This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Brigham City • Utahns have enjoyed peaches, apples, cherries and other fruit harvested in Box Elder County for more than a century.
But the stretch of Highway 89 between Brigham City and South Willard — known as the "Utah Fruitway" — has two new food endeavors that go beyond the traditional orchard: Apple Creek Bulk Foods, an Amish grocery store; and Cake Farm, a vintage trailer selling pies and cupcakes.
At Apple Creek in Willard, owners Greg and Rachelle Arlint stock Amish products including furniture and household goods in addition to grocery items.
"I grew up among the Amish in St. Ignatius, Montana and in the grocery business," Greg stated. "My Amish neighbor has a store similar to Apple Creek so using my grocery background and our Amish connections we started Apple Creek on October 8, 2012."
From handmade clocks, quilts and porch swings to jar goods, dried fruits and hard candy, it's easy to spend time exploring this 9,000-square-foot grocery store.
Before leaving, order a fresh-made sandwich from the deli in the back.
"We want to be a pleasant change from the often-hectic shopping experience," he said. "We want our customers to enjoy an old-fashioned atmosphere and unique products."
For a new kind of farm experience there's Cake Farm in Perry, operated by Michelle Jones and Courtney Post — also the owners of Vintage Cupcake in Ogden.
"We love to drive the fruit highway ourselves and look for all the wonderful treasures it provides, so we decided we should provide a place for people to stop and get something wonderful to eat—a sweet treat," Jones explained.
At Cake Farm, there are gourmet fresh fruit pies, cookies and cupcakes in flavors ranging from red velvet to simple golden — a vanilla cake, cream filling and chocolate frosting. The most popular is the BTA, or Better Than Anything, made with chocolate, butterscotch, caramel, cream cheese and toffee.
The owners' love of simple country life has inspired them to don their handmade pink aprons and sell their sweets from vintage trailers in an undeveloped field next to Maverik.
"We like to call ourselves 'homegrown gypsies' making our way through this great big old place one cupcake, daydream and vintage trailer at a time!" Jones laughed. Their sugary creations and bubbly personalities are often the cause for pulling up a hay bale to sit and chat for a while.
Cake Farm has been so successful in its first season that it's currently seeking a full-time, year-round country location to call home. Until then, plan to stop by on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays or check their Facebook page for times and flavors. —
Two striking finds along the Utah Fruitway
Apple Creek Bulk Foods • Stock Amish products including furniture and household goods in addition to grocery items
Where • 875 N. Main (Highway 89), Willard; 435-723-1650.
Cake Farm • Fresh fruit pies and cupcakes sold from vintage trailers.
Where • Highway 89, (next to the Maverik convenience store), Perry; 801-389-6111