
Skating is a popular activity around Northeast Ohio, and you'll find plenty of ice rinks in the area where you can take a spin around the ice. Several offer great scenery, and some are located near shopping areas where you can also spend some time browsing in shops when you're out and about.
Dress in warm layers before you go since even indoor ice rinks stay cold to maintain the ice. Don't forget to bring your cell phone or camera to take photos of your kids or others in your group.
Check out the following indoor and outdoor ice rinks around Northeast Ohio, where you can glide away the stress of the day.
9999 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
The Pond Ice Rink stays busy, hosting figure skating and ice hockey as well as open skate sessions. If you'd like to drop by to skate, register online. The cost is $10, including skates and gliders (if available). And if you'd like to get more serious about your time on the ice, The Pond offers Saturday and Sunday skating lessons for all ages and skill levels. Private lessons are also available.
177 Market St., Westlake, OH 44145
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Browse in the upscale Crocker Park shopping center and then head out to the open skating rink to have some fun. Located at Union Square in front of Regal Cinemas, the rink has a surface that's made of real ice. Glide along as you listen to Christmas tunes, or keep a check on social media to see which select days DJs from 96.5 KISS-FM will be there to spin some tunes. The rink is open through Feb. 21, 2022, and costs $12 per person, including skates.
8319 Port Jackson Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Center Ice Sports Complex is a hub for several types of ice-related activities and sports, including figure skating, hockey, and ice skating. If you'd like to do your own thing on the ice, register online in advance for an open skate. It costs $10 admission and $4 for skate rental. And whether you're just starting out or already have some skills you'd like to improve, the complex offers ice skating lessons for toddlers through adults and for everyone from beginners to more advanced levels. Before long, you might find yourself ready to tackle figure skating or hockey!
10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
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The Rink at Wade Oval is located at University Circle, where you can spend time exploring this square mile that's filled with museums, parks, restaurants, and more. It's even been named the Best Arts District in the country by a USA Today poll of readers. The perfect place to spend a day or afternoon, University Circle also houses a skating rink to help you extend the fun. The rink is open through Feb. 27, 2022, and skating costs $3 for general admission and $2 for students. Skate rental costs $2 for general admission and $1 for students. As an added bonus, if you show your skating admission wristband, you can visit the nearby Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland History Center, and Cleveland Museum of Natural History for $2 off same-day admission.
2085 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Try the ice rink in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, located at the plaza by the downtown pavilion and amphitheater. It's the perfect spot to skate after spending some time browsing at the town's outdoor shops. Park in one of three public parking decks, or try a metered spot on Front Steet when you're heading over to skate. Through Feb. 21, the rink is open from 3-8 p.m. on Fridays and noon-8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Holiday hours can differ, so check the website before you go. Admission is free for everyone, and skate rentals are $4 per person.
1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Winter RiverFest, an annual holiday celebration held at Rivergate Park and Merwin's Wharf, brings an authentic ice skating rink to the park this year. You'll be able to enjoy scenic views of the Cuyahoga River as well as festive decor while you skate, and be sure to make time for other activities like visiting a beer garden or warming up at the firepits. Book your rink time online in advance since walk-ups are based on availability. Prices (including skate rental) are $15 for ages 6 and up and $8 for ages 3-5. Skating aid rentals can also be rented for $10. The rink is open until Jan. 2, 2022.
851 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
If you're looking for a Northeast Ohio ice skating rink that offers skating year-round, head to Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster. The rink has open ice time on most days for $9 admission and $3 skate rental, except for Thursdays when admission is free. Lessons are also offered through the Learn to Skate USA program for kids as young as 3 and adults of all ages. And if you're ever ready to take your skating to the next level, figure skating and hockey lessons are available.
Where's your favorite place to skate in Northeast Ohio, and do you prefer an indoor rink or an outdoor one?

Whether you're sick, chilly, or just feeling down, there's nothing like chicken noodle soup to get you feeling like yourself again. It's a specialty of moms and grandmas everywhere, and no other version will ever quite measure up to the one that was always served to you as a child.
If your family's cooking is not an option right now, though, there are plenty of places to get a comforting cup of soup in Northeast Ohio. With National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day coming up on November 12th, now is the perfect time to check one or two of the popular soup spots listed below.
2120 Byrd Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Pallotta's Pastries might not sound like a place where soup would be served, but this establishment is much more than just a bakery. They also sell a variety of fresh-cooked meals, including sandwiches, pastas, and omelets. Their excellent chicken soup is a local favorite and is available all week in addition to a rotating soup of the day.
If you have a sweet tooth, they also sell an assortment of baked goods, including breads, muffins, cookies, and cakes. All their food is homemade and as gorgeous to look at as it is delicious to eat.
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Berlin's Plain and Simple Diner lives up to its name in the best possible way. Run by a pair of home cooks who had a reputation for delicious barbecue in their community, this restaurant uses nothing but fresh ingredients in all of their dishes.
This diner serves hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps, fried fish, chicken wings, and all kinds of other comfort foods – including, of course, chicken noodle soup. It's available in a bowl or a cup and tastes very similar to the home-cooked recipes you remember from childhood.
1707 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, OH 44320
Primo's Deli has been named Akron's #1 Deli by the Akron Beacon Journal three times in its 35-year history, so you know they're worth a visit! Many locals love coming here for hot dogs, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and beer.
Their chicken soup is especially well-loved, featuring a rich broth, savory chunks of chicken, and distinctive shell noodles. It's only available on an occasional basis as part of their soup of the day specials, though, so be sure to call and ask when it will be available next before you head out to give this place a try.
3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
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Located inside Fairlawn's Summit Mall, Hello Bistro has become a popular dining and takeout spot in their local community. You can get their delectable chicken noodle soup by the cup or the quart, depending on your needs. Still hungry? They also serve fresh-cut French fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, salad bowls, and more.
The nice thing about this place is that there are many healthy options to pair with your soup, allowing you to round out your meal with some extra nutrition. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options if you are dining with others with specific dietary needs.
5187 Manchester Rd., New Franklin, OH 44319
A favorite lunch destination for New Franklin residents, PLX Deli serves soups, salads, sandwiches, and everything else you need for a hearty midday meal. Their homemade chicken soup is available every Saturday and Sunday and is one of their most popular menu items among regulars.
If you need a little more to fill you up, the shop also serves a selection of signature entrees like Country Fried Steak and Bourbon Chicken. These dishes stick to the deli's general comfort food angle while also giving you something a bit more substantial to chew on.
7501 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
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The aptly named SouperMarket is a specialty restaurant that serves nothing but – you guessed it – soup. Their Pulled Chicken Noodle soup is one of their staple offerings and is available all week long. All of their soups are served with a sizable chunk of bread and butter. If you're still hungry, you can round out your meal with a grilled cheese sandwich or a box of chicken wings fried in duck fat.
The shop also offers chicken stock by the quart or gallon, which can serve as a delicious savory base for your own soups at home. Neither the stock nor the soup contain any additives or preservatives. Both are also low in sodium, making them great options for people following a heart-healthy diet.
11750 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
Joe's Deli and Restaurant is one of many establishments run by the Abdallahs, a Lebanese family who immigrated to America in the 1950s and 60s. This shop serves a variety of specialty sandwiches alongside traditional Lebanese dishes, including dawali, kibbee, and baba ganooj.
Their esteemed chicken soup can be purchased in cups, bowls, or to-go quart containers. All of their soups are only available as part of a rotating selection, but no single type of soup is ever unavailable for more than a few days. If the chicken soup isn't on the menu when you first visit, come back a little later — it's worth it!
7402 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
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Local West describes themselves as a craft sandwich and beer bistro, but like any great sandwich shop, they also offer a selection of soups on the side. Their chicken soup is just one of the many soup varieties that they cycle through daily.
Their dishes are made with local meats and cheeses for maximum freshness and a uniquely Midwestern flavor. Stop by for lunch today and see what keeps people coming back again and again!
We all know chicken soup doesn't really cure colds or stop the sniffles, but it still has an undeniable healing power all its own. What's your best chicken soup story?

Thanksgiving dinner doesn't feel complete without several pies, but making them yourself can be time-consuming as well as difficult. Why not leave the task up to the experts and order pies in various flavors that will impress your holiday guests?
Start planning your menu now and check out these great places to order Thanksgiving pies from in Northeast Ohio.
624 Belden Ave NE, Canton, OH 44704
Norcia Bakery has a long history of success and was founded in 1918 by the Norcia family, who immigrated from Italy. The bakery offers fresh-baked bread and pastries, including a variety of pies at affordable prices, so it's a great place to order several different flavors to end your Thanksgiving dinner on a sweet note. While you're there, pick up some of the bread, an authentic Italian split-top loaf made using the original bread recipe that John Norcia brought from Italy.
17001 Madison Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107
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If you've had a slice of pie with your meal at Rood Food + Pie or have visited the restaurant's pie bar, you'll want to make one of their unique creations part of your holiday menu. For a more sophisticated take on the classic banana cream pie, try their version that's made with bananas in spiked vanilla pudding with brandy-soaked vanilla wafers and topped with fresh whipped cream and a brandy caramel drizzle. Or impress your guests with the Amaretto Custard, which in addition to its rich custard, has a vanilla almond butter crust, whipped cream, toasted almonds, and smoked sea salt.
620 Ridgewood Crossing Dr., Akron, OH 44333
Serving up pies, cakes, and pastries like cannoli and doughnuts for over 40 years, Tiffany's Bakery will have you drooling over their large menu of tasty sweets. Pie choices include traditional favorites like apple and cherry as well as cream pies. The shop takes pride in making sure pies look as good as they taste, and it's received several local Best Bakery honors as proof of its success.
2307 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
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This cozy Cleveland Heights bakery got its start as Craig's Divine Desserts, a licensed, home-based bakery that was successful enough to expand. All of its baked goods are prepared on-site, including cakes, cookies, and pies by the slice or whole pies. Order a traditional favorite like a sweet potato or key lime pie, and add in pineapple supreme and decadent Oreo pies.
26075 Detroit Rd., Westlake, OH 44145
You're sure to find lots to order at Gray House Pies, which serves a large variety of pies including, fruit, cream, specialty, and savory pies. All are homemade, including the butter crusts, and when milk and eggs are used, they're organic and free-range, respectively. You won't find any fillers, preservatives, or canned fruit used, either. Try a Four Berry Buzzed Friends pie made with four types of berries as well as brandy and honey, a pumpkin pecan crumble pie, or a crapple (cranberry/apple). Or, if you'd prefer a savory pie to serve alongside your turkey, order a mac n cheese (plain or with bacon) or loaded potato, each made with a flaky pastry crust.
7011 W. 130th St., Parma Heights, OH 44130
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Many people like to enjoy a meal at Bakers Square Restaurant & Pies, and the highlight is often a slice of pie for dessert. Many of the restaurant's pies have won multiple awards, so they've proven to be deliciously popular. You can order whole pies to take home for Thanksgiving, including the triple berry, which is bursting with the fruity flavor of raspberries, blueberries, and boysenberries. You'll also find favorites like pecan, cherry, and apple (which also comes in a reduced sugar option) on the menu, as well as the most popular option — a French silk pie with smooth chocolate silk covered with real whipped cream and milk chocolate curls inside the pastry crust.
426 Main St., Grafton, OH 44044
Nancy's Main Street Diner has become well known locally for its cakes and pies, most of which can be made in sugar-free varieties and full-sugar versions. The diner serves cream, fruit, and Dutch fruit pies, including raspberry and coconut cream options. For full-on, belt-loosening decadence, go for the Elvis Pie, which has a peanut butter crumble crust and layers of fresh banana slices, peanut buttercream, banana cream, homemade peanut butter sauce, whipped cream, and vanilla wafers.
2303 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313
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The West Side Bakery has garnered a loyal following since its opening in 1995. It's been honored for 13 years by Akron Life Magazine as the Best Local Bakery and also earned the award for Akron's Best Bakery from the readers of the Akron Beacon Journal. Choose from pies like pecan and pumpkin, as well as bumbleberry, buckeye, hot fudge, peach raspberry, and more. They look just as good as they taste, so they'll make a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table.
What's your favorite type of pie to find on the Thanksgiving table?

Everyone loves a bargain, which is one of the reasons flea markets are such a cherished part of Americana. Add artisan craft items, live entertainment, and food vendors and you have family-friendly entertainment that fits any budget.
Spend a beautiful Midwest fall day hunting for hidden treasures at these fascinating flea markets around Northeast Ohio.
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, OH 44017
Dubbed "the ultimate garage sale," Berea Flea Market hosts hundreds of vendors and thousands of shoppers every weekend. Bring plenty of cash along with your best haggling skills and you'll walk away with some great deals on incredible finds. With indoor markets on the first weekend of each month from November through March, winter weather doesn't even spoil the fun. Pick up some one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at Wonderful Winter Shops 2021, a special event market planned for December 11-12. Weekend market hours are 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $1 and parking is free.
Akron-Canton Airport, 5400 Lauby Rd. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
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This unique open-air market pops up at various locations around North Canton, combining artisan booths, live music, and food and beverages for a lively local event. 720 Market has proved so popular that it spawned a satellite offshoot. Sidestreet Markets is a "mini 720" held at Oakwood Square on the first Saturday of the month from May through October. Mark your calendar for the next 720 Market, scheduled for Saturday, December 4 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Akron-Canton Airport, just in time for holiday shopping.
1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
At more than 12 acres of outdoor space and three acres of indoor shopping, Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market is more like a small village. Founded in 1939 as a livestock auction, the country's largest outdoor flea market draws more than 1 million visitors each year with its collection of up to 1,000 vendors. Collectors flock to Hartville for its amazing selection of prized antiques, but you'll find everything from home decor and clothing to games and sports memorabilia. Save some time to check out the indoor market and get a bite to eat at Sarah's Market Fresh Grill. The flea market is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
220 N. State Rd., Medina, OH 44256
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Flea Fest Medina is not your grandmother's flea market. Featuring more than 50 vendors with names like I Hate Vintage and Moonstone Coffee Works, this event is putting a contemporary spin on the traditional bargain-hunting activity. Food trucks and live bands help create the ambiance of a hip block party. The market is held every other Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and admission is free.
Medina County Fairgrounds, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, OH 44256
Whether you're a veteran collector or just getting started, you're bound to make some wonderful finds at the Medina Flea Market of Collectibles. People often refer to this market as a "walk down memory lane," with its constantly changing assortment of vintage items and memorabilia. Local pottery and Fenton glass are popular purchases, along with old coins, comic books, and even vintage postcards. Medina Flea Market is held the third Sunday of each month, with inside-only displays from November through March. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and admission is $2, with early bird entrance at 6 a.m. for $3.
45625 St. Rt., 154, Rogers, OH 44455
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Be sure to wear your running shoes when you visit Rogers Community Auction & Flea Market. With 1,600 indoor and outdoor vendors covering five miles of space, there's a lot of ground to cover. Funky finds like an authentic 1940s baseball scoreboard are side-by-side with more traditional items such as antique jewelry and vintage leather accessories. Take a leisurely lunch break at the Burkey Family Picnic Pavilion. Bring your own basket or purchase hand-cut fries, sausage sandwiches, and other tasty fair food at the on-site concessions. The market is open every Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
46388 Telegraph Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
In the 1960s, William and Martha Jamie (pronounced ja-may) opened an auction house and furniture store serving Northeast Ohio. Over the next decade, the business evolved into Jamie's Flea Market, which has been compared to "shopping an estate sale and dozens of garage sales" at once. Descendants of William and Martha are still involved in the market, which features inside and outside markets selling an eclectic mix of items. Categories include antiques, home furnishings, and sporting goods. Don't leave without picking up a Snoogle at Kiedrowski's Bakery. Hours are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday.
1900 St. Rt. 39, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
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Looking for a pet-friendly way to spend the day? Head to the "Gateway to the Amish Community" and Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market. Color-coded areas include must-see spaces such as M&G This and That, a one-stop family shop with products for she-sheds, man caves, and kid zones. Special events and giveaways add to the festive atmosphere. Stop off at Grandma Shrock's Kitchen for a meal or a snack. The market is open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from March through mid-December.
3000 McCartney Rd., Youngstown, OH 44505
Drive-in theaters often provide grounds for flea markets, but Four Seasons Flea & Farm Market found a rather unusual place for its home. At one time, the space held the largest airport between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Today, the spacious grounds host up to 600 vendors, including an 88,000-square-foot building and a 22-acre outdoor blacktop. Four Seasons also features the largest fresh farm market in the area. Hours are 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday.
What's the most unusual item you've found at a flea market or garage sale?

Sweater weather is here, and that means it's time to enjoy all the fun fall-themed activities that come along with it. There are many fun things to do in Northeast Ohio this time of year, and heading out to an orchard to pick your own apples is one of the best.
Not only will you be able to enjoy your delicious haul of apples for weeks, but many local apple orchards also host fall festivals and other fun events. Here's a round-up of some of our favorite local spots to go apple picking.
11724 Lisbon St. SE, Paris, OH 44669
A visit to Arrowhead Orchard is always a good time! You can enjoy a hayride through the farm with special stops so you can hop off and pick your own apples. They also have a pumpkin patch, a stunning you-cut sunflower field, and fresh-pressed apple cider.
Bring the kids — they'll love the two-acre corn maze. There's also a huge outdoor play area with a children's zip-line, a pedal car track, lots of slides, a corn pit, an obstacle course, and more! You can also try your hand at the apple cannons, where you can take aim and shoot at your favorite targets.
Arrowhead Orchard is open Friday through Monday until October 25th. Admission ranges from $5 to $10, and they also offer free parking.
11414 Caves Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
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Patterson Fruit Farm offers something for everyone. They provide wagon rides through the orchard and have a wide variety of apples available. If you can, plan to visit during their Family Fun Fest, which runs through October 31st.
During the festival, they'll have tons of things for kids to do, including a 50-foot racing slide, a corn maze, pedal tractors, tire swings, push carts, and more. They'll also have face painting and pumpkin painting, pony rides, and horse-drawn wagon rides on designated days.
Patterson Fruit Farm is open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm with a $6 per person admission cost, and Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm with a $10 per person admission cost. Kids under 2 are free, and seniors are $6 every day.
2397 Center Rd., Hinckley, OH 44233
If you want a great selection of tasty treats to enjoy at home, you'll definitely want to pay a visit to Hillside Orchard. Not only can you pick delicious, juicy apples right off the tree, but you can also visit their farm market for fresh-baked bread and bagels, jams, jellies, preserves, special canned items like marinades and sauces, locally famous fruit pies, and more!
Many of the items you'll find here are from the nearby Amish community. You also won't want to miss out on their almost-famous frozen apple cider. They sell it by both the gallon and half-gallon.
Apple picking will be available for four weeks beginning October 6th. The orchard is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. In October, they're open on Mondays as well.
50336 Telegraph Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
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You'll find a nice selection of pick-your-own apple varieties at Hillcrest Orchards. Through October, you can also visit their pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin. In addition, the orchard hosts lots of fun fall activities like a corn maze, hayrides, pedal karts, a playground and swing set, and more.
U-pick is available through October 23rd on weekends only from 10 am to 6 pm. The admission cost to visit the farm is $12 per person. Kids 3 and under and seniors 73 and older get in for free.
10680 N. Johnson Rd., North Benton, OH 44449
Through October, you can visit Stahl's Farm Market to pick your own apples. They'll give you a container to use, and you can either drive or walk out to the orchard. This is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and take in the sights of the country. During October, you can pick your own pumpkins there too.
When you're done with your apple picking, don't forget to visit the store, where you can buy non-pasteurized cider, assorted jams and jellies, fresh-baked bread, and more. They're open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm.
161 Rittman Ave., Rittman, OH 44270
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You'll love the easy-to-reach dwarf apple trees at Bauman Orchards! Even better, they constantly have fun and interesting events happening onsite. If you can, plan to visit them for their final Fall Festival date on October 2nd from 8 am to 5 pm.
During the festival, you'll be able to pick your own apples and enjoy both apple cider and cider donuts that are made fresh while you watch. There will also be a food truck, live music, pony rides, and a chance to visit with their farm animals.
8690 Vermilion Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
If you want to take a step back in time, pay a visit to Miller Orchards. This family-owned farm has been around since the mid-1800s! They have a huge variety of u-pick apples available throughout the season. They also carry many other items like local maple syrup, local raw honey, squash, pumpkins, and more.
Miller Orchards is open from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
6984 Lafayette Rd., Medina, OH 44256
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There's plenty to explore at Richardson Farms! They have a variety of pick-your-own apples available and a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin. You can also stock up your kitchen at their farm stand, where you'll find a nice selection of fresh-grown vegetables, herbs, and fruit.
A farm isn't a farm without animals! They welcome visitors to spend some time with their cows, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. You can also take a hayride around the farm. The hours here vary, so you'll want to give them a call at 330-722-4029 before you head out.
Now that you have all the in-cider information, which of these awesome apple orchards will you visit first?