop that delivered residents to and from their automotive jobs. As the decades went on, Palmer Park evolved into a gay friendly neighborhood with lots of restaurants and clubs. Even Madonna got her dance on at the clubs around Palmer Park. The original Menjo’s & Cliff Bells were in this area. But violence drove out the gay population to adjacent cities (Ferndale, Royal Oak) and much of Palmer Park and the apartment district fell to blight, crime, and drugs. (more…)
This weekend I am escaping to northern Michigan – and there’s no better timing. Right now, Mother Nature should be at the peak of flaunting all she’s got, setting the trees ablaze in brilliant crimson, auburn, gold, and chartreuse.
So here’s a video I had created after a Michigan fall color tour I went on last year. Most of the footage was taken at or near the Tunnel of Trees. Enjoy!
The song is “Time Is All Around” by my favorite singer, Regina Spektor. I thought this song was appropriate due to the line:
Leaves become most beautiful when they’re about to die. When they’re about to fall from trees when they’re about to dry up.
