Spring Cider, Fresh at Yates

Once again Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills has opened for a spring pressing of fresh apple cider. Open for cider and donuts from April 15 (Tax Day) until May 10 (Mother's Day). Four full weekends to enjoy the tasty treat that usually is only available in the fall. Also opening with the spring pressing is The Ice Cream Shoppe, with cool sensations such as their Yates Donut Sundae and the Cider Crème, a blend of cider slush and vanilla custard. The list is too long to mention all their … [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...]

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...]

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...]

First Tim Hortons in Rochester Hills

Story and Photos by Michael Dwyer Tim Comes to Town "We are thrilled to announce the opening and welcome Tim Horton's to Rochester Hills. I am sure this is the most anticipated nine-seat restaurant opening in the city’s history! It is obvious to me that Tim Horton's has a loyal following and we are pleased that our residents will now be able to enjoy their coffee and food close to home. We welcome them and wish them much success in the years to come,” said Rochester Hills mayor Bryan … [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...]

Dear Crabby, What’s all the hype about Cider Mills?

Dear Crabby, I just moved to the area from down south, and I see all these signs and advertisements for cider mills.  What is all the hype for?  What do these mills have to offer? Sincerely, Sal Sourly Dear Mr. Sourly, As a lifelong Michigander, and as a Rochester Hills resident who has three cider mills within three miles of my house, I have to say that I am a big fan of them!  I'm not sure how the whole thing got started; I assume some farmer had a big crop of apples and was … [Read more...]