Hey all, Johnny Marbles here.
Ok, so it has been over a year since I posted anything on the reviews sites I started last fall. Here's the skinny; Johnny's life tanked a little. It happens, right? Just as things were starting to pick up here at West Michigan in Review (and all our sister sites), Johnny and the missus had a falling out and I decided to go back to driving truck over the road. Months passed and I couldn't keep everything going on the review sites, so they hung in limbo.
But now I'm back in the area and should be stable for a while (cross your fingers for me, would ya?). Some of our reviewers left the area, others moved on in their lives and so on. So it will take a little bit of time to sort out a new crop of folks to bring you clandestine reviews of places to eat, play and shop here in West Michigan. Once we get everything back in place, WMR will be back up and running full tilt again. I hope to have all that in place by the first of 2011 and we can start a new year fresh.
So that's that, let's hit the road again and see what we can find to review!
Johnny Marbles.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Kibby Creek Park in Mason County
For those taking “the old way” north up the West Michigan lakeshore, there are many nearly forgotten places along Old US 31. Now days old 31 has many different names, depending on what county you are in, so it may be a little challenging to find some of these places as we cover them, but we will try to give you enough information to easily seek them out.
In Mason County, in the deep valley between Meisenheimer Road and Deren Road, just north of where New US 31 crosses, there is a tiny roadside park at Kibby Creek. Old 31 is known as Pere Marquette Highway in Mason County, and runs from Ludington south to the county line.
A couple classic roadside “outhouse” style restrooms and picnic tables are the only amenities there, but as a place off the beaten path to stop and let the dogs run a bit, it is simple and serene. There is a small bridge and a cold spring fed creek that is perfect for impromptu family photos and occasional nature shots. I got a few very exceptional dragonfly photos there one early summer day on my way up north.
Just up the hill to the West is Kibby Creek campground, but having not stayed there before, I can not comment further on it. To the north there are several roadside fruit stands. Just a few miles south, at the county line there is a nice little winery with an unusual name I should have written down, but did not.
Well worth a stop with a picnic lunch and a camera if the rush of the freeway isn't your speed.
In Mason County, in the deep valley between Meisenheimer Road and Deren Road, just north of where New US 31 crosses, there is a tiny roadside park at Kibby Creek. Old 31 is known as Pere Marquette Highway in Mason County, and runs from Ludington south to the county line.
A couple classic roadside “outhouse” style restrooms and picnic tables are the only amenities there, but as a place off the beaten path to stop and let the dogs run a bit, it is simple and serene. There is a small bridge and a cold spring fed creek that is perfect for impromptu family photos and occasional nature shots. I got a few very exceptional dragonfly photos there one early summer day on my way up north.
Just up the hill to the West is Kibby Creek campground, but having not stayed there before, I can not comment further on it. To the north there are several roadside fruit stands. Just a few miles south, at the county line there is a nice little winery with an unusual name I should have written down, but did not.
Well worth a stop with a picnic lunch and a camera if the rush of the freeway isn't your speed.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Grand Haven Musical Fountain - Ottawa County
Hey everyone, Webmaster Johnny here.
We would be overlooking a major attraction in West Michigan if we did not cover the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. It's not exactly roadside, but you can watch it from your car. And it's FREE!
The fountain has been around since 1962, and every year has new shows. In September of 2006, the City of Grand Haven put the control software up on their site to allow anyone who would like to have their hand at creating a new performance a chance to create and submit their show, and some of these have been pretty spectacular. Heck, the fountain is so well known it even has it's own Wikipedia page, located here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Haven_Musical_Fountain
Fourth of July weekend has a special show, including sycronized fireworks, and the Coast Guard Festival show is usually worth wading through the crowd to get a good seat for.
You have the option of either finding a close parking place (but get there early to do so) or bringing a lawn chair or seat cushion. There is a large section of bleachers available, but they are pretty hard on the back end if you don't bring something a little softer to sit on. Your coat works, but since the fountain only runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you usually aren't carrying a coat.
You can check out more information and get directions at their website (which can sometimes take a bit to load, so be patient).
http://grandhaven.org/news-and-events/musical-fountain-schedule/
And if you would like to have a try at designing your own show, check out the software here:
http://www.ghmfsoftware.com/
The software site also has some video up, so you can see what others have done and what the fountain looks like in use.
Just thought I would throw that out there for you folks, I'm off to find something else to tell you about.
-Webmaster Johnny
We would be overlooking a major attraction in West Michigan if we did not cover the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. It's not exactly roadside, but you can watch it from your car. And it's FREE!
The fountain has been around since 1962, and every year has new shows. In September of 2006, the City of Grand Haven put the control software up on their site to allow anyone who would like to have their hand at creating a new performance a chance to create and submit their show, and some of these have been pretty spectacular. Heck, the fountain is so well known it even has it's own Wikipedia page, located here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Haven_Musical_Fountain
Fourth of July weekend has a special show, including sycronized fireworks, and the Coast Guard Festival show is usually worth wading through the crowd to get a good seat for.
You have the option of either finding a close parking place (but get there early to do so) or bringing a lawn chair or seat cushion. There is a large section of bleachers available, but they are pretty hard on the back end if you don't bring something a little softer to sit on. Your coat works, but since the fountain only runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you usually aren't carrying a coat.
You can check out more information and get directions at their website (which can sometimes take a bit to load, so be patient).
http://grandhaven.org/news-and-events/musical-fountain-schedule/
And if you would like to have a try at designing your own show, check out the software here:
http://www.ghmfsoftware.com/
The software site also has some video up, so you can see what others have done and what the fountain looks like in use.
Just thought I would throw that out there for you folks, I'm off to find something else to tell you about.
-Webmaster Johnny
Pumpkin Patches in Kent and Ottawa Counties
Hello again everyone! Now we will cover our pumpkin patch places we check in Kent and Ottawa Counties in our families yearly search for that perfect pumpkin!
As before, we are going to list them in alphabetical order.
De Lange's Redberry Farm
Our family has been picking strawberries at De Lange's for some time now, and we really like it there, but of course this is about pumpkins! They have plenty to choose from for sure! They also have gourds (so you can make really nice thanksgiving arrangements), squash, apples and a whole lot of other stuff.
They are at 5723 Port Sheldon, Hudsonville, MI
Phone: 616-875-6026
Email: dlredberryfarm@gmail.com
They are located about 3 miles West of Hudsonville on Port Sheldon, roughly a quarter mile West of 56th avenue. This is about 10 miles off US 31 on Port Sheldon, so it is very easy to find.
DK Orchards
DK used to be Vince Brown Farms, and a lot of local folks still call it Brown Farm, so it can be confusing if you stop to ask for directions. They have Pumpkins, pick your own apples, a corn maze and lots of other good stuff. We have seen squash, Indian corn, sweet corn, peaches, prunes and other locally grown stuff every time we visit. They seem to have more varieties of apples than most places too. In addition to the corn maze, there is a lot for the kids to see and do here; there is a giant chair out front, nice restrooms and they have a peacock pen even!
DK Orchards is located at 18203 8th Avenue, Conklin, MI 49403
Phone: 616-899-5400
We take I-96 to Exit 25 (near Marne), then go 4 ½ miles North on 8th Avenue. They are open June to October, but they have apples by appointment all the way into January! Great little secret for those special in front of the fire Christmas treats.
Joe Gavin Orchards
This is one of our secret places for sweet cherries (nice and fat), and of course they have pumpkins and cider in the fall. They also have squash, gourds and Indian corn for decorations.
They are located outside Coopersville at 16495 40th Ave Coopersville, MI 49404
Phone: 616-837-6472
Website: http://gavinorchards.com/
They are open Monday to Saturday, 9 am-7 pm, Sunday 12-6 pm
They are about halfway between Muskegon and Grand Rapids, on I-96 take Exit 19 which is 48th avenue, go one half mile north and turn east, go one mile, then turn north on 40th avenue for about three quarters of a mile. They have signs up so its very easy to find.
Moelker Orchards Farm Market
Of course they have pumpkins, but they have something a lot of other places do not; horse drawn wagon rides! They are in Kent county, but it was worth the ride for the kids to experience what we remember as kids; to go on a wagon ride pulled by horses! Horse drawn wagon rides are on Saturdays in October.
They also have cherries, peaches and pears, plums and several kinds of apples from their orchards in season, as well as apple cider, jams, cherry concentrate, squash, camel apples and fruit salsas.
They are open from July to January! Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 6pm.
They are located at 9265 Kenowa Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Phone: 616-453-2585
Email: tbmoke@altelco.net
Website: http://www.moelkerorchards.com/
Directions:
FROM THE WEST:
Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland: Take I-196 to exit 70B (Walker/M11). Go north 1.7 miles to Riverbend Drive. Left (west) on Riverbend 1/2 mile to Kenowa. Right on Kenowa to the farm.
Grand Haven, Muskegon, Coopersville: Take I-96 to exit 24(Walker). Go 2.1 miles to M-11 (Wilson). Turn right and go south 5 miles to Riverbend Drive. Right (west) on Riverbend 1/2 mile to Kenowa. Right on Kenowa to the farm.
FROM THE EAST:
Grand Rapids: Take I-196 west to exit 70 (Grandville/Walker M-11). Go right at the light appx. 1.7 miles to Riverbend Drive. Left (west) on Riverbend 1/2 mile to Kenowa. Right on Kenowa to the farm.
Wyoming, Kentwood: Take 28th St. (M-11) west through Grandville. After crossing the Grand River, continue 1.6 miles to Riverbend Drive. Left (west) on Riverbend 1/2 mile to Kenowa. Right on Kenowa to the farm.
Peaceful Acres Ranch
Located at 11195 Rich Street, West Olive, MI 49460, this is one of those kind of family secrets. It is out in the country and very quiet and pretty. Perfect stop on a color tour! They are open June, and September – October. You do have to give them a call to set up a you pick appointment usually.
Phone: 616.895.5428
Email: sgeurink@altelco.net
Directions: Farm is located between Lake Michigan and Allendale, MI just off M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive) Turn north on 112th Street and proceed one half mile North. The farm is located on the North side of the Street at the corner of 112th and Rich Street.
Post Family Farm
Not only a good place to find pumpkins, gourds and winter squash, they have some really good Christmas trees too! They have group events like farm tours, hayrides, bon fires and square dances! They have even had weddings and family reunions at the farm. They have a greenhouse flower section too.
They are open September to December, and during May in the spring but we think only by appointment, call or check their website for details just in case.
5081 Bauer Rd. Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: 616-669-1964
Email: julie@postfamilyfarm.com
Website: http://www.postfamilyfarm.com/
Directions: 196 W from Grand Rapids to Exit 69B (Jenison/Chicago Dr W) Turn right at light, right again at next light (Cottonwood), left on Bauer. Farm is 6 mi. W on Bauer Rd. Open: Sat in October 10 am to 5pm.
Well, that's all for now, we hope you were able to find a good pumpkin patch near you! We will write more later and add more places as we find them.
Thank you for reading!
As before, we are going to list them in alphabetical order.
De Lange's Redberry Farm
Our family has been picking strawberries at De Lange's for some time now, and we really like it there, but of course this is about pumpkins! They have plenty to choose from for sure! They also have gourds (so you can make really nice thanksgiving arrangements), squash, apples and a whole lot of other stuff.
They are at 5723 Port Sheldon, Hudsonville, MI
Phone: 616-875-6026
Email: dlredberryfarm@gmail.com
They are located about 3 miles West of Hudsonville on Port Sheldon, roughly a quarter mile West of 56th avenue. This is about 10 miles off US 31 on Port Sheldon, so it is very easy to find.
DK Orchards
DK used to be Vince Brown Farms, and a lot of local folks still call it Brown Farm, so it can be confusing if you stop to ask for directions. They have Pumpkins, pick your own apples, a corn maze and lots of other good stuff. We have seen squash, Indian corn, sweet corn, peaches, prunes and other locally grown stuff every time we visit. They seem to have more varieties of apples than most places too. In addition to the corn maze, there is a lot for the kids to see and do here; there is a giant chair out front, nice restrooms and they have a peacock pen even!
DK Orchards is located at 18203 8th Avenue, Conklin, MI 49403
Phone: 616-899-5400
We take I-96 to Exit 25 (near Marne), then go 4 ½ miles North on 8th Avenue. They are open June to October, but they have apples by appointment all the way into January! Great little secret for those special in front of the fire Christmas treats.
Joe Gavin Orchards
This is one of our secret places for sweet cherries (nice and fat), and of course they have pumpkins and cider in the fall. They also have squash, gourds and Indian corn for decorations.
They are located outside Coopersville at 16495 40th Ave Coopersville, MI 49404
Phone: 616-837-6472
Website: http://gavinorchards.com/
They are open Monday to Saturday, 9 am-7 pm, Sunday 12-6 pm
They are about halfway between Muskegon and Grand Rapids, on I-96 take Exit 19 which is 48th avenue, go one half mile north and turn east, go one mile, then turn north on 40th avenue for about three quarters of a mile. They have signs up so its very easy to find.
Moelker Orchards Farm Market
Of course they have pumpkins, but they have something a lot of other places do not; horse drawn wagon rides! They are in Kent county, but it was worth the ride for the kids to experience what we remember as kids; to go on a wagon ride pulled by horses! Horse drawn wagon rides are on Saturdays in October.
They also have cherries, peaches and pears, plums and several kinds of apples from their orchards in season, as well as apple cider, jams, cherry concentrate, squash, camel apples and fruit salsas.
They are open from July to January! Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 6pm.
They are located at 9265 Kenowa Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49544
Phone: 616-453-2585
Email: tbmoke@altelco.net
Website: http://www.moelkerorchards.com/
Directions:
FROM THE WEST:
Jenison, Hudsonville, Holland: Take I-196 to exit 70B (Walker/M11). Go north 1.7 miles to Riverbend Drive. Left (west) on Riverbend 1/2 mile to Kenowa. Right on Kenowa to the farm.
Grand Haven, Muskegon, Coopersville: Take I-96 to exit 24(Walker). Go 2.1 miles to M-11 (Wilson). Turn right and go south 5 miles to Riverbend Drive. Right (west) on Riverbend 1/2 mile to Kenowa. Right on Kenowa to the farm.
FROM THE EAST:
Grand Rapids: Take I-196 west to exit 70 (Grandville/Walker M-11). Go right at the light appx. 1.7 miles to Riverbend Drive. Left (west) on Riverbend 1/2 mile to Kenowa. Right on Kenowa to the farm.
Wyoming, Kentwood: Take 28th St. (M-11) west through Grandville. After crossing the Grand River, continue 1.6 miles to Riverbend Drive. Left (west) on Riverbend 1/2 mile to Kenowa. Right on Kenowa to the farm.
Peaceful Acres Ranch
Located at 11195 Rich Street, West Olive, MI 49460, this is one of those kind of family secrets. It is out in the country and very quiet and pretty. Perfect stop on a color tour! They are open June, and September – October. You do have to give them a call to set up a you pick appointment usually.
Phone: 616.895.5428
Email: sgeurink@altelco.net
Directions: Farm is located between Lake Michigan and Allendale, MI just off M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive) Turn north on 112th Street and proceed one half mile North. The farm is located on the North side of the Street at the corner of 112th and Rich Street.
Post Family Farm
Not only a good place to find pumpkins, gourds and winter squash, they have some really good Christmas trees too! They have group events like farm tours, hayrides, bon fires and square dances! They have even had weddings and family reunions at the farm. They have a greenhouse flower section too.
They are open September to December, and during May in the spring but we think only by appointment, call or check their website for details just in case.
5081 Bauer Rd. Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: 616-669-1964
Email: julie@postfamilyfarm.com
Website: http://www.postfamilyfarm.com/
Directions: 196 W from Grand Rapids to Exit 69B (Jenison/Chicago Dr W) Turn right at light, right again at next light (Cottonwood), left on Bauer. Farm is 6 mi. W on Bauer Rd. Open: Sat in October 10 am to 5pm.
Well, that's all for now, we hope you were able to find a good pumpkin patch near you! We will write more later and add more places as we find them.
Thank you for reading!
Muskegon County Pumpkin patches and stands
Here are some of the places our family searches out those perfect pumpkins for jack-o-lantern carving in Muskegon County. As with our previous letter, we put them in alphabetical order, with the exception of the farmers markets, which are listed at the end.
Dave's Harvest Basket
They have pumpkins here, along with other seasonal treats like sweet cherries, apples and peaches. Also, Dave's Harvest Baseket has a nice picnic area with firepits for bon fires and bbq's, a climbing area and hayrides.
They are located at 17485 Apple Ave. Casnovia, MI 49318
Open May to October daily from 10am to 6pm but it is best to call ahead for specials and times, as sometimes they are out in the field picking and the stand may not be open.
Phone: 616-675-5384
Find your way to the corner of M-37 and Apple Avenue (which is also known as M-46). They are the first place west on Southside Road.
Dietrich's Harvest Basket
Lots of good pumpkins here! They also have asparagus, blueberries, sweet corn and peaches, along with U-pick apples and pumpkins. They have a nice little petting zoo, picnic areas and wagon rides too.
They are located on M-46 (Apple Ave.) just W of M-37 & M-46 junction in Casnovia. We are E of Muskegon & NW of Grand Rapids. Being East of Muskegon and North of Grand Rapids is easy for many people to find, and makes a nice little family get away.
They are open May to October 31, daily, 9 am-6 pm, Weekend hours vary.
Phone: 616-675-5384
R and K Blueberries and Greenhouse
The RnK pumpkin patch is your choice of u-pick or choose from the pumpkins already brought in from the fields. Many other seasonal fruits are available too including cherries, blueberries and pumpkins in season.
They are located at 1790 Mount Garfield Road, Muskegon, MI 49444
Phone: 231-578-4008
Email: jortaysam@msn.com
They are located in Fruitport just behind the Lakes Mall at the JC Penney entrance. Take the Sternberg Road exit East to the Lakes Mall and drive around to the JC Penny area, you should be able to see it from there. You do need to know they only take cash or checks though, so plan ahead.
There are at least two nice farmers markets in Muskegon County, in Montague and Muskegon (and we think others as well, we are researching).
The Montague Farmers Market is open 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, June through November. It is pretty easy to find, simply go into Montague and find the giant weathervane. Turn South at the intersection with the stoplight and the market is in the next block.
The Muskegon Farmers Market is much bigger, with farmers and crafts people coming in from several counties. There are also ready to eat foods from several local food wagons and The Cheese Lady (mmmm!)
Their website is http://www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com/
The Muskegon Farmers Market is open from 7am to about 2 or 3pm, Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays, with a Flea Market on Wednesdays. They are open from May to November, rain or shine.
In our next letter, our clan will give away our secret pumpkin patches in Ottawa County!
A note from the webmaster:
We have another of our contributors doing a full article on the Muskegon Farmers Market, which is celebrating their 125th year anniversary this year. Look for that here soon.
-webmaster Johnny
Dave's Harvest Basket
They have pumpkins here, along with other seasonal treats like sweet cherries, apples and peaches. Also, Dave's Harvest Baseket has a nice picnic area with firepits for bon fires and bbq's, a climbing area and hayrides.
They are located at 17485 Apple Ave. Casnovia, MI 49318
Open May to October daily from 10am to 6pm but it is best to call ahead for specials and times, as sometimes they are out in the field picking and the stand may not be open.
Phone: 616-675-5384
Find your way to the corner of M-37 and Apple Avenue (which is also known as M-46). They are the first place west on Southside Road.
Dietrich's Harvest Basket
Lots of good pumpkins here! They also have asparagus, blueberries, sweet corn and peaches, along with U-pick apples and pumpkins. They have a nice little petting zoo, picnic areas and wagon rides too.
They are located on M-46 (Apple Ave.) just W of M-37 & M-46 junction in Casnovia. We are E of Muskegon & NW of Grand Rapids. Being East of Muskegon and North of Grand Rapids is easy for many people to find, and makes a nice little family get away.
They are open May to October 31, daily, 9 am-6 pm, Weekend hours vary.
Phone: 616-675-5384
R and K Blueberries and Greenhouse
The RnK pumpkin patch is your choice of u-pick or choose from the pumpkins already brought in from the fields. Many other seasonal fruits are available too including cherries, blueberries and pumpkins in season.
They are located at 1790 Mount Garfield Road, Muskegon, MI 49444
Phone: 231-578-4008
Email: jortaysam@msn.com
They are located in Fruitport just behind the Lakes Mall at the JC Penney entrance. Take the Sternberg Road exit East to the Lakes Mall and drive around to the JC Penny area, you should be able to see it from there. You do need to know they only take cash or checks though, so plan ahead.
There are at least two nice farmers markets in Muskegon County, in Montague and Muskegon (and we think others as well, we are researching).
The Montague Farmers Market is open 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, June through November. It is pretty easy to find, simply go into Montague and find the giant weathervane. Turn South at the intersection with the stoplight and the market is in the next block.
The Muskegon Farmers Market is much bigger, with farmers and crafts people coming in from several counties. There are also ready to eat foods from several local food wagons and The Cheese Lady (mmmm!)
Their website is http://www.muskegonfarmersmarket.com/
The Muskegon Farmers Market is open from 7am to about 2 or 3pm, Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays, with a Flea Market on Wednesdays. They are open from May to November, rain or shine.
In our next letter, our clan will give away our secret pumpkin patches in Ottawa County!
A note from the webmaster:
We have another of our contributors doing a full article on the Muskegon Farmers Market, which is celebrating their 125th year anniversary this year. Look for that here soon.
-webmaster Johnny
Monday, September 21, 2009
Pumpkin Patches in Oceana County
It's fall, and for our family, that means going out and finding the best pumpkins for carving jack-o-lanterns! We figured we could reveal some of our secret list of places that our family and friends have shopped over the past years, cause we have already been out looking and have found a couple of keepers! It's good, classic fun for the whole family, so let's get looking!
Starting from the north and going south, we covered the three counties we hunt for pumpkins in below, and farms are listed in alphabetical order:
Oceana County
Heritage Farm Market
They have a nice pick-your-own pumpkin patch (and tomato patch in season too). They also have sweet corn, peppers and apples, along with apple cider in the fall. Their bakery makes treats out of the apples from their farm like camel apples, doughnuts and some really good muffins.
They are open August 3 to December 24, Monday-Saturday, 9 am-5:30 pm and also on Sun. 12-5 pm, but only in October.
Phone: 231-854-8846.
Directions: 1888 S. Maple Island Rd. The farm is located 3 1/2 miles south of Hesperia on M-120 (Maple Island Road) on the west side of the road not far from Freemont.
Lewis Farm Market and Petting Farm
This has always been a family favorite for us. They have pumpkins up at the market, or if you like you can go out in the field and pick your own (which we recommend!). They also have hay rides behind a tractor, a corn maze, pick your own apples, all sorts of snacks and other neat things at the farm market, a petting farm with some very friendly animals and nice clean restrooms.
They are open May to October 31, but you may want to call for hours or check their website.
Phone: 231-861-5730
Website: http://www.lewisfarmmarket.com/
E-mail: info@lewisfarmmarket.com
4180 West M-20, New Era, MI 49446
Take US 31 to the M-20 Exit (New Era/Stony Lake Rd.) turn to the East, the farm is on the North side of the road about a quarter mile East of the highway.
Ramey Farms
Another great corn maze, good pumpkins and lots of other stuff in season, including but not limited to: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sweet corn, cherries, peaches, apples, tomatoes, squash, cider, donuts, caramel apples, jams, honey, maple syrup, u-pick strawberries, raspberries and of course, pumpkins! They have a nice place with a bakery, pantry and gift shop. Hay rides in the fall are always a fun time too!
They are open June-September, Monday to Friday, 9 am-6 pm, Saturday, 9 am-4 pm, October seven days a week, 9 am-6 pm.
They are located on 90 th ave, and to get there you find your way to Old 31/Oceana Drive to Cleveland Rd (between Rothbury and New Era). Turn East and go to 90 th ave, turn North and travel a half mile.
Rennhack Orchards Market
A very nice farm markets right in Hart, on Polk rd across from Family Dollar. They have nearly 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown at their farms in Oceana county. Honeycrisp apples, Balaton cherries, and Flamin’ Fury peaches are just a few. Everything is seasonal, so stop by often to see what new things are there. And of course, pumpkins!
They are open July-Oct, Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm
2184 N 72nd Ave. Hart, MI 49420.
Phone: 231-873-7553.
Email: rennhackorchard@oceana.net
Super easy to find too! Take US 31 to the Hart Exit, travel one mile East and Rennhack's is on the South side of the road.
In our next letter we will tell you about places to find pumpkins in Muskegon and Ottawa counties!
Thanks for reading!
Starting from the north and going south, we covered the three counties we hunt for pumpkins in below, and farms are listed in alphabetical order:
Oceana County
Heritage Farm Market
They have a nice pick-your-own pumpkin patch (and tomato patch in season too). They also have sweet corn, peppers and apples, along with apple cider in the fall. Their bakery makes treats out of the apples from their farm like camel apples, doughnuts and some really good muffins.
They are open August 3 to December 24, Monday-Saturday, 9 am-5:30 pm and also on Sun. 12-5 pm, but only in October.
Phone: 231-854-8846.
Directions: 1888 S. Maple Island Rd. The farm is located 3 1/2 miles south of Hesperia on M-120 (Maple Island Road) on the west side of the road not far from Freemont.
Lewis Farm Market and Petting Farm
This has always been a family favorite for us. They have pumpkins up at the market, or if you like you can go out in the field and pick your own (which we recommend!). They also have hay rides behind a tractor, a corn maze, pick your own apples, all sorts of snacks and other neat things at the farm market, a petting farm with some very friendly animals and nice clean restrooms.
They are open May to October 31, but you may want to call for hours or check their website.
Phone: 231-861-5730
Website: http://www.lewisfarmmarket.com/
E-mail: info@lewisfarmmarket.com
4180 West M-20, New Era, MI 49446
Take US 31 to the M-20 Exit (New Era/Stony Lake Rd.) turn to the East, the farm is on the North side of the road about a quarter mile East of the highway.
Ramey Farms
Another great corn maze, good pumpkins and lots of other stuff in season, including but not limited to: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sweet corn, cherries, peaches, apples, tomatoes, squash, cider, donuts, caramel apples, jams, honey, maple syrup, u-pick strawberries, raspberries and of course, pumpkins! They have a nice place with a bakery, pantry and gift shop. Hay rides in the fall are always a fun time too!
They are open June-September, Monday to Friday, 9 am-6 pm, Saturday, 9 am-4 pm, October seven days a week, 9 am-6 pm.
They are located on 90 th ave, and to get there you find your way to Old 31/Oceana Drive to Cleveland Rd (between Rothbury and New Era). Turn East and go to 90 th ave, turn North and travel a half mile.
Rennhack Orchards Market
A very nice farm markets right in Hart, on Polk rd across from Family Dollar. They have nearly 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown at their farms in Oceana county. Honeycrisp apples, Balaton cherries, and Flamin’ Fury peaches are just a few. Everything is seasonal, so stop by often to see what new things are there. And of course, pumpkins!
They are open July-Oct, Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm
2184 N 72nd Ave. Hart, MI 49420.
Phone: 231-873-7553.
Email: rennhackorchard@oceana.net
Super easy to find too! Take US 31 to the Hart Exit, travel one mile East and Rennhack's is on the South side of the road.
In our next letter we will tell you about places to find pumpkins in Muskegon and Ottawa counties!
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Along the Roadside in West Michigan
At the suggestion of some of our reviewers, we have created this weblog as a collection of roadside attractions, produce stands and that sort of thing in West Michigan. Hopefully, it may help you find something interesting close to home you may not have known about.
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