Connecting with the Past at Crane's Orchards in Fennville, MI -

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Connecting with the Past at Crane's Orchards in Fennville, MI

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By Cheri Sicard

Photos: Cheri Sicard

Posted October 10th, 2008

FENNVILLE, MICHIGAN, USA -- A visit to Crane's Orchards in the tiny town of Fennville, Michigan, not far from Grand Rapids, is like stepping back in time - in more ways than one. It starts with the vintage farm truck that now serves as the sign that greets visitors as they enter the property. Then there's Crane's Pie Pantry restaurant, whose every nook and cranny is crammed with fascinating ephemera and memorabilia from bygone days. But perhaps the most important bit of nostalgia available to Crane's visitors, in an era that seems dominated by fast, over processed foods, is the chance to connect in a very real way with where food comes, how it grows, and how it gets to our tables. If you visit Cranes at the right time of year, food - in this case fruit - only gets to your table when you pick it. Of course the folks at Cranes, with generations of farming experience behind them, have done the hard part of cultivating, fertilizing, pest control, etc. for you. Still it's important every now and then, especially for children, to connect with here food comes from, and a day spent picking apples, peaches, or cherries can do just the trick.

cranes orchards H.B. Crane purchased the lush rolling farmland in 1916, and it's been in the family ever since. In addition to his love of farming, H.B. was a passionate collector, evidence of which can be seen all over kitschy Crane's Pie Pantry Restaurant. I haven't seen this much "stuff" in one place since visiting another one of my favorite Americana attractions, Maine's Bryant's Museum. Of course at Bryant's, Joe and Bea are still adding to their collections. The only thing that keeps Crane's antiques and collectibles from literally bursting out of their building's seams is that old H.B. is no longer around to keep adding to it.

You'll have a fascinating time perusing the walls, reading old postcards and magazines and looking at the various displays of old objects. There's so much to look at, you might wish it took longer for your food to arrive. Don't worry, the folks at Cranes won't mind of you linger and look around later. There are even interesting things to look at in the rest rooms!

You can get a casual lunch or dinner here, but the real stars are Crane homemade fruit pies - even better than mom's - with or without ice cream. Pie doesn't get much better than this folks. Crane's Pie Pantry Restaurant also stocks a nice variety of homemade preserves, and for those too lazy to pick their own, fresh fruits in season.

For those who can't visit, Crane's will also gladly ship pies and/or preserves to you. Pies are available baked or frozen ready for you to bake at home, in the following flavors: Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, Red Raspberry, Sugar Free Apple, Sugar Free Cherry, Sugar Free Blueberry Pie, Rhubarb, Rhubarb and Raspberry. They also offer Apple Crisp, Cherry Crisp, Apple Cheese Strudel, Apple Walnut Cake, Rhubarb Crisp, Cherry Cheese Strudel, and Blueberry Cheese Strudel. You can even order a "Pie of the Month" club membership.

Practicalities

Crane's U-Pick Apple Farm and Pie Pantry Restaurant is located at 6054 124th Avenue in Fennville, Michigan 49406. Phone Cranes at 269-561-2297 or visit their website at www.CranesPiePantry.com. Call first to check on hours, as the restaurant has limited hours, especially in the off season.

Despite the schedule below, you should always call before visiting to avoid disappointment, as weather conditions can and do effect crops. General Schedule for U-Pick Fruits at Crane's Orchards: Sweet Cherries: Early July Pitted Cherries: Early July Peaches: Early August Apples: September and October.

The Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention and Visitors Bureau can help you plan any visits to the area. Call them toll free at 1-877-VISIT-GR or at 616-459-8387 or click to their website www.visitgrandrapids.com.