Growing up in Michigan, cider mills in the fall were a must. They’re the best place to find fresh apple cider, donuts, caramel apples (my favorite), pumpkins and squash.
While I was visiting my hometown a few weeks ago, I stopped by Yates Cider Mill, the best in Metro-Detroit, and, apparently #1 in Michigan.
During our trip, we explored all of the various stops and shops and wrapped up with a long walk through the beautiful trails.
Cider Shop
First stop… Cider shop to grab out cider & donuts!
We grabbed two cups, sat by the river and enjoyed our treats. Although I’m not really a donut person, you can’t go to the cider mill without having one. I limited myself to one and wasn’t able to finish my cider because a bee landed in it – guess I wasn’t meant to have it.
Apple Tent
My favorite treat I snagged on this trip was this cherry butter from the apple tent. The ingredients are pretty clean (cherries, applesauce, sugar, lemon juice concentrate, vanilla and cinnamon) and it’s only 15 calories for a tablespoon. I dunked my cider donut into it and it was delicious. I’m thinking of making an apple version in my Instant Pot this winter.
River Walk
My all-time favorite part of adventuring in Michigan is exploring the woods and trails. At Yates, we walked a few miles through the trails.
We ended up taking the “loop” and got a little lost since it never looped back to where we started. Once you get further down the path, it’s so peaceful.