Falling For Apples-The Cider Mill

Growing up on a farm in rural Ohio, we enjoyed apples, pears, and peaches from our own orchard. My mom made the best apple crisp I have ever eaten, and I still make her recipe on special occasions. When my father’s career advanced, my parents moved our family to Michigan during my freshman year of high school. Our new home was a two-story colonial in a subdivision, which was a huge adjustment for all of us after life on the farm. My parents began driving into the countryside to buy apples and fresh vegetables. Life can change quickly, and I missed the farm.

One of the new friends I had met at school invited me to visit the local cider mill. I had never been to one and was not quite sure what to expect. He took me to Yates Cider Mill, Michigan’s oldest working water-powered mill, built in 1863. We went on a crisp fall day, with the sun shining brightly as we drove up the hill toward the mill. The water wheel was turning, and a line of people waited to buy cider and donuts. As we approached the door, the aroma of apples and cinnamon filled the air. The gray wooden building seemed ancient to me as we waited our turn. Inside, we watched as apples were dumped in, crushed, and pressed into juice. We each bought a cup of hot cider and cinnamon-sugar donuts, then sat at a picnic table to enjoy them. The cider was piping hot and delicious. I had never tasted anything like it before, and I have not since. I have traveled to many places, but whenever I am in Michigan, I always go back to Yates Cider Mill for a taste of that memory.

When I visited Michigan this summer, my daughter was driving by Yates and said, “Let’s stop and get cider.” I said, “Okay, but it’s hot outside.” She replied, “They have apple cider slushies.” We stopped, and the mill was a little more modern than I remembered. Now they sell apple crisp, slushies, and more until apple cider season officially begins.  The slushies were delicious and tasted the same as it had all those years before. I have learned that Michigan has about 90 cider mills and is the country’s third-largest apple producer.

With the first day of fall just around the corner, cider mills across Michigan are opening for the season. If you are lucky enough to have a cider mill nearby, go enjoy the experience. After all, an apple a day just might help keep us happy and healthy.

-Nancy Yearout