The National Weather Service predicts this year’s fall season will be 40% warmer compared to average mid-Michigan temperatures of 50 degrees from September through November. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
The National Weather Service predicts there’s a 40% chance the temperatures will average above normal this fall in mid-Michigan.
MeteorologistWilliam Marino said warming fall temperatures have become more common in recent years.
That’s largely due to an ongoing La Niña, according to Marino, who is based in Grand Rapids.
That phenomenon allows for warm air to pass through the cool Pacific sea surface temperatures and enter North America.
Along with warmer fall temperatures predicted, low precipitation is also expected.
Jeffrey Andresen is the state climatologist for Michigan. He said roughly 30% of the state is experiencing some form of dryness, or even moderate drought.
With abnormal dryness, fall crops will reach maturity faster, lowering the quality of the crop, said Andresen, who is also a professor of meteorology/climatology in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University.
“It’s good to have warm soils and so forth for that crop to germinate, but we do need moisture,” Andresen said.
To combat warming temperatures, Andresen said people should keep their eyes on long-term trends and plan as needed.
“We have to adapt to these changing long-term patterns,” Andresen said.
Genevieve Fox reports for WKAR in partnership with Great Lakes Echo and Capital News Service.
The “Chrysanthemums & More!” exhibit will feature a number of displays highlighting fall colors. (Photo by Johnny Quirin)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will host the annual fall horticulture exhibition, Chrysanthemums & More!, Sept. 16 – Oct. 30.
A perennial favorite and the largest of its kind in Michigan, this annual fall exhibition spans thousands of blossoms across 158 sprawling acres. Chrysanthemums & More! will surprise and delight, with a focus on abundant autumn plantings arranged in intriguing and uncommon color combinations.
Both artful and natural, the palette of vivid complementary colors and subtle tone-on-tone pairings —bringing awareness to texture and shape—is sure to pique your interest and catch your eye. As you explore the gardens and grounds, indoors and out, take time to enjoy all the rich and striking detail of this year’s exhibition theme: Unexpected Color.
Plentiful plantings in the Grand Entry Garden, Welcome Center, and Gunberg and BISSELL Corridors showcase the chrysanthemum through the artistry of many designers, among them Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park horticulture staff.
In the BISSELL Corridor, a different local floral designer each week will create a singular arrangement highlighting the chrysanthemum as its primary element. Local florists include Hyssop Floral, Horrocks Market, Overgrowth Floral, Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts, Dahlia Acres Farms, and Eastern Floral.
Of equal note are stunning displays in the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, Earl & Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor, and Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, each lush and lovely.
Outdoors, treat your senses with a trek into the crisp fall air. Venture onto the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, with its seasonal wetland views, then make your way to the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden and its cornucopia of chrysanthemums, intermingled with nontraditional autumn plantings to form a quilt-like tapestry. Continue to Michigan’s Farm Garden, where the abundant autumn harvest boasts heirloom vegetables, herbs, gourds and larger-than-life pumpkins. This example of a working 1930s family farm occasionally provides some of its more than 40 varieties of produce for our James & Shirley Balk Café.
The Glow Garden will be Sept. 20 and 27 and Oct. 4. (Supplied)
This exhibition is truly a feast for the eyes, displaying the unexpected color combinations of the magnificent mum—and more!
“This year we are exploring the beauty of Unexpected Color,” said Steve LaWarre, Vice President of Horticulture. “We hope that guests will notice the rich palette and striking details of unique and unexpected combinations of color throughout our grounds, inside and out.”
Activities throughout the exhibition, including Tuesdays at the Farm, Glow Garden and Hallowee-Ones, are full of family fun.
It’s October, which means fall festivals, corn mazes, trips to the apple orchard and unpredictable weather. It’s Michigan, and we love it.
I’m John Gonzalez, and for more than two decades I have offered up my “Gonzo’s Top 5” list of events and things to do. I’m excited to publish my Top 5 once again, thanks to WKTV.
My goal, as always, is to give you a fun list of local happenings, as well as throughout the region. I welcome your input and recommendations.
Also, follow me on all the Social Media channels (listed below), and I’ll be sure to give you a shout out if I use one of your suggestions.
Have a great, safe weekend.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. Greater Grand Rapids Fall Train Show
If you have a train enthusiast in your family — young or old — check out the return of the Greater Grand Rapids Fall Train Show presented by the Grand River Valley Train Club. The show features 80-plus vendoors, a Thomas the Train play area for kids, a huge Lego display and a drawing for a Lionel Thomas the Train set. The show is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 9) at HSB, Inc., 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, in Wyoming. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for those 12 and under. More details at grvrrc.org.
4. Wise Men Distillery Fall Fest
Food, fun and cocktails, oh my!
Our friends at Wise Men Distillery are offering a fall fest with outdoor dining, cornhole, live music and tasty cocktails, of course. Check out new fall releases, as well as seltzers and special tours. Hours are noon-10 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 9). Food trucks include Arcane Wood Fired Pizza (2-9 p.m.) and Patty Matters Hamburgers (3-9 p.m.) Tours are at 3 and 6 p.m. Wise Men Distillery and Cocktail Bar is located at 4717 Broadmoor Ave SE, in Kentwood. Learn more about the event on the Wise Men Distillery Facebook page.
3. Downtown Grandville Fall Fest
A first-year beer garden, the opening of the Grandville Library renovation and the annual fall festival make for a fun time this weekend in Grandville. The annual lighted pumpkin trail will be set up around the KDL building from 5-10 p.m. Friday (Oct. 8). It is for walking only. No carriage rides will be available this year. Also, the Grandville-Jenison Chamber is hosting a beer garden in the library lot with live music and food, and KDL is having its grand re-opening open house and a kid’s craft. Michigan Moonshine, Osgood Brewery, Beecher’s Pretzel Truck and Tippy Cow Root Beer Floats will be on hand.
On Saturday (Oct. 9), on the west side of the KDL Lot and along Washington Avenue, attendees can expect traditional horse drawn wagon rides, scarecrow voting, kid’s pedal tractor pulls, The Critter Barn petting farm, pumpkin decorating, a mechanical bull, a giant corn box, pedal tractors, fall themed games and more. Food trucks include Tamales Mary, Street Frites, Beecher’s Pretzel Truck, Big Ed’s BBQ, Hot Dog Cart and more. KDL is located at 4055 Maple St. SW, Grandville. Details at cityofgrandville.com or the Downtown Grandville Facebook page.
2. Wyoming Trick or Treat Trail
Formerly the Pumpkin Path, Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail is set for 4-6 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 9) at Lamar Park. It features about 70 businesses who pass out treats on the tasty trail. Parents are encouraged to bring the whole family, offering candy (of course!), games, face painting, bounce houses, a DJ, and more. Admission is free. Halloween costumes are optional, but always a good idea. Organizers said “all children at Trick or Treat Trail must be with a supervising adult.” Also WKTV will be “on the trail” recording fall greetings. More information on the City Parks and Recreation Center Facebook page.
1. Downtown Holland Fall Fest
It’s going to be a beautiful weekend, which means it’s a perfect time to visit Holland for its annual Fall Fest, known for its professional pumpkin carving and beautifully decorated downtown. They even have a 949-pound pumpkin on the way! The two-day event — Friday (Oct. 8) and Saturday (Oct. 9) — celebrates fall with professional pumpkin carving, children’s activities, community tulip planting, an artisan market at Windmill Island Gardens, fall walking tours, and a Farmers Market.
On Friday, eight of the nation’s best professional pumpkin carvers, including Food Network alumni, will appear from 3-7 p.m. carving jack-o-lanterns all along 8th Street. At 7 p.m., the jack-o-lanterns will be lit from within and will remain on display until 10 p.m. (Community Tulip Planting is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. More info at tuliptime.com.)
On Saturday, professional pumpkin carvers will appear from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Holland Farmers Market. Children also can paint their own pumpkins to bring home. Cost is $1 per pumpkin. The Farm Market opens at 8 a.m. Saturday.
The annual Holland Fall Festival is organized by Downtown Holland, the Holland Farmers Market, the Holland Visitors Bureau, Tulip Time, and Windmill Island Gardens. See the schedule of events at hollandfallfest.com or check out the Downtown Holland Facebook page.
That’s it for now. As I said earlier, email me if you have an event you want to promote.
Be safe everyone.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
One of the most popular events in the City of Wyoming is taking place this weekend, the Trick of Treat Trail. The event is set for 4 – 6 p.m. at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.
About 2,500 children are expected to attend to the annual free event which has local businesses, such as Weller Self Serve, Bloom Credit Union, Godwin Plumbing and Hardware, and Hom Flats, handing out candy. WKTV also will be there filming fall greetings from area children on different seasonal backgrounds.
There is no pre-registration for the event, with families encouraged to come. With that in mind, we caught up with Wyoming’s Special Events and Marketing Programmer Corey Stamps to get the scoop on a few things you should know before you go.
The community comes together at Wyoming’s Trick or Treat Trail. (Supplied)
Entering and Parking: Participants should enter from the Byron Center East gate (see map above). This is also where they can park.
Costumes: Costumes are not required but encouraged to add a little more fun to the event. Parents can dress up as well.
Adult supervision: Children must have a supervising adult with them to participate.
Event time: The event will start right at 4 p.m. and go until 6 p.m. There is no additional time before or after the event.
The pathway: Once participants park they will be directed to the path. The actual path goes in a complete loop around the Lamar Park parking lot. Along the way participants will be greeted by our table host and be able to participate in different activities.
Kids Area: There will be a kids area with crafts, face painting and tattoos.
Social distancing and Mask wearing: Since there will being a large number of participants, we encourage everyone to try and keep a safe distance from one another. Masks are not required at this event but participants are more than welcome to wear one.
What if it rains?The event will take place rain or shine. Please pay attention to our Facebook page if there happens to be a weather concern.
For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation team by calling 616-530-3164, emailing parks_info@wyomingmi.gov, or visiting www.wyomingmi.gov
After being cancelled last year due to Covid, Downtown Holland’s annual Fall Fest is back…and this year is bigger and better than ever before! Downtown Holland and the Holland Farmers Market have partnered with the Holland Visitors Bureau, Tulip Time, and Windmill Island Gardens to expand this year’s Fall Fest offerings. During this two-day event held Friday, Oct. 8, and Saturday, Oct. 9, the entire community is invited to celebrate everything there is to love about fall, with professional pumpkin carving, children’s activities, family hayrides, community tulip planting, an artisan market at Windmill Island Gardens, fall walking tours, and more.
Fall Fest kicks on Friday, Oct. 8, with Community Tulip Planting from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., hosted by Tulip Time. Visitors and community members can visit the Tulip Time website (www.tuliptime.com) to sign up for a time slot to help plant 75,000 of Holland’s famous tulip bulbs at Window On The Waterfront in Downtown Holland. All volunteers will be treated to complimentary donuts from Bowerman’s Blueberry Market and coffee from Biggby Coffee of Holland. Gardening gloves are recommended, but all other tools and instructions will be provided onsite.
Fall Fest continues on Friday, October 8 with eight of the nation’s best professional pumpkin carvers, including Food Network alumni, appearing in Downtown Holland from 3 – 7 p.m. The carvers will spend the afternoon and evening carving jack-o-lanterns all along 8th Street in Downtown Holland. At 7 p.m., the jack-o-lanterns will be lit from within and will remain on display until 10 p.m. that night for visitors to explore while strolling through Downtown Holland.
The professional carvers also will be assembling 3D pumpkin sculptures. (Supplied)
On Saturday, Oct. 9, the professional pumpkin carvers will appear at the Holland Farmers Market from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., carving 3D sculptures onsite. Children can also paint their own pumpkins to bring home during that time for just a dollar per pumpkin, with all painting supplies provided by Fris Supply Shop in Downtown Holland. Market vendors Visser Farmers also will be offering hayrides from the Holland Farmers Market to Downtown Holland and back again from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hayrides are just $3 per person for the round trip.
The Holland Farmers Market will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. that day. Visitors will find seasonal décor items, including pumpkins, gourds, mums, and corn shocks at the Market, along with apples of every variety, squash, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables. And as always, you can pick up bread and baked goods, farm-raised and fresh caught meat, honey and maple syrup, and a wide variety of specialty foods and beverages while you’re there.
The Community Tulip Planting will continue on Saturday morning at Window On The Waterfront from 8 a.m. – noon. Tulip Time also will be offering guided fall walking tours throughout Downtown Holland that day from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Each tour is approximately an hour and a half long and covers one and a half miles. Tour highlights include Hope College, Dimnent Chapel, Pillar Church, Centennial Park, and unique architecture sites. Tours are $25 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.tuliptime.com.
Tulip Time will also be hosting an all-new Artisan Market at Windmill Island Gardens from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. as part of Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 9. More than 50 local artisans and crafters will be selling their works as part of this juried show. Visitors can shop for hand-crafted jewelry, home décor, artwork, clothing, specialty foods, and more. Entry to the Artisan Market is just $5 per person, which also includes the opportunity to tour the beautiful gardens at Windmill Island and to visit the Dutch attractions, including the DeZwaan Windmill, the historic Dutch carousel, the miniature Dutch village, and much more. Professionally-carved pumpkins will also be on display throughout Windmill Island Gardens during the Artisan Market.
The Fall Fest fun continues in Downtown Holland on Saturday, October 9 too! The professional pumpkin carvers will return to 8th Street from noon – 7 p.m. that day to continue carving 3D pumpkin displays. Watch these talented artists at work all afternoon long, then be sure to return later on in the evening from 7 – 10 p.m. to see their finished masterpieces. To add to the fun for families, street performers will also be performing on 8th Street from noon – 4 p.m., including musicians, face painters, balloon twisters, and more.
Crystal Mountain has a number of events and unique activities for you to enjoy the fall color season, plus the beautiful views of the Betsie Valley and nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore make it one of Fodor’s Travel’s 15 Best US Resorts for Fall Getaways (2015). Michigan’s Gold Coast along M-22 (just 20 minutes from the resort) was the first mention in Travel + Leisure’s list of ‘America’s Best Fall Color Drives.’
And there are plenty of ways to take in the scenery on-mountain, like chairlift rides each Saturday from 11am to 1pm and…
Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Festival, Oct. 15
Now in its 11th year, the Founders Peak2Peak Mountain Bike Classic features a 10.5-mile course through and around the single tracks and slopes of Crystal Mountain with three waves — beginner (1 lap), intermediate (2 laps) and professional/expert (3 laps). Chairlift rides, live entertainment, family fun activities and games, food and Founders beer will be available in the festival area at the base of the slopes throughout the day — admission is free to spectators. Register for the race at endomanpromotions.com.
Crystal Spa Days, Oct. 1– Nov. 6
October is not only a wonderful time to enjoy the crisp autumn air and vibrant colors but special pricing on a menu of 50-minute services at the award-winning Crystal Spa. Nearly a dozen services are available from $69 (Sunday through Friday) and $79 on Saturday.
Spooktacular Saturdays offer a haunted trail and family fun Oct. 15, 22, 29
The last three Saturdays in October you can ride the Loki quad chairlift up the mountain and follow the lanterns back down a Spooky (but family friendly) Trail from 7 pm to 9 pm ($7 per person, kids 6-and-under free). Spooktacular Saturday (2 pm to 6 pm) will lead up to the evening’s haunted hike featuring wagon rides, a petting zoo, caramel apples, pumpkin carving and more.
What’s the best home away from home? Bed & Breakfasts, of course. Such accommodations are designed for comfort, charm and uniqueness for the guests that walk through the front doors. Pamper yourself… and wake up to the smell of a freshly prepared breakfast. You’ll feel right at home with these West Michigan Bed & Breakfasts.
South
The Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance wants you to know about the National House Inn B&B, which is the oldest operating inn in Michigan. Overlooking the beautiful Brooks Memorial Fountain in Marshall, the B&B infuses 19th-century flavor with the luxuries of modern conveniences in all 15 of its rooms. Time travel hasn’t been invented yet, so this is the next best way to experience a bygone era.
National House Inn
The Greater Lansing Area prides itself in offering B&Bs that blend a fine attention to detail with an element of surprise. The area’s B&Bs have waterfalls, Koi ponds, Tudor-style settings and more.
How does staying at a B&B overlooking Lake Michigan sound? Check out a list on The Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council’s website. The area’s B&Bs have received several awards, including Reader’s Choice Favorite Bed & Breakfast in Southwestern Michigan for eight years in a row.
Yelton Manor Bed & Breakfast in South Haven/Van Buren County offers a lovely place to lay your head after a long day of travel and fun. Yelton Manor was just named #2 in the Best Bed and Breakfast Destination in West Michigan by WWMT’s The Best of Michigan Viewers Poll. Enjoy the beautiful grounds, delicious food and desirable location.
The White Lake Area and Muskegon County are home to Amanda’s Bequest Bed & Breakfast — take a trip back in time at this 1873 Manse. This place is a must-visit for foodies with hits farm-to-table dining and on-site heritage culinary school where you can learn how to cook from scratch.
There’s never a bad time to visitApplesauce Inn Bed & Breakfastin Bellaire — it’s a four-season B&B. Enjoy hiking at Grass River Natural Area, biking in Downtown Bellaire, kayaking the Chain of Lakes region and golfing at nearby Shanty Creek.
Sparkling wine at the Chateau Chantal
Known for its wine, Chateau Chantal also has a Bed & Breakfast open all year round. Rated the most romantic B&B in the state, Chateau Chantal offers guests a private winery tour, complimentary glass of wine per night and a free wine tasting experience. Founder Bob Begin can usually be found pouring orange juice for guests each morning, tell stories and making sure everyone feels right at home.
Located in the middle of serene Northern Michigan, Horton Creek B&B is the perfect place to stay. Their seven-room, lodge-themed home is complete with a full breakfast in the morning and dessert each evening. Enjoy a peaceful walk on the trails that wind through 60 acres of secluded woods.
Fall is just around the corner, and you know what that means: Time to celebrate the season with classes at the Downtown Market!
For the complete fall schedule, go here. To download a pdf of classes and events, go here. (There are classes for everyone — family, kids and adults.) Meanwhile, here are just a few highlights:
AUTUMN NIGHTS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN Fri, October 14, 6p-8:30p • $65
The Mediterranean always offers bright flavors and healthy meals. You’ll master an olive tapenade, herb-fresh tabouli, chicken souvlaki, and a citrus semolina cake. Learn how to select authentic ingredients and how the right olive oil can add the finishing touches to your meal. Register here.
STEWS & BREWS Tue, October 18, 6p-8:30p • $65 (21+)
Pair some great beers while snacking on Beer Nuts and make a classic gumbo, a hearty meat and bean chili, sweet cornbread and chocolate stout brownies. Register here.
PUMPKIN PATCH COOKING
Fri, October 21, 6p-8:30p • $55
Celebrate pumpkins in the most delicious ways! You will enjoy some fresh-roasted pumpkin hummus while creating pumpkin sage soup, roasted herb chicken with pumpkin polenta and festive pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Register here.
BOOOOOOOZY HALLOWEEN COCKTAIL PARTY
Tue, October 25, 6p-8:30p • $55
In this class, you will learn how to make cocktails along with an appetizer and dessert to host the spookiest Halloween cocktail party. Learn how to make Pumpkin Cauldron Rhum Punch, Apple Cider and Bourbon Spritzers, mini pumpkin cream soup, and a fall tiramisu. Register here.
As Autumn approaches in West Michigan, it’s time to start celebrating the harvest! West Michigan offers a wide variety of ways to celebrate, whether it’s stopping by a cider mill, attending a special harvest dinner, or heading out to the local fall festival. However you like to get into the feeling of fall, West Michigan has you covered.
South: West Michigan Harvest Celebrations
Fenn Valley Vineyards believes that wine should be approachable, and their tours have been designed to help take the mystery out of making world class wine. Fenn Valley is offering fall vineyard tours on Saturdays and Sundays through October 18th. They aim to strike a balance between education and entertainment. Luckily, the subject matter always keeps things interesting! Their tours are pretty in-depth. They run about 1:45 in length, and involve wine tasting throughout to illustrate the various points being made.
In the fall, the tours go into the vineyard where the emphasis is on how wine grapes are grown and the kinds of operations that Fenn Valley performs to grow their premium grapes. Reservations required and accepted on the Fenn Valley website.
This fall South Haven has a variety of events to offer for young, and slightly mature audiences. South Haven boasts a 20-acre Corn Maze; a lot of creative energy goes into this project every year to make it the best corn maze anywhere! The corn maze is open through October 30th, from 10am-6pm on weekdays and from 12pm-6pm on weekends.
September is apple time at Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm in Eau Claire Michigan. Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm has over 250 different varieties of apples on their farm, and many of the heritage varieties date back to the 1700s. The market is open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays after Labor Day from 10am to 6pm. Plan to stop by for some free apple tasting! You can sample all of their varieties on hand, and then go to the orchard and pick your own fruit. Enjoy one of their cherry waffle boats, apple pie squares, taffy apples, or hot apple cider, or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the family picnic area with playground.
St. Joseph is a must-stop if you’re looking for fall fun in West Michigan! Kick things off with a visit to the Farmers Market in Lake Bluff Park, and then head downtown on September 25th and 26th for their Fall Festival! Plan on a weekend filled with fun events for all ages, including the Great Bed Race! Downtown shops will also be hosting a block party on Friday, and Saturday will see a Critter Barn petting zoo, a musical instrument petting zoo, and the Great Pumpkin Festival!
Central: West Michigan Harvest Celebrations
Not quite ready to say goodbye to the summer days of ice cream yet? Welcome fall in summer style with the limited edition ice cream flavor of Cider Mill Donut from Hudsonville Ice Cream. Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop in Michigan, and with apples, come donuts and cider. “This flavor starts off with apple cider flavored ice cream, with a spiced-apple swirl throughout and real donut pieces,” says Ray Sierengowski, director of product development for Hudsonville Ice Cream. “All the flavors of your local cider mill are delivered to you in one delicious scoop. You’ll FALL for this tried-and-true combination.”
Look for Cider Mill Donut and other “Limited Edition” flavors—distinguished by the red packaging—in grocery stores throughout Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois from mid-September through early November (while supplies last).
Learn some new ways to bring the harvest into your home this fall with an apple cooking class from Downtown Market Grand Rapids! This family cooking class is titled “Bushels of Apples,” and will focus on this classic fall snack. You’ll learn how to make an Overnight Baked Oatmeal, Apples Bavaria, and an Apple-Butternut Squash Soup, all of which are filled with bushels of flavor! The class takes place Saturday, October 17th from 10am-12pm and registration is available on the Downtown Market’s website.
Post Family Farm is the place to be this fall, with their annual Fall Festival taking place every Saturday from through October 31st. They offer hayrides out to the u-pick pumpkin patch, corn maze, kid’s activity area with crafts and games as well as a new and improved play area for 2015. Their famous homemade pumpkin donuts are available Monday-Saturday starting at 8:00 am and can be pre-ordered.
What better way to welcome fall than by spending some quality time in the great outdoors. Nothing beats a float trip in a drift boat during the Salmon run on the Pere Marquette River in the Fall. The Fall colors and watching the Salmon spawn are something you can’t find anywhere else, whether you like to fish or not. If you do like to fish, it’s the best time of the year to wet a line.
There are few fish that live up to their name, but the King Salmon in the Pere Marquette River certainly do! Red Moose Lodge is located right off the river, and is the perfect place for a fall weekend fishing trip, whether you’re simply looking for a place to stay, or want to book a guided fishing trip down the river.
Rockford’s 39th Annual Harvest Festival is September 25, 26 & 27th, 2015. The Harvest Festival will feature a classic car show, chili cook-off, Rotary Pork Barbeque, children’s activities including Trick or Treating & Costume Contest, crafts, an antique tractor show and parade, and much more. There is also a Farm Market, Museum Auction, Make-it and Take-it Scarecrow Building (which continues the following 2 weekends), Entertainment Tent, and Outdoor Movie. Find more information on the Rockford Chamber’s website.
North: West Michigan Harvest Celebrations
Castle Farms in Charlevoix invites you to celebrate the harvest with them at their upcoming annual Harvest Festival on September 27th! Visit the ‘Mini Farmer’s Market’, with vendors exhibiting and selling homemade items, including maple syrup and caramel popcorn. Take home a snapshot from the photo booth! Horse-drawn wagon rides, arts & crafts, games and prizes, face painting, magic show and fire spinning are just some of the spectacular activities for the whole family. Enjoy free cider and donuts with additional food available for purchase. $10 admission includes full access to the Castle, plus family friendly activities for all ages. Purchase your tickets at the door or in advance on the Castle Farms website.
Pentwater is holding their annual Fall Fest on the Village Green on September 26th and 27th this year. Experience the beauty of fall at their annual Arts & Craft Festival, where over 100 vendors provide hand-made crafts, a special skill or art, a skilled trade, or antiques on the Village Green. Enjoy live music on the green as well. This is a fall weekend in Pentwater not to be missed! Fall Fest runs from 10am through 5pm on Saturday, and 10am through 3pm on Sunday.
Chateau Chantal
Share the excitement of the harvest with Chateau Chantal at their 16th Annual Harvest Day on October 3rd from 12pm-4pm. Mark & Brian’s cellar and still will be open to smell wines, stomp grapes, and tour. Stop by at 1pm for a Mini Slurpin’ Seminar where you can learn the basics of wine tasting, at 2pm for some good old fashioned grape stomping, and at 3pm for a distillation seminar. The tasting room staff will be serving wine tastes and taking private label orders. Also take advantage of special pricing on full case orders of any one varietal of wine!
The Traverse City area knows how to get in the mood for Fall, and has plenty of options if you’re looking to kick off the autumn season. Head to Bellaire for their 17th Annual Harvest Festival & Scarecrow Extravaganza on September 26th, and enjoy a Short’s Beer tent, live music, a craft and flea market, and hands-on educational booths for the kids.
The Acme Fall Festival falls on the same day (September 26th), and features a farmers market, bake sale, craft show (with live demonstrations), kids activities, Michigan children’s offers, and more fun for all ages. Then get your taste buds ready for a family-style feast at Harvest@theCommons on October 10th. Your feast will be prepared by Traverse City’s own Harvest restaurant using the finest local ingredients honoring the farmers of the region. Enjoy local libations and authentic bluegrass tunes by Billy Strings and Don Julin during your meal as well.
Michigan is special because it fully experiences all four seasons. Make sure you take advantage of fall and the beautiful change in color and temperature around West Michigan!
