By Michelle Frank, Arts and Eats

Learn about locally owned businesses and rural life as part of this weekend’s Arts and Eats fall tour.

More than 60 new and returning West Michigan artist studios, galleries, locally-owned eateries, farms, and farmers markets are participating in the 8th Annual Arts and Eats. This free, self-driving, back-roads tour is Saturday, Oct. 20th and Sunday, Oct. 21st throughout rural portions of Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties. The tour map is online at ARTSandEATS.org.

Visit with local artisans in their studios, and see working farms featuring specialty food crops, fiber, and heritage animals. Should hunger strike, stop at one of the area’s local gems which serve food made with ingredients from area farms and producers.

Sites are generally open both days from 10am to 5pm. Food and drink places are open during normal business hours, and many will kick-off the tour the night before on Friday, Oct. 19th.

Arts and Eats also hosts a “Best Drinks” contest. Patrons may taste and vote for their favorites in the categories of “Best Hot,” “Best Cold,” and “Most Unique” Drink at ARTSandEATS.org.

Arts and Eats raises awareness and appreciation of the region’s human and natural resources. The tour reminds us about the benefits of buying and consuming locally-grown foods and supporting Michigan artists as entrepreneurs. The tour is an opportunity to contribute to a sense of place and to support local economies.