September is my most favorite month for a litany of reasons. First and foremost, I was born in September, so from birth it has always been a magical month. September is also home to my husband Zack’s birthday, my dad’s birthday, my sister in law’s birthday, and several special sapphire friends’ birthdays.
September weather can bring some of the most delicious Michigan days of the year. Back to school excitement is in the air, as so wonderfully observed by Tom Hanks in “You’ve Got Mail”:
The cider mill I grew up with is the Franklin Cider Mill. I still remember a field trip to the Franklin Cider Mill in kindergarten, when it rained until we were a soggy bunch of five year olds. I remember the huge water wheel, the smell of pressed apples as we waited in line, the ducks swimming in the river. One time I went to the cider mill with my grandma and little brother and a bee stung me. In the mouth. WHAT?
But even the threat of a thousand bees can’t keep me away from the Franklin Cider Mill each year. I love that I can always count on the mill to look the same, and the donuts and cider to taste the same, in a very comforting way.
When I was in town getting my haircut earlier this week, I stopped by the cider mill with the girls so that we could get Zack some birthday apple cider. Stella’s favorite thing is the apple-shaped cider containers that are perfectly kid-sized.
While I love the Franklin Cider Mill, the fact that I moved over an hour away from it meant seeking out a new favorite in mid-Michigan, one that allows for frequent visits throughout the fall.
I have been to Uncle John’s Cider Mill once with Zack when we were in college. I’d be interested to go again now that we have little girls, because I think there is a lot for them to do there. Unfortunately it is such a hike, and also gets very busy, so we haven’t taken the time to drive up there in years.
I have also visited the Country Mill in Charlotte, and would say that for awhile, they had my favorite donuts. After growing up with the plain cinnamon-spiced donuts from Franklin, I never realized what I was missing when it came to sugar-coated donuts from a cider mill. Over the years, I enjoyed visiting the Country Mill for its large pumpkin patch and of course their cider and donuts. Again, location becomes a bit of an issue, with a trip to Charlotte taking close to 40 minutes.
Finally, two years ago, the Lansing State Journal did a writeup of a farm off of Haslett Road, less than 10 minutes away from our house. Barkham Creek Farms has now become a local favorite for our family, and we aren’t looking back.
While their hours are limited to long weekends in the fall, it’s well worth the wait each week. The cinnamon-sugar donuts are beyond delicious, as is their fresh cider. Barkham Creek Farms also sells pumpkins, mums, and produce during the fall months, as well as flowers and produce throughout the summer.
Admittedly, I have anxiety when it comes to things like getting to destinations, finding parking, waiting in long lines, etc. What I love about a visit to Barkham Creek Farms is that it’s always quick and easy. There is an area to park at the farm that is mere feet away from the sweet little stand for the apple cider and donuts. I haven’t had a long line or wait in the times I have visited the farm. And a craving for fresh cider or a donut can be satisfied with a spur-of-the-moment trip in the car that lasts less than two songs.
Barkham Creek Farms feels like a yummy secret that I equally want to share and selfishly keep to myself.
The kickoff to their 2017 season is September 22nd, and you can bet that we’ll be heading over to Haslett that afternoon for a delicious bite into fall. Stella can’t wait, either.