Michigan Products Journal

Northern Michigan's Friske Orchards is a great place to taste the fruits of every season, and pick up Michigan food and gift items as well. Friske Orchards actually consists of many related operations: the fruit stand, where you can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables; the old-fashioned general store; the Old World Bakery and Orchard Cafe; the Country Haus, hope of crafts and collectibles; along with seasonal events, barnyard petting zoo and u-pick fruit. All this in one spot, nestled near the shores of Lake Michigan near Charlevoix.

The Friske family moved to Michigan from Germany shortly after World War II, settling in the current location in 1962. The entire family (parents Richard and Olga, and children Judy, Richard, and Neil) pitched in to help make the orchards a success. In 1983, the parents turned over operations to the sons, "with lots of help from their wives, children, parents and even sister Judy". Their primary crops have been northern Michigan staples like apples and cherries, but they've since branched out into peaches, pears, asparagus, apricots, nectarines, strawberries and raspberries. Some of the trees in the orchard are over 100 years old, still bearing delicious fruits each season. In this era of commercial farming, this family has found a niche and has been able to remain independent for three generations, and "growing".

The best time to visit the orchards is in the spring time, when thousands of fruit trees are in bloom. However, you can pick up the fruits of the harvest, and many products like jams, jellies, salsas, baking mixes, honies, syrups, mixes, dried fruit and more at their website, www.Friske.com. Using PayPal, you can buy just about everything they have to offer at the farm market, delivered right to your door, all year round - or request a holiday catalog and order by mail or phone. You can even join the "Fruit of the Month Club", and receive a different Friske fruit product each month. What could be easier than getting the freshness of the farm market from the comfort of your own home?