One of the advantages of visiting Northport Michigan in September is that the apples are coming in. And nowhere are there more interesting varieties than at Kilcherman’s Christmas Cove Antique Apple Orchard.

In fact, I consider the apples there to be something of a gift…so I guess Christmas Cove is the appropriate place to find them.

I’ve been up in Northport for only three days and I’ve visited the apple orchard twice; the second time to get more apples and a gallon of cider to take home. While there I asked permission to take a few photos. “Sure” they said, “we’re sort of used to it by now.”

They’ve owned the apple orchard since 1955 and it’s become something of a tourist destination. Along with the wonderful antique apples, there’s a huge collection of soda bottles and tin signs hanging in the pole barn where the apples are sold.

I bought a book about the Kilcherman family orchard from the local bookseller Pamela Grath of Dog Ears Books yesterday. It’s full of beautiful photos and apple recipes and was put together by the family. I’m pretty sure I’m going to be baking a few tasty apple treats soon.

I’m glad I got to visit Northport during apple season. If you happen to get the chance to come up in the fall, make sure you stop by this unique orchard. It’s just north of town and the cider is to die for.

Guaranteed.