Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill

Today was a picture perfect day in southeastern Michigan with clear skies, 74 degrees and a gentle breeze.  We have enjoyed an amazing fall, and today was ideal for visiting Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill in Armada.  We normally go to Yates Cider Mill, but Blake's is much larger [a 120 acre farm] and they sell pumpkins in addition to apples.

Ever since watching Food Network's Nancy Fuller's Farmhouse Rules [also known as recipes], season 1 episode 1, where she roasted fresh pie pumpkins, combined with my Facebook feed from Harry & David and their Pumpkin Butter used in a smoothie [which they refer to as pumpkin pie in a glass], I've wanted to purchase some pie pumpkins to roast.

Blake's was established in 1946 - the same year my hubby was born, so it was fitting to take his picture by the sign.  The grounds were beautifully decorated for fall.

It doesn't look like it was very busy in the photos, but it was actually quite busy.  The parking lot in the distance of the above photo was filled with cars.  A lot of the visitors were in 'fun land' which we didn't go into.

It's always fun seeing good friends unexpectedly, and we did just that today.  We attended church with Ron & Judy for many years until we transitioned to the church we now attend to support our son's ministry.

A lot of pumpkins - mostly for carving and decorating, but I did find some pie pumpkins to buy.

We came home with some cider and donuts, a carmel apple, two pie pumpkins and a jar of pumpkin butter - so I can sample it to see what it's supposed to taste like before making mine. It was a very enjoyable day, and now my cider mill fix for this year is done.  Will let you know how roasting my pie pumpkins turns out.