Did Someone Say…Pie?

If anyone is part of the Supernatural fandom, you know that Dean Winchester is not only amazingly good looking, but you know that he loves pie. That’s something that my favorite fictional character and I have in common.

If you are familiar with Michigan slang and know how to talk like a Michigander, you know that we also use the phrase “up north” or “down south” when explaining where to travel in the mitten. If you spend time traveling south, towards the Saugatuck and Holland area (think New Holland Brewery), you’ll pass a little town by the name of Fennville. There, you will pass barn, after barn, after barn, until you find a rustic restaurant by the name of Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant and Winery.

Crane’s is the place to go for amazing pie flights, and to sample some of their renowned wines. Who doesn’t like pie and wine together? Since 1972, Crane’s has been a family owned business that has been a treasured travel destination in West Michigan for decades. They also have a location in downtown Holland, but you won’t find their pie flights there.

Crane’s Restaurant and Winery are known for their pies. The types of pie may vary from season to season, but their famous fruit pies are: Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Red Raspberry, and Rhubarb Raspberry (Note: Ask for the side of vanilla ice cream and thank me later). They have a bakery right in house, so you know the baked goods and pies are always made fresh.

If you are in the mood to explore, drive the 3 minutes to Virtue Ciders. This cute, rustic farmhouse turned cidery is known throughout Michigan for their ciders. It’s not uncommon for Virtue to have over 10 different ciders on tap. Their ciders are created using only locally sourced apples, but don’t let that fool you. Virtue takes it a step further by creating funky, not your stereotypical “sweater-weather” cider. The last time that I had the pleasure of visiting Virtue, I was able to try a barrel aged cider, while my friend enjoyed their hibiscus and beet infused cider. Delicious!

After you grab a cold one, head outside to enjoy one of their igloos, or fire pits. During the winter season, Virtue typically offers fun activities and events such as; Sleigh Rides, Snowshoeing, and more!

If you haven’t had enough yet, visit Modales Winery, which I should also add is right next door to Virtue Ciders. As a fluent wine drinker, I can honestly say that Modales has some of the best wines that I have tasted in Southwest Michigan. The reason I bring up Modales? On March 14th, Modales will be opening their anticipated heated patio with live music and pie pairings, in partnership with Crane’s Winery. Happy Pie Day!

In my opinion, Modales is definitely a higher class winery. I say this not because I think the prices are high, they are actually quite reasonable, but because of the ambience and the presentation of their tastings and wines. I was very impressed by the multiple different aromas and tasting notes that each wine has to offer.

Not up to try their wines? Don’t worry. Modales also offers their handmade cider. Whatever you do, do not forget to order the goat cheese from Evergreen Lane Farm and Creamery. I should add that this goat cheese is locally made and locally sourced in Fennville. What’s not to love?

14 minutes away from Fennville, is Saugatuck. Take a walk down by the boardwalk, explore the shops, and grab some ice cream. In the near future, i will share a couple of my food experiences from Saugatuck. So many places to eat, so little time.