Apple picking in Michigan is a favorite activity of Michiganders from late August to late October. Orchards are the perfect place to get delicious apples, take photos for social media, or have a nice picnic with friends. Whether to go to an apple orchard or not is an easy decision – but deciding where to go and what to wear is not. As a Michigan-based company that uses Michigan apples in our hard cider, we know a thing or two about where to find the best apples. Here are Farmstand’s favorite Michigan apple orchards and apple picking outfits.
Michigan Apple Picking Destinations
Our 5 Favorite Michigan Apple Orchards
Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery
For more than 100 years, families have flocked to Robinette’s Orchard in Grand Rapids. The family-owned orchard has over 125 acres and grows 35 varieties of apples. Plus, there’s something for everyone at Robinette’s: a corn maze, hayrides, and the Apple Haus, which sells baked goods, fruits, caramel apples, and more.
Crane Orchards
Located in Fennville, Crane Orchards is a long-standing family farm. For more than six generations, Crane farmers have harvested and cared for the fruits, vegetables, and plants that grow on the property. Currently, Crane Orchards offers u-pick apples, peaches, and cherries, depending on the season. Plus, like any great orchard, Crane’s has a corn maze, hayrides, and a cow train for the kids. Don’t want to walk? There are golf cart rides available to go through the orchards.
Wiard’s Orchards
Since 1837, Wiard’s Orchards has maintained 100-acres of apple orchards, cider mills, and corn mazes. If that’s not cool enough, they also host the county fair every fall, complete with wagon rides, bouncy houses, and a petting zoo. If you’re getting hungry, The Country Market and Bakery has donuts, caramel apples, and fresh cider. If you’re looking for a fun family activity in the fall, this orchard in Ypsilanti is a great choice.
*Since Michigan was hit by the Polar Vortex, Wiard’s apple orchards have been struggling to catch up. However, in a few years, Wiard’s will likely be able to start hosting u-picks for apples once more.
Knaebe’s Apple Farm and Ciderworks
This Roger’s City farm will be open for apple picking in September until late October. With over 25 varieties of apples, Knaebe’s even has a ripening schedule on their website so you can visit when your favorite apple is estimated to be ripe. You can also purchase baked goods, wood fired pizzas, and frozen pies at Knaebe’s. If you want the prime food experience and apples that will take your baked goods to the next level, Knaebe’s is the apple orchard for you.
Farm Stand Caramel Apple Hard Cider
While this isn’t exactly an apple orchard itself, it looks great in social media photos and tastes just as amazing as the first bite into a Granny Smith. Farm Stand’s canned hard cider can easily join you while you have a picnic at either one of these apple orchards in Michigan. Plus, our fall flavors – original, caramel apple, porch sittin’ cinnamon, cranberry & orange – will round out the apple picking experience perfectly.
You can find Farmstand cider at our tasting rooms in both Saugatuck, MI and Holland, MI inside Coppercraft Distillery.
What to Wear Apple Picking in Michigan
1. Basic
Listen – there’s no shame in being basic. This style is called “basic” because it’s classy, trendy, comfortable, and photographs well every time. When it’s fall in Michigan, the weather is slightly unpredictable. The best way to be prepared and look your best is by layering. While you’re apple picking, we suggest a t-shirt under a sweater and skinny jeans. If you want some more flare, we suggest opting for a printed sweater or wearing patterned pants.
2. Waiting for a Business Call
Every professional knows that you have to be ready to make a business deal, even when you’re apple picking. Put on your confidence-boosting blazer over a long sleeve or a turtleneck. Finish out the look with a pair of denim jeans and a pair of sneakers or boots that won’t be affected by any grass or mud in the orchard.
3. Lazy, but Still Fashionable
Nowadays, social events overlap with mid-afternoon naps all too often. The great news is that your comfy clothes can be fashionable with a little help from a blazer or a puffer vest. All you have to do is color coordinate while you put on a hoodie, sweatpants or leggings, and some high top sneakers. Voila!
4. In My Lumberjack Era
It’s finally flannel season. If you want to embrace the lumberjack style (don’t we all!), it’s relatively simple. Just make sure that you don’t cut down any apple trees in the process. Put on a neutral color shirt and your favorite fall flannel. On the bottom, wear your best pair of Levi 501s. If you’re having a bad hair day, good news: this outfit looks great with a baseball cap or a beanie.
While all of these outfits would look great on your social media, if your only goal is the pictures, it’s time to think strategically. Orchards are mostly green, and the color that stands out the most on a green background is red. Get crazy – wear a bright red skirt or high waisted red trousers. While it might be impractical for apple picking outside for a long time, this outfit would look stunning in an apple orchard.
6. I’m an Academic that Happens to Enjoy Apples
You are smart and people should take notice. With the crew neck layered over a collared shirt, you can convince just about anyone that you’re on fall break from Harvard and in the running for the Nobel Peace prize. Too hot for a sweater? Wear a turtleneck or collared shirt under a sweater vest. Round out the outfit with gold rimmed glasses, jeans or trousers, a claw clip, and some sneakers. Go get em’, Ms. 4.0 GPA!
Share your favorite Michigan apple picking spots and apple picking outfits with us on socials using #farmstandcider. Purchase our spirits at our tasting room in Saugatuck or a retailer near you. Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest from Farm Stand Cider.