About Us (continued):

Boasting the winning concoction in the Indiana Horticultural Congress Cider Contest on their first effort two years ago, the enterprising couple finished first among eight other cider makers from across the state. Apparently, the Hamiltons entered the apple orchard industry on a sound note, and are keeping up their momentum.

Andy and Amy attribute their cider quality to their cloth and rack press, a 75-year-old antique mechanism utilized to make Musgrave cider for as long as anyone can remember.

"I would like to see it declared a state historical landmark, frankly," Amy quipped.

The orchard business seems to be a natural extension for the Hamilton's unique green thumbs. On their farm, located about five miles west of the orchard, the family grows 12 varieties of garlic, medicinal herbs and between 15 to 20 crops for their Core Farms Community Supported Agriculture program. Prior to the farm, they ran a landscape business and took goods from their gardens to the local farmers' market.

Andy and Amy's vision is simple and down to earth: to carry on the long-standing Musgrave family tradition by using hard work, love of the land, and a little bit of luck to make the orchard business a resounding success. Yet, what you'll see at the old red farm market out on Old SR 37 North may be much different than in years gone by. Visitors will step into a cozy, down home environment, where they'll discover delicious local apples, freshly-pressed cider, yogurt, homemade soaps, locally produced honey, pumpkins, arts, a variety of crafts, fresh eggs, Amish butter, and charm that you'll see nowhere else. In other words, you'll discover a little piece of heaven on earth.

Beginning in 1998, the Musgrave Orchard was subdivided, and is now bordered by a growing community of new homes. The result is a "dramatic production reduction" says Andy, but he sees the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow.

During the winter of 2004-05, Andy and Amy undertook the tedious process of hand-pruning the 700 remaining apple trees, and planning the introduction of new, disease resistant varieties. "Maintenance is easier and it's nicer to get acquainted with 700 trees rather than 7,000," says Andy.

Back in July 2004, Mugrave Orchard bagan their transition to Organic apple production. By September 2007, Musgrave Orchard will start processing batches of Organic apple cider and selling several varieties of organic apples. It is difficult to grow apples without conventional chemicals -- at least "pretty" apples. We know that it is a struggle to grow "pretty" apples organically, but our goal is to grow cider apples for production. That way we can maximize productivity by using all of our crop.

The Hamiltons are currently growing six apple varieties - Jonathan, Red Delicious, Winesap, Lodi, Prima and Early Blaze - with plans to include Cortland, Gala, McIntosh and Golden Delicious in the coming years. With the "juicy Golden Delicious qualities, but the tart taste of the Jonathan," Andy suggests Jona-Golds are "probably the perfect apple."

Quite obviously, the Hamiltons are living out their dream, and you can share in that dream by visiting the Musgrave Orchard at 8820 Old State Road 37, north of Bloomington. Just follow the signs. Call (812) 339-5006 for seasonal details.

New Growth Gardens: Located 5 miles west of Musgrave Orchard, this small family farm is located in the northwest corner of Monroe County. Farmed by Andy and Amy Hamilton, along with their daughter, Grace, New Growth Gardens began production in 2002. Lifelong gardeners and passionate about taking care of our earth, the Hamiltons incorporate organic growing methods while focusing on sustainable crops, such as garlic, delectable veggies, herbs, and flowers.

Heartland Family Farm: Located in eastern Lawrence County, the Heartland Family Farm is owned and operated by Teresa A. Birtles and her three daughters, Sarah, Jessica and Emily. Teresa has farmed using organic methods since 1980. Much care is taken in the selection of vegetables to grow, as well as in the tending of the land. Heartland specializes in European and Heirloom fruits and veggies, providing crops for several area restaurants and the Bloomington Farmer's Market.

Bloomington Farmers Market: Now its first permanent location since 1998, Showers Common, The Bloomington Community Farmers Market averages over 50,000 customers per season served by over 60 vendors. Through its quarter century of existence, the Market has enriched the life of the community by providing a place for residents and visitors to come together in a festive atmosphere, buy local produce from those who produce it, to listen to music, meet friends, and to enjoy a relaxing morning in beautiful surroundings.

Bloomingfoods Market and Deli: A member-owned grocery providing Southern Indiana with healthful, high quality, and environmentally sound products at a fair price. They promote locally grown, nutritious, and non-chemically produced foods. Bloomingfoods emphasizes consumer education, community involvement, and excellent customer service.

Musgrave Orchard is proud to be part of our local heritage. We believe in supporting local farmers and artisans, focusing on completely stocking our farm market with their products along with ours. One will find delicious local apples, freshly-pressed cider, yogurt, salves, soaps, local honey, pumpkins, pottery, photography, fresh farm eggs, Amish butter and cheese, strawberries and much, much more.

Musgrave Orchard and Cider Mill
8820 North Old State Road 37
Bloomington, Indiana

Phone: 812-339-5006
E-mail: info@musgraveorchard.com