Irish Hills Must Visit: Meckley's Flavor Fruit Farm

Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm is located in Cement City, Michigan—in the region known fondly as the Irish Hills.

Started in 1956, the farm was a simple wholesale operation, mostly selling apples at Eastern Market in Detroit. In 1970, the business expanded to include a retail operation at the the farm with a market, bakery, and cider mill on site. Over the next three decades, the farm evolved into the destination we know today which includes the orchards as well as a brewery, cidery, bakery, and festival space.

When we first started visiting this area last year, we quickly became obsessed with Meckley’s and it is always on our must-stop list every time we are in town. Here are the reasons why:

The Farm Experience

Experience the relaxing atmosphere that only a rural setting can provide. Sit on the porch under the vines with a cup of coffee in hand and a hot fresh donut. It’s truly a relaxing environment and a great place to spend with friends and family.

The Bakery

People travel far and wide for their baked goods, seriously. The Meckley’s bakers get up every morning at the crack of dawn to make fresh donuts, pies, and breads which can all be found at the on-site market. If we want first choice over donuts, then I suggest you get there early. The line really start building up but they try and work through everyone as quickly as possible.

The Cidery, The Cellars, and The Brewery

Meckley’s has been handcrafting artesian ciders, craft beers, and wine for over 50 years. As of today, Meckley’s is brewing 16 craft beers—reaching the full spectrum of flavors to suit everyone’s desires. Whatever you fancy, grab one and enjoy it upstairs on the deck.

The Market

Everything talked about here can be picked up at the Meckley’s on-site market. Arrive early because the donut crowd really does start taking over in the morning!

Festivals and Events

During the summer the farm is full of special events and festivals happening including craft fairs and live music. In the fall there’s even a corn maze and pumpkin patch. Check out their events page for a full list of what is going on over at the farm.

The Sunflower Fields!

New this year, Meckley’s added Sunshine Acres—a 9-acre u-pick sunflower field with more than 50 varieties of sunflowers. It opened in August of this year and will run until the end of the season. The day we were planning to visit it was raining really hard so we had to postpone but we are still hoping to make it back this summer to see the beautiful blooms up close and personal!