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This Michigan College Just Became the Biggest in the State

Michigan has some great colleges and universities. Now, one Michigan college just became the biggest in the state. I graduated from Michigan State University. At the time, I thought MSU…

Exterior View Of The University Of Michigan Campus

(Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

Michigan has some great colleges and universities. Now, one Michigan college just became the biggest in the state.

I graduated from Michigan State University. At the time, I thought MSU was the biggest college in the state. Maybe it was, I'm not sure. But, we do know that MSU is currently not the biggest university in the state.

Today, the University of Michigan has the biggest numbers of students of any other college in Michigan, according to new data. According to the latest numbers from the university, enrollment at UM in the fall 2023 semester is at 52,065. That's a bit more than enrollment at Michigan State University in the fall 2023 semester, which is 51,316 students. These numbers also mark an enrollment record for the University of Michigan. Right now, there are 33,730 undergraduate students this fall. Big congratulations to the University of Michigan. Even though I'm a Spartan, it's nice to see these two schools always tops when it comes to numbers. Besides, my best friend went to Michigan, so I can't hate on the school. I wouldn't be surprised to see MSU's numbers surpassed Michigan again at some point, though.

"Our record enrollment demonstrates that students from all backgrounds are continuing to see the value in a University of Michigan education," Adele C. Brumfield, vice provost for enrollment management, said in a statement. "We also strive to make the university accessible to students from all backgrounds, providing in-person and virtual experiences, travel stipends and fee waivers to ensure that all are able to truly experience the university, either in-person or in their home," Erica Sanders, director of undergraduate admissions, said in a statement.

"During challenging times, the university has shown progress in attracting and enrolling students of color," added. "While we still have strides to make, the increased diversity of the incoming class shows that our race-neutral admissions efforts show promise."

Apple cider season is here. There's just something special about having apple cider in the fall. You can have it any season, but it just tastes better in the fall. What's more, if it's chilly out, it's extra delicious to have hot apple cider with a dash of cinnamon. Well, we're lucky, because Michigan has one of the best places for Apple Cider in America.

Before we get to today's apple cider, let's look at some of the interesting history of apple cider. According to Washington State University, the very "first recorded references to cider date back to Roman times," and, "in 55 BCE Julius Caesar found the Celtic Britons fermenting cider from native crabapples. The people of northern Spain were making sidra before the birth of Christ." That's so wild to think about.

Moreover, according to SmithsonianMag.com, "Evidence of apple trees growing along the banks to the Nile River can be found dating back to about 1300 B.C., but there's no evidence that ancient Egyptians ever used them for cider. However, considering how much the Egyptians enjoyed beer (and that they were one of the first cultures to brew it), they did have some notion of the joys of fermenting alcoholic beverages."

In other words, apple cider dates back a long, long time. In fact, apples are as old as time, really. Remember the Biblical story where Eve at the apple? There you have it. Even though apples are very ancient, the way that we eat them today is not. There are so many different ways to enjoy apples and apple cider in the fall. With that in mind, let's get into the best apple cider in the U.S. What's your favorite spot to get local apple cider? Reach out to us on social media and give us your picks.

Michigan Has One of the Best Places for Apple Cider in America

Linvilla Orchards in Pennsylvania

Linvilla Orchards is located in Media, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia. It's a favorite local spot to get apple cider every fall. In addition to apple cider, Linvilla has their legendary Apple Cider Doughnuts. Oh, my.

Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in North Carolina

You'll find delicious, fresh cider at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in Morganton, North Carolina. They, of course, make their own cider by pressing their fresh apples and turning it into yummy cider. They even offer it hot or as a slushie.

Mercier Orchards in Georgia

Mercier Orchards are a fourth generation family and veteran-owned and operated apple orchard. They were founded back in 1943. They offer amazing cider, as well as other fresh treats, such as baked goods and fruit. They're located in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Bedner's Farm Fresh Market in Florida

"Our mission at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market is to bring our customers a variety of locally grown produce," Bedner's Farm Fresh Market states on their social media pages. Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, this spot is known for its great cider and the annual Bedner's Fall Festival.

Franklin Cider Mill in Michigan

If you haven't tried the honey crisp apple cider at Franklin Cider Mill, then you haven't experienced fall. This cider mill, located in Bloomfield Hills, is close to Detroit. It's a super fun spot for fall activities.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.