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Apple orchard season is here!

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By Christine MacIntyre
Staff writer

Fall is once again upon us – with it comes Michigan’s long-standing tradition of apple orchard visits, cider mills, farmer’s markets, hayrides, and roaming pumpkin patches. The air will soon be full of freshly baked donuts and fruit pies; our senses will ripen to the sweet aromas of fall such as apple cider and crisp autumn leaves. Agricultural roots run deep in Southeast Michigan, as sunflower patches pop up making for perfect photo opportunities, and corn mazes are birthed to get lost in. How do you celebrate the changing of the seasons? Help support local farmers and small businesses by planning out your family fall fun. Here are some suggestions.

Kapnick Orchards: Open year-round Monday – Saturday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with extended hours in the fall. 4245 Rogers Hwy., Britton, 517-423-7419.

This is a family-owned and operated orchard and farm market growing many fruits and vegetables including apples, peaches, cherries, pears, blueberries, raspberries, plums, apricots, grapes, nectarines, strawberries, rhubarb, pumpkins, squash, asparagus, peas, beans, and potatoes; Pick your own fruit in season; and a bakery featuring donuts.

Check out the 42nd apple festival on October 10 and 11.

Roadside farm stands are popping up and apple orchards will soon be in full swing – help support local farmers and businesses by purchasing your produce, pumpkins, donuts, and cider at these places.

Fusilier Family Farms and Greenhouse: Open May 1–October 31, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. 16400 Hereman Road, Manchester. 734-428-8982.

Fusilier’s is a family farm offering a variety of produce and flowers. In October, corn maze, haunted maze, hayrides.

Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm: Open Wednesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 11025 South Jackson Road, Cement City, 517-688-3455.

Enjoy all that fall has to offer at Meckley’s, including fresh-baked goods, handcrafted artesian ciders, fresh cider slushies, specialty pizzas, and a variety of fine wines. Meckley’s also offers the season’s best squash and pumpkins. Weekends offer up a chance to enjoy the corn maze, up-close experiences watching cider pressing, and a bonfire.

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Alber Orchard and Cider Mill: Open Tuesday – Friday noon p.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 13011 Bethel Church Road, Manchester, 734-428-9310.

This orchard boasts over 100 apple varieties. Traditional and heirloom apples are carefully selected and blended to create award-winning cider. Enjoy live musical performances throughout September and October.

Curtis Farm Market: Open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 10990 Austin Road, Brooklyn, 517-536-4158. Fridays and Saturdays at Grand River Farmer’s Market, Jackson.

Curtis Farm Market has been operating for over 100 years. Support this local market at their roadside stand or at the Grand River Farmers Market in Jackson. Hardy, multicolor mums, seedless and seeded watermelons, and pumpkins are in season!

Erica Densmore (left) and boyfriend Ben Mclaughlin (right), both from Jackson, enjoy a day date at Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farms.

Adams Farm: Open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Vulnerable population shopping hours on Thursday 10 a.m. – noon p.m. 10701 Adams Road, Clarklake, 517-529-9819.

This family-owned farm offers pumpkins, apples, pears, plums, and mums! Sweet corn, green beans, tomatoes, and peppers can also be purchased here. Don’t forget canned jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, pickles, and salsa.

Booher’s Fresh Market: Open Wednesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 3405 Brooklyn Road, Napoleon, 517-960-7419.

Offering flowers, herbs, produce, and delicious pies, Booher’s has quickly become a fan favorite.

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