Blake's Lyon Township orchard opens Saturday: What to know

Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press
·3 min read
Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill cider
Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill cider

Get ready to sip some cider and feast on freshly made doughnuts.

At Blake's Lyon Township, the cider will be flowing, the doughnuts will be made and some apple varieties will be ripe for the picking on Saturday.

The 104-acre apple orchard and cider mill operation is officially open for the season in the former Erwin's Orchard and Cider Mill at 61475 Silver Lake Road in South Lyon.

Erwin's Orchards was owned by Bill and Linda Erwin for more than 50 years, the couple, along with partners for 40 years, the Emery family, announced in July they'd harvested their last crop and were retiring.

Blake's Lyon Township is part of the Blake's family of farms with apple orchards, cider and hard cider operations in Armada and Almont in Macomb County.

More: Hulu's 'The Bear' spikes interest in Italian beef sandwiches: 4 places to get them

More: Barleycorn's Public House in Shelby Township closes due to staffing issues

More: We're in the middle of sweet corn season: Here are some easy ways to cook, store it

An aerial view of Blake’s Lyon Township.
An aerial view of Blake’s Lyon Township.

Once open, orchard traditions of offering signature doughnuts and cider sipping, petting zoo, u-pick apples, and tractor rides are expected at the South Lyon operation, according to a news release.

Blake's is also planning new additions, including a produce farm stand serving Blake’s Hard Cider and wine, more cider mill treats and baked goods. There will also be live music on weekends.

“We are proud to carry on Erwin’s traditions that have been part of South Lyon for so many years, maintaining that culture and bringing in several enhancements to create an unforgettable experience for all,” said Andrew Blake, president of Blake’s Family of Companies, in a news release. “The Blake family and our team of dedicated employees look forward to being part of the South Lyon and surrounding communities and welcoming new and returning guests this season."

Blake's bought the Erwin's Orchard and Cider Mill property from developer Lombardo Homes, which bought the overall property from the Erwin's. The orchard will employ 60 seasonal workers, including many returning staffers.

Apples from Blake’s orchard in Armada.
Apples from Blake’s orchard in Armada.

On Aug. 27-28, Blake's Lyon Township will have a so-called Welcome Weekend, during which  the farm will offer free cider and doughnuts, family activities and live music. As part of the Welcome Weekend, Blake's Lyon Township is partnering with Active Faith Community Services food pantry in South Lyon, which provides long-term and temporary assistance to people.

Blake's was founded in 1946 in Armada. In addition to the South Lyon location, Blake's operations now include Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake’s Tasting Room and Blake’s Big Apple, all in Armada, and Blake’s Backyard in Almont.

There also are corn mazes, hayrides, haunted houses, a hard cider bar and tasting room offered at the various Blake's locations.

Blake’s Lyon Township hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Oct. 31. For more information,  go to blakefarms.com.

Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

Support local journalism and become a digital subscriber to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Former Eriwn's Orchards and Cider Mill reopens as Blake's Lyon Township