Welcome to December, a month of lights, snow, and feasts; time to make amends and tie loose ends; finish off what you started, and hope your wishes come true. (Anonymous)

We welcome December at the farm, as it gives us a chance to be in lower operating mode.  The colder temperatures and shorter hours of daylight have forced a bit of rest upon us.  And those gale winds yesterday forced us out of the orchards and vineyards for an afternoon off!

But December is a holiday month with its own unique frenzy!  If you are feeling the stress, take a moment to stop by this Saturday to feel the quietness of the farm and the quaintness of our holiday market.  You will leave with holiday joy and a smile, and hopefully a bag of apples or two!

Our Days and Hours  

We are open on Saturdays, 9 am to 3 pm, through Dec. 17.  You can also shop by appointment – call: 269-244-5690.  Reminder, we are open only three more Saturdays!

Please remember that we are an outdoor market so dress warmly.  Also feel free to drop off/ pick up passengers close to the market before parking.

Visit with Santa

Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by last Saturday and are taking a break from the frenzy of the North to stop by for the next three Saturdays!  They really enjoy the peacefulness of our farm in winter.  Slots are limited so make your reservation soon!  There is still time to get photos of the family for your holiday cards!  See our Santa website page for more information and the link to the reservation system.

Dates and Times:
Dec. 3, 10, and 17 (9:30 am to 1:30 pm)
Reservations Recommended
Cost:  $20 per family

What makes Santa’s visit to Corey Lake Orchards different from his other stops?

  • He brings Mrs. Claus who also engages in conversation with your child, assists with photo taking, and looks great in photos also.
  • He has firsthand knowledge of your children and their holiday wishes (thanks to your help of course!)  This only strengthens the magical mystique.
  • Our tastefully decorated setting is a throwback to yesteryear and simpler times.
  • We have more photo opportunities.  In addition to the immediate area by Santa and Mrs. Claus, we have several photo spots with vintage and farm-type decorations that you won’t find anywhere else.  Areas include our red antique fire truck, antique tractors, horse trough snowman, garland decorated apple bin, large tire wreath, John Deere tractors under the tree, a vintage sleigh, and more unique spots.
  • Our location is sensory-friendly (little noise from other shoppers and families), and Santa is quiet (not loud and scary) – a much better setting for children who are already intimidated by the overall Santa experience or have special needs or sensory issues.
  • Family dogs are welcome, too!  Undoubtedly, they will be on their best behavior!

Shop Our Holiday Market

Stop by and see our decorated market and barn and enjoy a cup of warm mulled cider or hot chocolate while you shop.  The inner working area of the 100-year-old barn has been festively decorated with the quaintness of yesteryear.  Many of you have wanted to buy our vintage holiday decorations.  We have added to our collection and have some for sale.  Just look for those with a special sale tag.

Dozens of Santa items for sale in our Santa display.

Below –mulled cider and hot chocolate await you while you shop.

We have also expanded our line of gifts.  You will find many unique items made by local artisans in a range of prices.  This is the place to come for stocking stuffers as well as finding special gifts for those individuals hard to shop for.

Who likes owls? Check out this display.

Add-ons for gifts of wine.

Feed Your Animals all Winter  

We have plenty of animal apples to sell in bulk this year.

We have “bag your own” animal apples on the market for $4.50 a half bushel.  Bring your own half bushel basket or 5-gallon bucket and save 50 cents.

You can purchase an 18-bushel bin and take out what you need on a weekly basis.  We will keep them in the cold storage for you.  Call (269) 244-5690 for pricing and more information.

If you know a “dear” homebound person who might enjoy watching the deer in their backyard, this might just be the ticket.

And don’t forget Santa’s reindeer!

Shop our “Hail of a Deal” on Apples!   

We have a decent selection of apples still available in first and second quality.  Smaller bags (quarter and half pecks) are sold as first quality.  Pecks, half bushels, and bushels are available in second quality only.  The second quality apples are discounted and perfect for your processing needs.

We are also selling food mills on the market; everyone must have one of these!  They are the best way to make applesauce ever, without peeling!  We have a special on these, buy one and get a peck of apples free (a great gift idea).

Make your own dog treats.  If you are looking for a treat for your canine or to give as a gift, try making these Oat and Apple dog treats using our processing apples.  The ingredients are simple – rolled oats, applesauce, flour, and egg – and they take very little time.  Hint – The recipe calls for making them into pretzel shapes; however, I did not have the time (or skill) to do so.  I just made small round balls, placed them on the cookie sheet, and flattened them slightly with my fingers.  The dogs liked them just as much, and you can make them as big or little as you desire! ~ Brenda

Apple Varieties Available Now

  • Braeburn
  • Cameo
  • Fuji
  • Golden Delicious
  • Goldrush
  • Ida Red
  • Mutsu
  • Northern Spy
  • Pink Lady
  • Red Delicious
  • Red Rome

What is Available on the Market this Week    

  • Onions
  • Shallots
  • Squash – butternut, buttercup, acorn, and carnival
  • Apples
  • Tomatoes (greenhouse, green only)

From Bankson Lake Farms

  • Arugula
  • Beets
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Fennel
  • Ginger
  • Greens
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Mushrooms
  • Radishes
  • Spinach
  • Swiss chard
  • Turmeric

Other Items

Apple Cider
We have frozen apple cider from this past fall available.  Just defrost and shake well before serving.

Local Grocery Items
Fresh products from our local suppliers – honey, maple syrup products, jams and jellies, salsa, eggs, and Jake’s meats.  It’s time to stock up!

Alcohol Products 

We have a nice selection of hard ciders, wine, and fruit brandy.  Our alcohol products can be incorporated into your holiday meal planning and are perfect for gift giving.

  • 8 total wines from red to white, dry to sweet
  • 8 total hard ciders from dry to sweet, made onsite
  • Various fruit brandies made onsite from various fruits
  • Rufus Rye, our new straight rye whiskey

We sell hard cider in singles, 4-packs, and 6-packs.  You may mix and match to make your own unique pack.  Perfect for seasonal drinking!

From the Bakery

Holiday Pies.  Pick up your “take and bake” pies to have ready for the Holidays or any occasion!  All our pies are made onsite and are 9-inch, frozen, and ready to bake.  Flavors include: Apple-2 crust, Apple-Dutch, Blueberry, Cherry, Cherry Berry, Peach, Pumpkin, and Strawberry Rhubarb.

Pizza and Breakfast Strombolis.  We have frozen strombolis in assorted flavors, frozen, ready to take and bake.

Cookies.  We have been busy making iced holiday sugar cookies along with our popular Monster cookies.  If you need cookies for the holidays (or just some for yourself!), we have frozen Lemon, Monster, and Sugar cookies available.  We also have our homemade frozen cinnamon buns.  Just keep in the freezer until needed, defrost, and enjoy!  You’ll need to pick up some cookies as Sunday, December 4 is National Cookie Day.

Thank you for your continued support and for buying local.  Everyone at Corey Lake Orchards wishes you a good December!