If you’re in Birmingham, Michigan, and craving some apple-filled fun, you’ll need to hop in the car for a bit of a drive. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill isn’t exactly around the corner, but trust us, it’s worth the trip. Located about an hour northeast of Detroit in the charming village of Armada, this 120-acre farm is a family-owned wonderland that’ll make you forget all about city life.
A Year-Round Apple Adventure
At Blake’s, the fun never stops, no matter what the calendar says. In spring, you can sip hard cider surrounded by pink apple blossoms. Summer brings ripe fruits and veggies ready for picking. Fall is a feast for the eyes, with colorful leaves everywhere. And in winter? Grab a snowy wagon ride to chop down your own Christmas tree. It’s like Mother Nature’s theme park, minus the overpriced tickets and long lines.
Funland: Where Farm Meets Playground
Blake’s Funland is where it’s at if you’ve got kids (or you’re a kid at heart). With over 25 activities, it’s like a farm-themed amusement park. You can pet animals, ride wagons, race tricycles, and even zoom around on mini John Deere tractors. It’s open on weekends from May to October, and at $12.95 per person, it’s a steal compared to those big-name theme parks.
U-Pick: The DIY Produce Experience
Starting in June, Blake’s lets you play farmer for a day. Grab a basket and head to the fields to pick your fruits and veggies. Pro tip: bring a cooler so your hard-earned produce doesn’t turn into soup on the ride home. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, check out their Strawberry Festival in June or the Lavender Market in July.
Cider and More: Treats for All Ages
No trip to Blake’s is complete without some famous apple cider. But they don’t stop there. They’ve got a whole Tasting Room where grown-ups can sample hard ciders, wines, and beers. Don’t worry, the kids aren’t left out – there’s plenty of regular cider and other goodies for them too.
Food, Glorious Food
Blake’s isn’t just about apples. They have a whole lineup of eateries to keep your stomach from grumbling. There’s the Tasting Room restaurant, Orchard Cafe, Snack Shack, and even a place called Graze Farm Kitchen. And let’s not forget the Farm Store & Bakery, where you can stock up on pies, jams, and other farm-fresh goodies to take home.
Tips for Your Trip
- Wear closed-toe shoes. This is a real farm, not a petting zoo so that it can get muddy.
- Leave Fido at home. Pets aren’t allowed, except for service animals.
- Bring cash. Some activities might not take cards.
- Check their website before you go. Different activities are available at different times of the year.
Location and Hours
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is at 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, MI 48005. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, but specific attractions may have different hours. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill isn’t exactly in Birmingham’s backyard. But with all it has to offer, it’s worth the drive.
Whether you’re looking to pick your produce, sip some cider, or just let the kids run wild in Funland, Blake’s has got you covered. It’s like a farm, an orchard, a playground, and a restaurant all rolled into one. And let’s be honest, where else can you pet a goat, pick an apple, and drink hard cider all afternoon?
So next time you’re feeling the urge to escape the city and get a taste of farm life (literally), point your car towards Armada and head to Blake’s. Just remember to bring a cooler for your apples and maybe some wet wipes for the inevitable cider doughnut mess. Happy apple adventuring!
Sources: blakefarms.com, Blake Farms Facebook Page
Header Image Source: blakefarms.com
