The Franklin Cider Mill certainly knows how to put the “pump” in pumpkin.
For family fun and the romantic at heart, the Franklin Cider Mill is an excellent place for adventures and affectionate walks. Built upon tradition, and upheld by the compassionate investments of its surrounding community, the Franklin Cider Mill is truly a great Michigan attraction.
The mill, nearly larger than the city of Franklin that it resides in, was established in 1832 by New York native Ed W. Matthews. Most people, particularly teenagers, would forbid themselves from traveling to a place older than the state they live in. However, the Franklin Cider Mill is a remarkable establishment that offers an ideal blend of classic and contemporary amusement.
Loaded with plenty of activities and events, the mill provides the perfect environment for a casual date or a family outing. The moment you set foot on the property, intoxicating fragrances bombard you. The meshing smells of succulent apples, cinnamon and warm caramel entice you to delve deeper into the mill.
Couples and families can greet the ducks as they gracefully whirl in the Rouge River, which cuts across the property. In addition, the beautiful autumn scenery captivates your eyes. Showcasing a vibrant season at its best, the greens, the reds, the oranges, the browns, the yellows, the pinks, make for a splendid view to behold.
Along with the breathtaking sights and aromas of the mill come excitement and fun. Innocent children scurry happily through the mill. Adorable toddlers rush to have their energetic faces painted with Thanksgiving decor. Lines accumulate at the forefront of the mill to see the cider mill press. The gigantic, “candy apple” red water wheel is one of the largest in the entire nation. Surely, if enormous wheels do not grab your attention, the mill’s whopping 1,560 pound pumpkin will.
Even more illustrious than the attractions of the mill are its foods and delights. From steaming hot dogs to crunchy cinnamon roasted almonds, the Franklin Cider mill offers a wide variety of delicious treats. Although there are many different items to choose from, you certainly cannot leave without having the mill’s famous warm cinnamon spice doughnuts and apple cider. The doughnuts, moist and tender, place comfort on your taste buds. The unforgettable and decadent crunch of the fried temptations only reassures their divinity. The only thing more luscious is the combination of doughnuts and cider. The cool tartness of apple cider consumed on a wooden bench overlooking the river perfectly complements the sweetness of the doughnuts, sending your mouth to new, unimaginable heights.
After building up an appetite from horse and carriage rides, face painting, pumpkin carving and balloon twisting, the mill has candy apples and caramel corn to please your stomach.
Even the Franklin Cider Mill has a few flaws. It is sometimes crowded, making it difficult to obtain the full cider mill experience. Longer lines and longer waits result from the large crowds. And it can be pricey. Donuts are a dollar apiece; $7.95 for a dozen. A cup of cold cider is $1; $5.25 for a half-gallon. A cup of hot cider is $3.25.
Besides those small things, the mill is one in a million (pun intended – go ahead and throw an apple at me).
IF YOU GO
WHAT:
The Franklin Cider Mill
PHONE:
248-626-2968
ADDRESS:
7450 Franklin Road
Franklin, Mich., 48025
(on the corner of Franklin and 14 Mile roads)
SEASON LENGTH:
Opens the Saturday before Labor Day
Stays open through Nov. 28
HOURS:
Weekends from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Weekdays 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
E-MAIL:
[email protected]