Franklin Cider Mill pressed its first batch of fresh apple cider Saturday, Sept. 5, opening its 189th season at the historic mill on Franklin Road.
The mill at 7450 Franklin Road is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 29, with shortened Thanksgiving hours of 8 a.m. to noon. Owner Melanee Peltz Radner said in a statement to The Detroit News ahead of opening day, "We love seeing families return year after year and knowing that a visit to the Franklin Cider Mill has become part of their fall tradition."
The operation dates to 1837. Cider is pressed on site using a 90-ton historic press, and the mill sells it unfiltered, unpasteurized and free of preservatives, according to LittleGuide Detroit. Doughnuts are made fresh throughout the day from an old German recipe and sold as singles, by the half dozen or by the dozen.
Beyond cider and doughnuts, the mill stocks caramel apples, fresh bread, gluten-free doughnuts, vegan scones, apple bars and Michigan-made food products.
The mill marked its opening weekend with live jazz, face painting, roasted corn and grilled cider dogs. It plans live jazz, bubbles and face painting on weekends, though it advises visitors to check its social media pages for the most current schedule.
Behind the mill, a riverside area with picnic tables gives families a spot to sit along the water and feed ducks. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Franklin Cider Mill is at 7450 Franklin Road in Franklin. More information is available at franklincidermill.com or by calling (248) 626-8261.
Upcoming community dates
- Franklin Cider Mill: open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 29; weekend jazz, face painting and bubbles
- Thanksgiving hours: 8 a.m. to noon
