It's fall here in Michigan and that means it's the BEST time of the year! I may be biased but I think I live in the prettiest state. Yes, we have sucky winters but it's worth it for fall. The beautiful leaves changing and falling from the trees, the weather gets cooler and it's the perfect temperature for leggings and an oversized sweater. Throw on some boots and toss your hair into a messy bun and you are good to go (to head to Starbucks to get yourself a pumpkin spiced something). We also have some of the best apple orchards. My best friend lives over on the west side of the state in Ludington and they don't even have apple orchards. Like, whatttttt?? No warm donuts or fresh apple cider or picking your own apple off of a tree? That sounds like a horrible place to live! (It's not, it's actually very beautiful - but again - I love fall).
I force our family to do everything fall each year. By the time winter actually sets in, my husband is happy that I'm not dragging him out of the house every weekend and away from football games on the tv. I make sure we go to the orchards or cider mills at least once every other week, and I have no shame in the amount of fresh donuts I can eat in one sitting. We pick pumpkins and carve them while I let my oldest paint on his. We go on plenty of walks in our downtown and drink lots and lots of warm drinks from coffee shops. I find excuses to dress my boys in sweaters and I wear a scarf even if it's a little bit on the warm side. I just love fall and everything about it!
So I've come up with a list of the best things to do in Michigan during the fall season!
Head to an Apple Orchard or a Cider Mill for donuts, cider, apples and fun!
We live in a great area where we are surround by great orchards and mills, that are all in driving distance. Our favorite is Spicer's Orchards located in Fenton. They have tons and tons of apple trees, it's own mill, a corn maze, tractor rides, animals, a large play area for kids, it's own winery (with the best peach wine), and a huge store that sells donuts, cider, jellys and jams, salsas, home made fudge, pumpkins and so much more! Some other great ones are: Parshallville Cider Mill in Parshallville, Uncle Johns Cider Mill in St. Johns, and Plymouth Orchards in Plymouth. These are just some great locals near us but be sure to search the internet for some that are close to you!
Carve or paint a pumpkin!
There is no better way to celebrate Halloween then getting yourself a big ole' pumpkin and carving away! Here is a great pin I found on Pinterest of templates for carving: Pumpkin Carving Templates. My oldest is only two and a half so the only enjoyable part of carving for him is scooping out all of the pumpkin "guts" so this year I let him paint on his pumpkin. Kids can do there own thing but if you have any kind of artistic hair in your body, you should give painting a try. Here are some more painting ideas I saw on Pinterest that is sure to be a hit with anyone: Pumpkin Painting Ideas.
Try a new "fall inspired" drink from a local coffee shop!
When the wind is blowing and it's chilly outside, a yummy hot drink is the best way to warm up! Head to a local coffee shop and try one of their seasonal warm beverages. I am a sucker for a hot caramel apple cider but I recently tried a pumpkin spiced hot chocolate and it was so good I almost went back in and ordered another for later!
Go for a walk through your neighborhood, in a downtown area, or through the woods!
Nature is one of God's greatest and most beautiful gifts to us. If you are stressed, anxious, or just plain down in the dumps - head outside. When the leaves change colors and start to fall and the cold, crisp air fills your lungs, it's almost impossible not to feel a moment of relaxation. Look around and take in all of the beauty!
Have a movie night!
Throw on an old hoodie from high school (or your boyfriends/husbands) and stretch on some leggings with some thick, wool socks. Pop some popcorn and grab that hot chocolate. Surround yourself with fluffy pillows and a warm blanket on your favorite spot on your couch. Then turn on your favorite old school movie (I prefer a Molly Ringwald classic like The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, or 16 Candles) and enjoy a relaxing night in.
Go to a local farmers market or street stand!
One of the best parts about fall is all of the yummy veggies that are in season. We have a couple good, local farmers markets that are held on the weekends and tons of little mom and pop veggie stands on the sides of the roads that are loaded with great, fresh foods. I like to pick up a ton and head on home to make a delicious home cooked meal. Stir fry, pastas, and hearty soups are great for fall nights and you can throw a ton of veggies in them.
Head to anything thats haunted!
Whether it's a haunted corn maze, barn, hay ride, or house - let those normal people dressed in creepy costumes scare the crap out of you! My husband isn't a huge fan of someone trying to scare him (it must be that manly impulse to hit ;) so we don't go to many. But you can always go to your local pop-up Halloween stores such as Halloween USA. They always have tons of decorations that can usually scare you just by walking by! I swear, some of them can give me a heart attack. And if you aren't fully down with the scare part, you can look at all of the crazy costumes they have. You can get a good laugh out of some of them!
Bake!
Cinnamon and vanilla and clove - oh my! Try your hand at baking (and make your house smell yummy too). Apple pie, pumpkin pie, breads, snacks. The options are endless. Last year we made "mummified" chicken tenders and a chocolate chip pumpkin bread. I haven't done a whole lot of baking this season yet but we got time. My husband is a huge sucker for popcorn balls so I will be on the hunt for a good recipe to try! (If you have one, be sure to let me know!)
Shop!
Go to Bath and Body Works and pick up one of there bajillion (seriously - there are SO many) fall scented candles or stop at Target and hit up there "Dollar Spot" section to get your hand on a cute fall pillow or some table top decorations. The best part about fall is that it isn't just one holiday. You can decorate for Halloween and Thanksgiving with leaves, pumpkins, gords, and so much more! Don't forget to snag yourself a new scarf. Everyone should get a new scarf each year.
These are just a couple of my favorite things to do during this time of year. Be sure to check around your town for local events that may be happening, especially if you have kids. Now is the time to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather before winter hits and we're all complaining about the cold!
Be spook-tacular!
Christine
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