Unearth The Voyage
Apple picking is only part of the draw at this West Michigan farm. The property spans 120 acres with orchards, seasonal markets, a coffee bar, outdoor event spaces, and a full-service restaurant that opened in early 2025.
You can spend an afternoon here grabbing cider donuts, browsing local goods, or even getting a haircut between stops. What makes the place stand out is how much it has expanded beyond a typical fall destination.
The owners turned a small orchard tradition into a year-round attraction built around food, events, and community spaces that keep people coming back long after apple season ends.
Where the Farm Finds You: Address, Location, and First Impressions
Some places earn their reputation slowly, and Frugthaven Farm in Greenville, Michigan, is one of them. You will find it at 11466 W Carson City Rd, Greenville, MI 48838, about 35 miles northeast of Grand Rapids, tucked into the rolling farmland of Montcalm County.
The drive out feels intentional, like the distance itself is preparing you for something different. The property spans approximately 75–120 acres, with 40 acres of apple trees and a 20-acre pumpkin patch that turns heads every fall.
Formerly known as Klackle Orchards, the farm was purchased in 2019 by Mike Petersen and his late wife April Petersen, who set out to reshape a beloved local tradition into something with more personality and more purpose. April Petersen passed away unexpectedly in October 2023, but Mike and her vision continue to drive the farm forward.
The name Frugthaven is Danish, meaning fruit haven, and that nod to Scandinavian culture runs deeper than just the label.
From Klackle to Frugthaven: The Story Behind the Reinvention
Mike Petersen was not a lifelong farmer when he and April bought this property in 2019. They were people with a clear vision: take a well-known West Michigan orchard and build it into a destination that offered more than a bag of apples and a jug of cider.
Klackle Orchards had served the community for decades, and that history carried real weight. Rather than erasing it, the Petersens honored it while layering new ideas on top, including markets, event spaces, a coffee bar, and eventually a full restaurant.
Mike continues this work today, honoring April’s memory in how the business has grown.
Their approach has been rooted in the Danish concept of Hygge, which loosely translates to a feeling of cozy togetherness and simple pleasures. That philosophy shows up in the way the spaces are designed, the way events are planned, and the way guests tend to linger longer than they expected.
The transformation from a simple orchard to a multi-experience destination did not happen overnight, but the results speak for themselves, and the community has clearly embraced every chapter of it.
Forty Acres of Apples and a Pumpkin Patch That Earns Its Own Reputation
The heart of this property is still the fruit, and those 40 acres of apple trees are no small thing. During harvest season, the orchard hums with activity as visitors grab bags and wander the rows, pulling apples straight from branches that have been producing for generations.
Apple picking here feels unhurried, and that is part of the charm. There are no crowds rushing you along, just open rows, fresh air, and the satisfying weight of a full bag by the time you head back.
Then there is the pumpkin patch, which covers 20 acres and becomes its own attraction from late summer into fall. Families spend serious time out there, and the variety of pumpkins available keeps things interesting for kids and adults alike.
Wagon rides through the orchard add another layer to the seasonal experience, making the whole visit feel like something you planned for rather than stumbled into. The farm leans hard into fall, and fall leans right back.
The Market That Has More Than You Expect
Markets at farm properties can sometimes feel like an afterthought, a few jars of jam and a rack of branded hats. The market at Frugthaven Farm operates on a completely different level.
Locally grown flowers, seasonal mums, pumpkins, fresh apples, cider, donuts, gifts, and home decor all share space in a well-curated retail environment that feels more boutique than barn sale. The selection rotates with the seasons, which means there is always a reason to stop back in and see what is new.
One of the standout annual events tied to the market is the Fall Market, which brings in live music, shopping, and a festive atmosphere that draws visitors from across the region. Entry runs just three dollars, with kids under eight getting in free.
That kind of accessible, community-focused event is exactly what makes this place feel like it belongs to the people who live nearby as much as it does to the travelers passing through. The market is worth a dedicated trip on its own.
Cider Donuts, MADCAP Coffee, and the Kaffebar Worth Finding
Few things in life are as reliably satisfying as a fresh cider donut paired with a well-made cup of coffee, and the Kaffebar at Frugthaven Farm delivers both without compromise. The coffee shop serves MADCAP coffee, a Grand Rapids roaster with a serious reputation for quality, which immediately sets this cafe apart from a typical farm snack stand.
The donuts are made on-site and have become something of a signature item at the farm. They arrive warm, with just the right amount of spice, and disappear quickly on busy weekends.
The cafe also carries gluten-free baked options, including cupcakes, cookies, and cakes, which is a thoughtful detail that makes the space more welcoming to a wider range of visitors.
Seating is available both inside and outside, and the atmosphere encourages you to stay awhile rather than grab and go. The Cafe Miel has drawn particular praise from regulars, and the smoothies are a solid choice for anyone who wants something cold.
This little coffee corner punches well above its weight.
Applewood Kitchen and Bar: When a Farm Gets a Full Restaurant
At the end of February 2025, Frugthaven Farm added something that changed the conversation around what a farm visit could include. Applewood Kitchen and Bar opened its doors inside the property, bringing a menu of New American flavors to a space that already had plenty going for it.
The restaurant was opened by Mike Petersen in partnership with Executive Chef and Co-owner Jim Wood, who classically trained in French cuisine and specializes in cooking with wood and fire. Wood also owns Wood Shop Social Kitchen & Bar in Mt.
Pleasant and is the on-camera chef for Michigan Out of Doors TV. General Manager Ali Jones joined the team in January 2024 after a grueling year of preparation.
Applewood opened to the public on February 26, 2025.
The menu leans seasonal and thoughtful, with standout items that rotate to reflect what is fresh and available. The Oklahoma Burger arrives loaded with grilled onions in quantities the menu itself describes as obscene, which turns out to be an accurate warning and a selling point for onion enthusiasts.
The Apple Daytona (chicken soup) has earned its own following among regulars who return specifically for it. Brussels sprouts come out with impressive presentation and flavor that makes them disappear faster than expected.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining, along with private party rooms for groups who want a reserved space.
With a full drink menu featuring 20 hard ciders on tap and attentive staff, Applewood has quickly become a destination on its own, separate from the farm experience surrounding it.
A Cidery with Range: Apple Spirits and Hard Cider Done Right
The cidery at Frugthaven Farm is not a side project. It is a full operation that brews hard cider and distills apple spirits using fruit grown right on the property, which gives the finished products a direct connection to the land that most commercial ciders simply cannot claim.
Cider flights are available and offer a great way to sample the range of flavors the cidery has developed. The selection is extensive enough to satisfy people who are new to cider and those who already have strong preferences.
The outdoor patio, complete with fireplace seating, makes tasting sessions feel especially relaxed during cooler months.
The cidery sits at the back of the main building, giving it a slightly tucked-away feel that makes finding it feel like a small reward. Bottles and cans are available for purchase to take home, and the staff behind the bar are knowledgeable without being intimidating about it.
For anyone visiting the area who appreciates craft beverages rooted in local agriculture, this cidery is a stop that genuinely earns its place on the itinerary.
Wedding Venue with Three Distinct Spaces and Real Attention to Detail
Weddings at Frugthaven Farm have become a significant part of what this property does, and the results speak clearly through the experiences couples have shared. The farm offers three distinct venue spaces across its acreage, capable of hosting intimate gatherings or events with up to 300 guests.
Mike Petersen brings a personal investment to each wedding that goes beyond standard venue management, honoring the vision he and April developed together. Couples have consistently noted how smoothly everything runs, how requests are accommodated without friction, and how the owners show up on the day itself to make sure every detail lands correctly.
The grounds provide a natural backdrop that requires little decoration to look stunning, with orchard rows, open fields, and carefully maintained outdoor spaces all contributing to the atmosphere. Even when unexpected weather arrived during one reception, the staff responded quickly and kept the event on track without missing a beat.
The homemade donuts served at receptions have become a signature touch that guests remember long after the day ends. The farm handles events with the kind of care that turns first-time visitors into repeat clients.
Business Retreats and Group Events: More Than Just Weekend Fun
Most people think of Frugthaven Farm as a weekend destination, but the property has quietly built a reputation as an exceptional venue for business retreats and private group events. The combination of beautiful grounds, flexible event spaces, and attentive coordination makes it a practical choice for teams looking for something more memorable than a conference room.
Groups of up to 50 have used the farm for multi-day retreats, and the response from attendees has been consistently enthusiastic. The attention to detail that the staff brings to weddings carries over directly into corporate events, and the farm’s natural setting helps create an atmosphere that encourages genuine connection and focus.
Private party rooms at Applewood Kitchen and Bar add another layer of functionality for groups that want a dedicated dining space as part of their event.
Seasonal Rhythms: Why Every Visit Feels Different from the Last
One of the quieter strengths of Frugthaven Farm is how deliberately it shifts with the seasons. The menu at Applewood Kitchen and Bar rotates to reflect what is fresh and available, which means the dining experience in October feels genuinely different from a visit in March.
The market follows the same logic, with seasonal flowers, produce, and decor items changing the feel of the retail space throughout the year. Spring brings a different energy than fall, and the farm leans into each season rather than trying to manufacture a single consistent mood year-round.
Events are spread across the calendar as well, from the signature Fall Market to outdoor concerts and private gatherings that keep the property active well beyond harvest season. That variety is a large part of why regulars keep returning and why first-time visitors often start planning their next trip before they have even left the parking lot.
The farm rewards loyalty with novelty, which is a rare and appealing quality in any destination.
Planning Your Visit: What to Know Before You Go
A visit to Frugthaven Farm rewards a little advance planning, especially during peak fall season when the pumpkin patch, apple picking, and market all compete for your attention at the same time. Weekends from September through October draw the largest crowds, so arriving early in the day gives you the best experience across the property.
The farm is reachable by phone at (616) 343-8300, which is useful for checking event schedules, confirming restaurant hours, or asking about availability for private bookings. Applewood Kitchen and Bar has private party rooms that require advance reservation for groups, so reaching out ahead of time is a smart move.
The Fall Market charges a three-dollar entry fee, with children under eight admitted free, making it an affordable outing for families. Gluten-free options at the Kaffebar are a helpful detail worth knowing for anyone with dietary needs in their group.
Between the orchard, the cidery, the restaurant, the market, and the barber shop, a single afternoon here can fill up faster than you expect, and that is never a bad problem to have. The farm has over 3,100 Google reviews with a 4.4-star rating, reflecting sustained community love.
