The Alber Orchard & Cider Mill in Manchester, Michigan is the ideal place to visit in the Fall while enjoying a leisurely drive through the country. Mike and Therese Bossory, the owners since 1999, have been working hard to preserve the past while branching out to the future.
The land was originally deeded by President Andrew Jackson in 1832. In 1999, Mike and Therese bought the historical orchard. It was the first time the farm was owned by someone outside the Alber family since John Alber purchased the land in 1881.
The Bossorys grow more than 120 varieties of apples on the 74-acre orchard. Some of the heirloom varieties originated hundreds of years ago and are rare. The sweet and juicy Snow Apple is one of the oldest known apple varieties, originating in France in the 1600s. “Our most popular apple,” Therese said, “is the Honey Crisp.”
The Alber Orchard has a 7-acre Super Hero-themed corn maze this year. “There are clues throughout the maze to help people find their way through,” Therese said. “We made sure to cut the paths wide enough for a stroller to go through.” If you want some more exercise, you can pull a wagon out to the pumpkin patch or roam the orchard. “Unfortunately, we don’t allow dogs because we can’t risk compromising our unpasteurized cider,” Therese explained.
There has been a lot of changes and additions to Alber Orchard the past few years.
The original barn that used to be near the road was built in 1850 without using nails. The Bossorys hired Amish builders to take apart, move, and painstakingly rebuild it, restoring it to its original glory. This gorgeous barn, three years in the making, is awaiting final inspection and will become an stunning wedding venue for those wishing to exchange their vows in a rustic, natural setting. “It’s a special place with a rich history. If only those walls could talk!” Therese said.
The retail store is being moved into a larger, sister barn. In addition to cider and apples, you can also purchase local maple syrup and honey from the 15 beehives on the farm.
Want to thrill the kids? Schedule a weekend hayride by calling (734) 428–9310. If the weather permits and there are at least 10 people, the Bossorys are happy to accommodate you. It’s a great way to make memories with friends and family.
Another thing awaiting final inspection is the tasting barn. The Bossorys have hard cider ready to tap. Tasting parties are coming soon! “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Therese said.
Throughout the Fall season, there is live music in the gazebo. Enjoy doughnuts and cider while listening to tunes in a pastoral setting. Here is the schedule for October:
Saturday, October 2 ~ Emily Slomovits & Billy King, Singer/Songwriter & Guitar. 4 PM — 6 PM.
Sunday, October 3 ~ Andrew Brown & Zach Croft, Guitar Duo. 3 PM — 5 PM.
Saturday, October 9 ~ Mike Hammer, Accordion. 1 PM — 4 PM.
Sunday, October 10 ~ Mike Hammer, Accordion. 1 PM — 4 PM.
Saturday, October 16 ~ Alden Rohwer and Iren Hangen-Vazquez, Violin/Cello Duo. 12 PM — 2 PM.
Sunday, October 17 ~ Grant Flick & Andrew Brown, Fiddle & Guitar. 3 PM — 5 PM.
Saturday, October 24 ~ Manchester Community Brass Band. TBA.
Saturday, October 30 ~ Andrew Brown & Zach Croft, Guitar Duo. 1 PM — 3 PM.
Sunday, October 31 ~ Grant Flick & Andrew Brown, Fiddle & Guitar. 4 PM — 6 PM.
Savor all the wonderful things about Autumn at Albers Orchard located at 13011 Bethel Church Road, Manchester, Michigan. Their hours are 12 PM — 6 PM Tuesday — Friday. On Saturdays, they are open from 9 AM — 6 PM and on Sundays 10 AM — 6 PM. The orchard is closed on Monday.
If you’ve been to Alber Orchard, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
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