State of Great Taste: Cherry Orchard Tour

Just about a month ago I was in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan with Private Selection, celebrating their newest limited flavor Michigan Cherry Cobbler Ice Cream and to create an ice cream flavor to represent northern Utah.  (Have you voted for my Raspberry Honey Scone Ice Cream???).  It’s only been a few short weeks but I ‘m already ready to go back and revisit the beautiful cherry orchard we spent an evening in.  

We visited one of the Old Mission Fruit Company’s cherry orchards, and it was simply stunning.  

We learned all about cherries from the owners of the orchard and Old Mission Fruit Company, Cheryl & Bern Kroupa (cutest little couple ever!)  I loved hearing about all of the work they put into the orchard and seeing the fruits of their labors.  We got to sample cherries straight from the trees and they were the best cherries I’ve ever tasted- perfectly fresh and plump! 

After our tour we gathered for cocktails and appetizers (all cherry-inspired) and we just talked, got to know each other.  

 My cocktail of choice– a diet coke (are you surprised?) with fresh cherry juice and a squeeze of fresh lime.  I’ve got to make this at home. 

 After cocktail hour we were led into a small opening in the middle of the orchard where this beautiful dinner setting waited for us.  I felt like I should be at a wedding reception.  Beautiful flowers, beautiful place settings, smack in the middle of a beautiful orchard.  

Dinner was fabulous.  More great conversation, more great food. 
Yep, I think I need to go back.  

If you haven’t had a chance to vote for your favorite ice cream flavor, head on over to Private Selection’s Facebook page (you have to like the page to vote).   You can read all about our adventures in ice cream making and the Raspberry Hone Scone Ice Cream I made, here!