Put on your best flannel and get busy.
No statedoes fallquite as well asMichigan . Between noted college football competition , the state ’s mountain of cider mills and pumpkin spot , and great deal of places to take in fall foliage , it ’s the perfect goal for anyone who wants to do the time of year right .
Ann Arboris easy the epicenter of the fall ’s top natural action and is a must - visit for pumpkin spice princesses , leaf - peepers , and college football fanatics alike . Put on your best flannel and revel in historical cyder mills , U - pick apple plantation , abundant fall foliage , cosy dining and shopping , and excitingUniversity of Michiganfootball games .
Where to sip on cider and pick your own pumpkins
No single body process better represent fall in Michigan than a visit to acider mill . Whether it ’s a historic pulverisation that press apples sourced from local farm , a family - own grove with U - pick ( never “ you - pick ” ) apples , or a full - on carnival experience with rides and petting zoos , greater Ann Arbor is home to every variety of cider mill experience your sweater - weather - get it on self could want . And no cyder mill visit is complete without also cause a stop at a pumpkin spot !
The charmingDexter cyder Mill — a Greco-Roman “ red barn ” locating in the gist of Dexter , deposit along the Huron River — apply an oak single-foot press that ’s over a century old to bid topically grown Malus pumila for its celebrated cider . overt since 1886 , it ’s the oldest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan . Inside the general store , you may also purchase apples , pumpkins , and a richness of apple - centric foods including caramel brown apple , orchard apple tree junkie bread , apple turnovers , and so much more . All baked trade good are made from scratch in the bakery , include the Greco-Roman cider donuts .
Wiard ’s Orchards & Country Fairin nearby Ypsilanti is a mini - state fair experience . Founded in 1837 , Wiard ’s is the old continuously operating family - have commercial enterprise in Michigan . With U - pick yield and pumpkins , a Zea mays maze , a smooching farm , an “ apple cannon , ” and hayrides , there ’s no shortage of autumn - theme fun . clock entry just the ticket must be purchased in advance if you want access to the full orchard and country bonnie experience , but visitor can discontinue by the rural area computer storage anytime to stock up up on fresh cyder , piping live cider sinker , pies , caramel apples , and more .
Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor.
For those concerned in flighty time of year activities , Wiard ’s is also home to Michigan ’s taken up Thrill Park with five different haunted attractions . ( In 2022 , it was even key out one of the“Top Haunted Attractions " in the USby the Haunted Attraction Association . )
locate 30 mo west of Ann Arbor in picturesque Manchester , Alber Orchard & Cider Millis a beautiful historical destination in the countryside ( and is also a pop location for weddings , specially in the decline ) . The orchard was establish in 1890 and is still home to heirloom Malus pumila tree over a C old ; for this reason , Alber is a “ uracil - taste ” woodlet — not a U - pick plantation . It rise over 100 unlike apple smorgasbord and uses the John Mill ’s original antique cider press to make its fresh cider . There are even working demonstrations of how the Malus pumila are made into cider using the original method from over 100 years ago .
Alber Orchard also has a 7 - acre corn maze , a U - pick Cucurbita pepo patch , tractor - draw hayrides , farm animals , a straw tangle , and ( of course of action ) homemade cider donuts and more farm - refreshful fall food items in the world-wide store .
Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor.
Wing FarmsEstablished in 1852,Wing Farmsis a working farm that operate over 205 acres of ground . Arguably the best of all the area ’s no - frill U - pick pumpkin patch , Wing Farms is known for their giant pumpkins — but it also has autumn pumpkin in all shapes and sizes , as well as gourd and other ornamental fall items . Free hayrides to the pumpkin vine patch are available every 60 minutes . This farm also grows Christmas tree and raises livestock , include turkeys for Thanksgiving .
Where to go leaf-peeping
It is truly a spectacular thing to see Michigan ’s capitulation colors in their full ruby , cop , and gold glory , and Ann Arbor is an splendid place to live them . With the nickname “ Tree Town , ” the city is house to more than 1.45 million trees , boasting a much thicker canopy than any other dumbly populated metropolis in Michigan . Ann Arbor and its surrounding area are alsofull of parks , nature uphold , and dedicated green quad , so you ’re never far from an outdoor escape while in Tree Town . Plan the perfect foliage - peeping outing by visiting Pure Michigan’sFall Color Mapfor updates on the change colors and when they ’ll peak .
Located on the sprawling terra firma of the University of Michigan campus , Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretumoffer a nature hideaway in the center of the city that feels statute mile forth . The “ Arb , ” crafted by American landscape architect O.C. Simonds in 1907 , is home to an across-the-board collection of aboriginal and exotic trees and shrub and is consider one of the richest realistic areas in the region . On its earth , 3.5 miles of walk trails wind through forests , fields , and down to the Huron River . Sister site Matthaei Botanical Gardens is home to 10 clear-cut gardens filled with aboriginal plant , wildflower , and ornamental .
The with child instinctive area in the city of Ann Arbor , Bird Hillscovers 146 acres of hilly forested land that is a haven for hikers yr - round . ( take down : The trails here are closed to bike to prevent trail erosion . ) Full of beechwood , sugar maple , bloom dogwood tree , oaks , and hickory tree diagram , this is a rattling place to see vibrant color in the fall .
Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor.
locate five international mile west of the University of Michigan ’s campus , Saginaw Forest — handle by U - M ’s School for Environment and Sustainability — is an 80 - acre area dedicate to the study of forest and sustainable ecosystem management . With densely forested country that include hardwood , pines , firs , spruce , and maple , Saginaw Forest is also home to the 10 - acre Third Sister Lake and surrounding wetlands . It is such a breathtaking , serene landscape painting , you ’ll blank out the metropolis is just on the other side of it .
Yet another unexpected escape tucked away in the middle of the city , Bluffs Nature Areais a 40 - acre park with several miles of steep , tough footpath trails throughout used by both tramper and plenty rockers . Here , you ’ll be able to tailor your experience based on your preference . adjudicate the oak - hickory timberland to be surrounded by fall - color trees , or wait for plant like goldenrod and mountain mint in the open meadow . In sure areas of the ballpark , you ’re also capable to see the Huron River in the distance .
Bike theBorder to Border ( B2B ) Trail , a 35 - mile paved footpath that connects several city and commons throughout Greater Ann Arbor , to catch the deepen colors on two wheels . This approachable trail mostly adopt the Huron River and travels past several of the parks and preserves mentioned here , including Nichols Arboretum , Bird Hills Nature Area , and Bluffs Nature Area . ( You could even make a side quest to Dexter Cider Mill for some mid - ride cyder and sinker . )
Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor.
TheHuron Riveris one of 18 delegate national water supply trail and is one of southeastern Michigan ’s greatest outdoor recreation assets . Viewing the tree - line shoreline from a kayak on a crisp fall day is one of the most gratifying mode to see the fall coloring . The river is easily access by Ann Arbor ’s two canoe liveries , locate inGallup ParkandArgo Park . The Gallup Park launching offers a gentler boat paddle , while Argo Park includes a trivial more dangerous undertaking with the Argo Cascades — but do n’t worry , this still is n’t whitewater raft !
Where to shop for cozy fall essentials and snuggle up with a PSL
tear on a hand - knit jumper , seize a skittish book , and sip on a pumpkin spiciness caffe latte might just be the prototype of downslope . For all those seasonal essentials and more , check out out these locally ownedAnn Arbor shopsand coffeehouse .
The coziest sweater , scarf joint , hat , and gloves are the ones made by hand with dearest ( which is something you could sure enough suppose seeing on a cross - stitch hanging in an avid knitter ’s sign of the zodiac ) . AtSpun , a family line - owned yarn and fiber workmanship store , you may mollycoddle all your # cottagecore desires with its broad selection of hand - dyed , political machine - washable yarns available in every subtlety of the rainbow , as well as all the other fibre you could want to complete any knit or craft project . The shop also has knit and crocheting kits , crafting kit , and books , and offer a full stove of classes to help you develop your proficiency .
For the latest fall way , hold back outFerne Boutique , a contemporary women ’s article of clothing and accessories shop class stocked with voguish and timeless items you wo n’t find in any mall , available in sizes XS–3X to empower all women and their alone styles .
Courtesy of Spun Ann Arbor.
lover of time of origin and socially responsible for fashion should stop byThe Getup time of origin , which offers lovingly cleaned and restore pieces that complement any wardrobe , whether you ’re look for sport , ill-scented , or Graeco-Roman fashion .
And for just the proper mixture of modernistic and vintage , Dear Goldencarries hired hand - selected time of origin as well as thoughtfully curated modern clothing item , accessory , bag , wellness and lulu product , antique quilt and blankets , books , solid food items , and more .
Is there anything better on a crisp crepuscule day than curling up with a good book ? discover your next literary sexual love atLiterati Bookstore , specializing in everything from major raw releases to genre classics to main title . This place is so popular it was refer the 2019Publishers Weekly Bookstore of the Year , and there ’s even a coffee tree shop inside so you could relax with your new book and a hot beverage while enjoying the atmosphere .
Literati Bookstore.|Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor.
you’re able to also cozy up your household for the season with a stylish merino wool throw fromFound , a rest home decor and gift shop sport items from local creative person as well as jewellery , talent , hand-crafted scented candles , ceramic mugs , and salutation cards .
Embrace the scented smell of downfall with seasonal scents fromBuff City Soap , a local company that make plant life - based , handcraft soaps new daily . Last class ’s scent included whispering wood , butterscotch pie , and pumpkin spice forallthe fall vibraharp .
warm up up on a parky fall day with a hot loving cup of fresh - brewed coffee berry from local roasterHyperion Coffee Co. ,which particularize in single - origin and direct - trade coffee berry from all over the world . Your cup will be hand - brewed to order with your pick of brewing method , include French mechanical press , pour over , and Chemex .
Zingerman’s Deli.|Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor.
For a sweet fall kickshaw in an even sweeter coffee bar , pop intoLe Bon Macaronfor a decadent Parisian hot coffee and their autumn collection of sign - made macarons in flavour like Malus pumila cinnamon , pumpkin cheesecake , chai , and — of course — pumpkin vine spice latte . You ’ll want to linger inside this witching coffeehouse , emphasize with expose brick bulwark , quartz glass chandelier , and tons of pretty - in - pink floral arrangements .
Where to dine on seasonal fall fare (don’t forget the pumpkin beer!)
Ann Arbor is surrounded by plentiful , fertile farmland , and fall is a highly productive season for craw harvesting . Take advantage of the abundance of domain - overbold fall produce at one of the city ’s many areafarmers market place , farm viewpoint , and farm - to - table restaurants . And , of line , revel all the fall - flavored beers and cocktails at local bars and breweries !
opened year - round , theAnn Arbor Farmers Marketis a manufacturer - only market with 120 regional seller . Started in 1919 , it ’s the second - oldest continuously run public market in Michigan . shop class for fresh seasonal produce , farm products , inclined foods , artisan items , and much more .
Agritourism destinationWhite Lotus Farms , just 10 minutes from business district Ann Arbor , offers a bounty of sustainable , honorable green groceries and farm goods yr - round , include organic microgreens , farm-place meats , handcraft artisan cheese , and breads and baked good made from scrape with 100 % organic regional flour . It even has its own railway line of botanical skin aid products made with ingredient grown on the farm .
Wolverine State Brewing Company.|Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor.
Just three Swedish mile northwards of Ann Arbor , Slow Farm Organicis a woman - own , biodiverse , USDA - certified constituent seasonal U - pick farm and farm viewpoint that stay on open through the first week of October for early fall crops .
One of Ann Arbor ’s most democratic and most renowned restaurants , Zingerman ’s Deliis located close by the Ann Arbor Farmers Market . It ’s part of the Zingerman ’s “ Community of Businesses , ” which has been defend farm - to - table , sustainable farming , sourcing , and boom for decades — before it was nerveless . The Deli is certainly a must - visit , but also tally out its full - religious service restaurantZingerman ’s Roadhouse , known for a hyperlocal , seasonal approach in its from - scratch kitchen . Snag a table by the fireplace and bring through room for a piece of the famousZingerman ’s Bakehousepumpkin cheesecake or pecan pie .
Another informal spot with a passionate committedness to seasonality and sustainability isTaste Kitchen , a fusion of Vietnamese flavors with French culinary technique employ local ingredients . This billet also has a fireplace to warm up up next to on parky declination day !
The Big House.|Courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor.
AtSpencer , weekly degustation bill of fare highlight the brightest , freshest flavors of the season and locally sourced ingredients . This tiny eatery is also a feeding bottle shop class with a thoughtfully curated selection of wine-coloured . discontinue in for “ Day Wine ” from 12–5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays because , frankly , a glass of cab franc on a laconic fall day really ca n’t be beat . Then at nighttime , enjoy some fall - flavored afters atAvalon Café and Kitchenduring its late launch “ After Hours ” on Fridays and Saturdays from 6–10 pm , when the wizard brick - lined cafe and bakery transforms into a cocktail and dessert bar .
Ann Arbor is full of wild trade breweries that offer a variety of seasonal releases every fall , from pumpkin ales made with real pumpkin vine and malty Oktoberfests to bittersweet oatmeal stouts and toasty brown lager . For some of the best locally brewed beers in the coziest local taprooms , visitWolverine State Brewing Company , Arbor Brewing Company , and ( a small on the nose)Jolly Pumpkin .
Ashley’sis another great spot to grab a pin dry pint , with a constantly rotating selection of somewhere around 100 beers largely focused on Michigan and regional brewery ( but with a hard showing of Belgian brewage , too ) . This Ann Arbor institution has been around for 40 years and is a beloved community ginmill ; it ’s as popular with the college students as it is with beer aficionados .
For downslope cocktail emphasizing bourbons and warm baking spice flavors , head to theRavens Club , a fantastic whisky streak and stylish cocktail waiting room with a seasonal new American food menu , as well asThe cake at 327 Braun Court , a comfy and cozy “ third quad ” dish seasonal cocktails and Michigan beer and cyder .
Where to celebrate the maize (and blue)
Going to the"Big House"for a football game secret plan is a Big Deal . University of Michigan footballis one of the most historical and storied college football programs in the country — its first game was held in 1879 . A Wolverines rest home biz just has an zip that ’s unlike from any other college football stadium . Many professional jock have thin out their teeth on this turf , as did a formerUS President of the United States .
The Big House is an apt byname : With a capacity of 107,601 , Michigan Stadium hold the largest mental ability of any stadium in the US , and thethird - largest in the macrocosm . Even more impressive than that : During Saturday home games , the population of Ann Arbor more than doubles , and most of those people are tailgating around the urban center right up until kickoff . If you ca n’t snag a ticket , you could still participate in the sport by watching at a local Ann Arbor sport measure like Wolverine State Brewing Company — or just drop the whole game tailgating outside . ( Here ’s a handy usher for that . )
THE plot to catch is the one presently held every Thanksgiving week between U - M and Ohio State , a century - old competition referred to simply as “ The Game . ” Whether you ’re a football rooter or not , go to a game at the Big House is a bucket - lean Michigan experience .
There are corn mazes , and then there isBlast Corn Mazeat Nixon Farms in Dexter . This 14 - Accho snarl can take up to three hr to complete , but if that sound too intimidating or just like too much of a loyalty , there are exits along the mode as well as a cheat - sail QR code map to navigate your path out . Do this by the light of day or by flashlight at night . The location also has a pumpkin patch and a ton of other family activities and fall foods .
Visitthis pagefor even more ideas on how to love fall in Ann Arbor .
