Michigan Made Shurms Candy Available at Local Cider Mills

Cider Mills Open, Local Products a Hit Fall can be bittersweet. The end of summer, back to school, and snow around the corner will make most people wish they had done more in June and July. However, the autumn also brings many wonderful traditions. Cider mills, Halloween, and the changing colors of the trees are some of the best things in Michigan. Cider Mill season is in full swing—October is now here—with local products on hand to catch the eyes of conscience-minded shoppers. Shurms … [Read more...]

Cider Mills Wind Down For Season

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...]

Don’t miss the final day of the Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market

On closing day of the market, Saturday, October 26, ghouls and goblins are invited to participate in trick-or-treating from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children will receive free goodie bags complements of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (while supplies last) and market vendors will have treats available at their booths.  Don’t forget to pick up your fall bounty including mums, squash, pumpkins, apples, cider and more! Now in its 13th season, the Farmers’ Market is a frequent stop for … [Read more...]

October Scares, Treats, and Events near Rochester

Haunted Houses Several scary attractions haunt the area. A 43-year tradition, the Tunnel of Terror, returns to the Rochester Municipal Park. Located on Pine Street north of University Drive and west of Main Street, this annual tradition hosted by the Rochester Area Junior Chamber (Jaycees) is open Friday and Saturday nights from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. $15.00 per person. Just outside the Rochester Area are Erebus and Scott’s Haunted Corn Maze. Erebus is in Downtown Pontiac and is a … [Read more...]

Cooking with Apples this Season

Anyone can toss a ripe Granny Smith in their lunch bag or grab a Honey Crisp on their way out the door. But this autumn, Michiganders want to consume apples in new ways as refreshing as the pomaceous fruit itself. We are curious how to add the tart, vitamin C-packed snack to our appetizer lineup before the Lions football game on Sunday; or how to embellish our family dinner and side dishes this evening; how to put a new spin on the beloved dessert found in a pie pan all the way to learning how … [Read more...]

Cider Mills Open with Bumper Apple Crop

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...]

Local Cider Mills Open Despite Poor Apple Crop

Poor Apple Crop Despite the poor apple crop here in Michigan, local cider mills open for the fall season. The early heat wave followed by a frost resulted in the apple crop being down by 90 percent. The Michigan Apple Committee states it’s “the largest apple crop loss since the 1940s.” Yates Cider Mill Yates Cider Mill, a well known landmark, opened mid-August and plans to “have cider all season,” according to Katie Titus, owner. Yates is “Buying as many Michigan apples as they can” and … [Read more...]

Spring Apple Cider at Yates

Yates Cider Mill Opens this Friday! It’s true; Yates will open for a special spring pressing. The Rochester landmark is taking advantage of last year’s good harvest. They purchased apples from last season that were in cold storage to press into cider. The mill will be open for “10 days only,” states Katie Titus, owner. Originally, the mill was going to open for two weekends only in April to do the spring pressing. However, when word spread through the community with vigor, they decided to … [Read more...]

MI Apple Trail Leads to Downtown Rochester

ROCHESTER, Mich. – Aug. 2, 2011 – The Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market is on the road to the MI Apple Trail! The Farmers’ Market will display its 4’ fiberglass apple as part of the regional “MI Apple Trail” public art event, through Sept. 17. In celebration of both Michigan’s bountiful apple harvest and southeast Michigan’s great farmers’ markets, the Michigan Apple Committee and the Detroit Eastern Market have teamed-up 20 participating markets, each of which will showcase a giant … [Read more...]