The weather has turned cooler and the leaves are beginning to change and that has lots of families heading to the cider mill.
It's a tradition that spans generations. In our Thursday's Top 7, we spotlight the best places, events and activities across Metro Detroit. Today, we're counting down the top 7 cider mills selected by our 7 Action News viewers.
#1 YATES CIDER MILL - ROCHESTER HILLS
Fans rave about Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills. With almost 2,700 votes, Yates tops our list.
Yates has been wowing folks from all over since Abraham Lincoln was in office. Whether it's a walk in the woods or a warm cinnamon donut, pony rides or the petting zoo, Yates is all about fall and the outdoors.
#2 THREE CEDARS CIDER MILL - NORTHVILLE
Three Cedars Cider Mill in Northville claims the second spot. They invite you to come to eat their cider and donuts and stay for the u-pick pumpkins in the run-up to Halloween. And what's fall without a corn maze?
#3 PARMENTER'S NORTHVILLE CIDER MILL - NORTHVILLE
Just down the road in Northville, we find Parmenter's Northville Cider Mill.
Rob Nelson’s family runs the cider mill and says local families have been pouring cider here since 1873.
And they're still going strong, serving warm donuts and fresh pressed apple cider to everyone from grandkids and grandparents and creating lifelong memories.
Dana Woods of Howell has been coming to the Northville Cider Mills since she was a child. “The cider is great. And I've been coming here since I was a kid and it's kind of a tradition.”
"Generations of families that have been coming here and we feel like we're stewards of that tradition," says Nelson.
#4 ERWIN ORCHARDS - SOUTH LYON
In the fourth spot, we find Erwin Orchards. It has been in the family since it opened in 1920 and Erwin Orchards is celebrating 98 years of bringing cider, cider donuts and family entertainment to South Lyon. Don't forget the fresh kettle corn and your very own great pumpkin or maybe a pumpkin for your pie.
#5 FRANKLIN CIDER MILL - FRANKLIN
Our next stop is Franklin, home to the Franklin Cider Mill, which first opened way back in 1837, the same year Michigan became a state.
Stacey Renas, outdoor manager at the Franklin Cider Mill, says it's the whole experience that keeps families coming back year after year.
"You come here to smell the doughnuts, the cider, you get to see the ducks. All those small traditions,” Renas says.
And while each cider mill has a different recipe for their donuts like powered sugar or cinnamon, at the Franklin Cider Mill, the cinnamon is mixed in, adding fall flavor to each bite.
"Our donuts come hot, freshly made. As you order," Renas adds.
#6 DEXTER CIDER MILL - DEXTER
Number six is Dexter Cider Mill in Washtenaw County. It's the longest continuously operating cider mill in the state. Perched with a view of the Huron River and just a short drive away from Ann Arbor, the Dexter Cider Mill is a great add-on to a Saturday football game
#7 DIEHL'S ORCHARD AND CIDER MILL - HOLLY
Our final spot takes us away from the bright lights of the city and off the beaten path.
Deihl's Orchard and Cider Mill in Holly rounds out our top 7. They have all the apples, cider and donuts you could ever want. A hay play area for the kids and a little history on display, too.
If you're looking for a reason to head back to your favorite cider mill.. the flavor of the cider will change as different varieties of apples come in.
Also, you can freeze those extra cider donuts and warm them in the oven when you're ready for another fall treat.
