ABC57 Road Trip: Jollay Orchards
COLOMA, Mich. -- Welcome to Jollay Orchards. Founded in 1857, the farm is celebrating its 164th season of raising quality fruit including cherries, peaches and apples. At a time when farmers only make up 1% of the population, the orchard immerses visitors in u-pick experience unlike any other.
“There is nothing better than fresh fruit on the tree. It is just perfect and when people come to pick this weekend, they will have a great experience on the farm but in the orchard as well,” says Jay Jollay, Farmer of Jollay Orchards.
The farm is now open for cherry picking starting this weekend! But beyond the delicious fruit, guests can enjoy much more. The farm store selling fresh doughnuts made in house as well as delicious jams and jellies. For the kids and young at heart, the Midway Play Area gives them a chance to run and get to know the farm animals…like Perriwinkle! Families can make an entire day out of their trip. After hopping on a hay ride and exploring the farm, the orchard welcomes guests to their picnic and grilling area.
“It is an entire experience. It is just not parking the car and running out to the orchard and picking fruit”
But maybe the best part of Jollay Orchards? The family. Farmer Jay is now the 7th generation to run the orchard. He and his wife Sara have their own helpers…all 6 of them.
“I would say it means everything to my family like it is all we know,” says Jack Jollay.
The Jollay kids are now the 8th generation to be working on the farm. For them, work and play go hand-in-hand.
“It is a pretty good experience it gives you a lot of work experience like I have been working since I was 7,” says Jack Jollay.
“It is pretty fun because we have space to run around and do what we want to do,” says Sam Jollay.
But still, their favorite part? The smiles they bring to visitors’ faces. People from near and far--flock to the orchard for a taste of life on the farm.
Cherries wrap up around the fourth of July. Luckily, peaches are available not too far after! Plan your visit here.