Autumn’s top picks

By Catherine Engstrom-Hadley
Staff Writer

Fall is here and that means it’s cider season in Michigan. With over 17 orchards in Washtenaw County alone, there’s a lot to pick from. We scoped out the local cider scene to give you the rundown on what’s happening at the top orchards in our area.

Wiards Orchards

5565 Merritt Rd., Ypsilanti

Apple picking: Yes
Pumpkins: $8 per pumpkin
Hayrides: Yes
Cost: $$$
Free for shopping at the store, $17.99 and up for you-pick/attractions

Come for: The spooky hayrides, karaoke, and haunted houses.

Wasems Fruit Farm

6580 Judd Rd., Milan

Apple picking: Yes
Pumpkins: 45¢ per pound
Hayrides: No
Cost: $$

Come for: The amazing donuts and cider. Pick some pumpkins and apples for fall treats. Don’t forget Coleman’s corn maze down the street if you want some extra fall thrills.

Jenny’s Farm Stand

8366 Island Lake Road, Dexter

Apple picking: No
Pumpkins: $5 per pumpkin
Hayrides: Yes
Cost: $

Come for: The straw maze, pony rides, and petting zoo with baby goats, horses and bunnies.

Alber Orchard and Cider Mill

13011 Bethel Church Rd., Manchester

Apple picking: No
Pumpkins: You-pick, at 40¢ per pound
Hayrides: Yes
Cost: $$

Come for: On-site traditional apple press from 1877, still in use! A corn maze, tractor rides and over 50 varieties of apples grown at the orchard. We loved the sweet 16 and the Ruby Johns.

Erwin Orchards

61475 Silver Lake Road, South Lyon

Apple picking: $20 a peck (1 peck = 8.81 liters)
Pumpkins: You-pick, at 50¢ per pound
Hayrides: Yes
Cost: $$

Come for: A pet friendly or­chard with a corn maze, target paintball and Mr. Bee’s Big 3-D Adventure house.

$ = Very Affordable
$$ = Affordable
$$$ = Pricey

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