By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Well that school bell has rung but it doesn’t mean you need to end those weekend adventures.
There are a host of weekend activities in and around West Michigan that range from family to scary fun. West Michigan Tourist Association Public Relations and Marketing Manager Jeremy Witt offered up a few ideas from the WMTA’s Carefree Travel Guide.
“Part of the harvest we have in West Michigan is hops,” Witt said. “So those hops are harvested and they go straight to the brewery to start the process of becoming beer.”
A number of area breweries offer harvest festivals such a Brewery Vivant, 925 Cherry St. SE. Brewery Vivant, the first LEED certified microbrewery in the world and a certified B Corporation, has featured its barrel aged beers. Visit the brewery’s website, breweryvivant.com, for more fall events.
If you are looking for something on the scary side, you might want to head to South Haven which transforms itself into a fall paradise with a little a touch of Halloween. From Oct. 19-21, South Haven hosts is Haven Harvest which is full of fun fall activities as well as the flavors of fall such as apple and pumpkin. If you like haunted houses, Witt said the Michigan Maritime Museum, which is located in South Haven at 260 Dyckman Ave., is transformed into a haunted maze Oct. 19 and 20. Museum Fright Nights run from 8 – 11 p.m. both days. Tickets are available at michiganmaritimemuseum.org.
Looking for something a little less scary, then try Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, located at 3309 Blue Water Rd., Traverse City, which has a unique harvest, lavender.
“They have these beautiful lavender fields, which I am sure it smells fantastic out there,” Witt said, adding that the store has a lot of lavender infused products in its shop. There are soaps and lotions along with home decor and pet accessories. Also available is lavender-infused cookies, lemonade, and a custom MOOMer’s ice cream.
You could also head to New Era to Lewis Farms and Petting Zoo, 4180 West, M-20, which also has some unique fall decorations along with apples and a pumpkin patch. Of course, if you head over there, Witt said he recommends grabbing a cup of cider and an apple or pumpkin donut.
For more weekend ideas, check out the WMTA Carefree Travel Guide or visit wmta.org.
