Fall in Love with Autumn

By Valene Ayar

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but notice that the spirit of autumn and all-things-Halloween seems to come earlier and earlier every year. As a lover of fall, I couldn’t be more excited.

And as we head into September, our minds have undoubtedly switched from splash pads and family road trips to school and extracurricular activities. But just because the kiddos are going back to school, it does not mean the fun has to stop. There are tons of ways to keep your family bonded and enjoy shared experiences even in the colder seasons. Below are just a few of my favorites.

Metro Detroit Hayride

This fall, why not elaborate on the typical “cider mill” family excursion and make it cider/donuts AND a family hayride? You can enjoy all your favorite autumn treats while taking a scenic ride and enjoy the weather and pretty colors. You can even do a haunted hayride for Halloween!

Plenty of places offer hayrides including: Three Cedars Farm and Cider Mill (7897 Six Mile Road in Northville); Upland Hills Farm (481 Lake George Road in Oxford); and Heritage Park (24725 Farmington Road in Farmington Hills).

These are just a few. A quick Google search will find even more.

Visit Canterbury Village

I discovered Canterbury Village last February for a Harry Potter event and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. Located in Lake Orion, Canterbury Village hosts fun activities and events year-round.

In the fall they offer a Canterbury Village Ghost Walk every Friday and Saturday during the month of September. Although it sounds spooky, it is great fun for kids (and adults) of all ages. Don’t just take my word for it; visit their website at www.canterburyvillage.com and check it out yourself (along with many other awesome things to do).

Cedar Point “HalloWeekends”

You cannot call yourself a Michigan resident if you have never at least heard of Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends. But just in case you haven’t, here’s the lowdown.

Every year, for as long as I can remember, Cedar Point — located in Sandusky, Ohio — transforms their legendary amusement park into a Fall/Halloween wonderland for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to more than 70 rides and 17 roller coasters, you will also find monsters and ghouls galore (oh my!) roaming the park between September 15 - October 30 (on weekends), plus haunted houses and many other spooktacular sites.

Pack up the family car and make a day of it!

Long Family Orchard

Visiting the apple orchard has always been one of the region’s fall favorite activities and the Long Family Orchard (1540 East Commerce Rd. Commerce) is a great place to experience the fun. There’s nothing like picking your own apples right off the trees and enjoying the scenic nature.

In addition to an apple orchard, this beautiful farm is also home to a corn maze, pumpkin patch, tractor rides, a children’s play area, and even adorable farm animals. And of course, it wouldn’t be an apple orchard without everyone’s favorite - cider and donuts!

Fall Color Tour

One of the great things our unique state offers is the fall color – our many trees become a beautiful tapestry in autumn. The Tunnel of Trees is one of northern Michigan’s not-so-best-kept secrets, and fall is the best time for short road trips.

You can find the 2023 fall color map on michigan.org.

Bright clear skies and temperate weather make autumn in Michigan a pure pleasure. Winter with snowstorms and frigid temperatures will be here before you know it. Get out there with your family and enjoy the weather while you can!