Sunflower Orchard

Kittens? Check. Fresh apples? Check. Beautiful scenery? Check. There is a reason we've come here for the last 6 years. No wagon rides, no doughnuts, just delicious u-pick apples. Very convenient to get to just a few miles off the highway. They also sell at the OP farmers market which is how we learned about their farm. We've even discovered new varieties of applied like blondes- crisp and tart, and Arkansas black- softer but with clove flavor. As a Michigander I'm an apple snob & this orchard checks all the boxes for me. Plus, kittens?

When I was younger we used to always go to Stephenson's Orchard. I always looked forward to apple picking day. When I go older and had my own kids, I told them how much I used to love picking apples with my family. I tried to look up Stephenson's and saw they had closed. After a quick google search, I found Sunflower Orchard and was glad it wasn't too far of a drive.When we arrived, I will admit I was a bit disappointed by the size of the trees. I was hoping for large trees that the kids would have to climb up to get. The disappointment was short-lived because as soon as I tasted their fuji apple I was so excited to try other varieties. We grabbed a couple bags and went to explore their orchard and discovered some new varieties. Our favorites were the ultragold and winecrisp. There was a candy crisp that the kids also liked. I would highly recommend everyone to add Sunflower Orchard to their list of fall traditions!

I met Danielle at our local farmer's market Fall festival. She was AMAZING! Actually, I was surprised to know that such an orchard existed that I've not heard about. I bought a little bushel of them at the farmer's market originally. Today though... I went to the actual Sunflower Orchard, was blown away! It took me back to my childhood of going to Stephenson's Orchard (No longer around) It was a beautiful day, I got the best apples! Lance and family really take pride and try to even educate you on the property about the different kinds of apples and when to come when when the season is going. Please go there and see what I'm saying! You won't regret it! :) P.S. Yes, I did take an apple to "Sample". They were totally for it! (Again... awesome!)

Another amazing place that we visited on a recent trip. Our visit started by being given an Ultragolden Apple to taste, then being led out to the orchard and explained all the types of apples, including their flavor profiles, they were available for picking and where they were before setting us loose to pick to our hearts content.

Had an awesome time here today! Lance, who owns the orchard, was very kind. He explained which apples we should pick and how to pick them and then left us to explore. It was great for our city kids to get a taste of the country and where apples come from. Would definitely visit again when we're in the area :)