Team,

We had a full day in the 7th district this past weekend. It was the return of our cider mill tour, which we called Cider in the Seventh. There were 6 in total: Spicer Orchards, Blake’s Orchard, Grainger Orchard, Clearview Orchard, Cottage Creek Orchard, and Uncle John’s Cider Mill.

We started out the day bright and early at Spicer Orchards in Livingston County. In order to make it through a packed day of cider and donuts, I also tried to buy something unique to that cider mill at every stop – at Spicer’s it was maple cream and frosted apple cinnamon bread.

Then, we were on to Blake’s Orchard in South Lyon. Congressman Joe Neguse joined me at this stop and I was able to show him all Michigan has to offer. We even got a hard cider tasting in before 11 am.

Next was Grainger Orchard in Howell and Clearview Orchard in Haslett. Big or small, mid-Michigan knows how to harvest some tasty apples. These two stops were perfect for apple picking. With all of the bees out on Sunday, I had to pick up some local honey.

Cottage Creek Orchard in Mason was next. The Casali family built the space from the ground up, overlooking a beautiful orchard. A true testament to living their dream in MI07. Plus, the boys had a great game day setup while they were cleaning and sorting apples in the back.

We wrapped up the day at Uncle Johns. Going to Uncle Johns is like the Super Bowl of cider mills in the new 7th, so it was only fitting that we end the day with a bang. My brother and niece were in town this weekend and were able to join me for the last few stops. Each of my campaigns has been a family affair, and I love involving my nieces and nephews whenever I can. 

As an added bonus, I ended the day at Horrocks – a Lansing area staple that's part grocery store, part farmers market, part restaurant, and part beer garden. We grabbed some dinner and I was able to get in a little grocery shopping (a rare win during campaign season).

We could not have asked for a more beautiful fall day on the campaign trail. Even though days like this are packed, I’m energized when I get to spend time saying hello to people in the district who are out and about. Thank you for following along, and if you want to help me continue to execute packed days like this for the next 16 days, consider chipping in below.