Yates Cider Mill

The one in Rochester Hills is more family friendly. The parking at this location is better. Probably because it gets smaller crowds. But it doesn’t have much for the little ones. Lots of holiday items for sale but not much else.

Awesome grounds to spend half a day at complimented by delicious doughnuts and cider at a wonderful price. Unlike the worthless and price gouging Franklin Cider Mill.

Every year I brave the tremendous lines and crushing crowds at Yates’ home base to obtain that most splendid of Michigan treasures, worthy of any foreign potentate’s ransom: cider doughnuts and cider. Who among us cannot love the sensation of sugar crumbling against our lips or the sweet, tart flavour mixed by a secret blend of spices upon our tongue? Certainly not me.
But I loathe the prospect of the zoo-​like parking lot, the sluggish line creeping forward in the beating sun, or the carnival atmosphere with none of the entertainment and all the ghoulish horrors of navigating around people failing to pay attention because they zone out into cider bliss. Since I work 9 to 5, those mid-​afternoon autumn jaunts when no one else is around simply don’t happen. So here’s my little secret ahead with context given: sneak off to Canterbury Village, a literal ghost town through primetime cider season.
Formerly with an outpost in Great Lakes Crossing, Yates expanded into a full facility with restaurant-​like seating and a functioning bakery bar serving up fudge opposite the doughnut and cider factory. Canterbury’s abundant parking and proximity to Great Lakes mean the trip isn’t much longer, but the experience is infinitely better. Eager diners can actually sit inside or park on a bench outside to admire the Tudor architecture. Prompt delivery of the old favourites — sugared doughnuts or plain in waxed bags, cider slushies, and of course a quart of cider itself — are standouts. Traffic meanders past jams and jellies from around the state, and just try to resist the sample station with blackberry cider jelly or apple cinnamon preserves.
I’m going to cut out from the cider mill experience to come directly here to get my stash at the start of the season or towards the end. The soft baked goods are so worth it, and the cider drinks are so rich and apply, I particularly can’t help but enthuse on Yates over most other options around.

I really like this location because it is open all year round in the Canterbury Village. It’s nice to sip hot cider, eat donuts, and walk around and look at the lights!
I love their hot ciders and cinnamon donuts (plain and powdered sugar are OK if you like those but I prefer the cinnamon). Their cider is not to sweet or cinnamon-​ey and their donuts are so warm and soft.
Happy eats!

It was so peaceful and calm and the donuts and cider as spectacular as usual. Love all the little shops and less commercial and bees as the one in Rochester. Don’t get me wrong Rochester I hold near and dear and had many many wonderful child and adult memories there, but now there are way too many farm animals and then your going to eat a donut uhm, no thanks. I like the clean quiet Bavarian feel of Orion much better. Hope it stays that way. Had a great time with my daughter there. It is a get and go with nicknak shops but still i loved it.

Just opened a location here in Orion yesterday (9÷13÷2014). Stopped by Canterbury Village to grab some treats!
Donut Sundae — Out of this world! So delicious! It’s a must-​try!
Cider Crème — Pretty much a cider slush. Their apple cider flavor comes through strong on this drink.
Cinnamon donut — Small, but delicious. 60 cents for 1 doughnut.
Three tables for sit down eating, but it’s mostly a spot to go in and out of. Syrup, jellies, and of course apple cider are also up for sale here.