If you’re in the mood for a fall getaway, escape to the picturesque landscapes of Northern Michigan this season. An array of orchards, vineyards, farmers markets and a natural kaleidoscope of changing colors await throughout the region.
If you’re planning a trip up north, here are some suggestions:
Fort Fright in Mackinaw City
Get a haunted dose of history during Fort Fright in Mackinaw City. Arrival at 18:30 on October 7, 8 or 9 at Colonial Michilimackinac. Visitors stroll through the grounds on themed thrill rides. Folklore stories are told around bonfires and characters from these stories can be seen walking around the grounds.
Most events are suitable for children. Tickets are available onlinewith admission at $11 for adults and $7 for children 5-12, children 4 and under are free.
Charlevoix Apple Festival
Find all the fall foods and treats at the Charlevoix Apple Festival, from October 14 to 16. In its 43rd year, the event welcomes a variety of merchants to downtown Charlevoix, offering produce, specials, art and more. Other family activities include a fun run, petting zoo, children’s games and more.
Apple Orchards of Northern Michigan
It’s harvest time! All fall, use your own mittens to pick raspberries, pumpkins, or apples. Here are some northern Michigan orchards that offer U-Pick experiences:
Northern Michigan Wineries
Take the whole family for a day a Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs. This winery has entertainment for all ages. Fridays are family scare night, with a haunted vines attraction. On Saturdays, enjoy the walks, explore the pumpkin patch, munch on cider and donuts, or try pumpkin bowling and destroy bounce houses. Beer, house wine, food and much more are also available. The farm is located at 5699 S Lake Shore Drive, Harbor Springs.
Mackinaw Trail Winery has three tasting rooms in northern Michigan open to visitors. If you’re in Petoskey, Mackinaw City or Manistique, stop at one of these places for some small plates and refreshments. The Upper Peninsula location overlooks the mouth of the Manistique River.
Enjoy the surrounding landscape Való Lake Winerynestled between the arms of Lake Walloon. The picturesque vineyard has an indoor tasting room and a covered pad for guests to enjoy their drinks. Groups under the age of six are welcome without reservation. The winery is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and is located at 3149 Intertown Road, Petoskey.
Open until mid-October, stop at Bodega End of the Road. Located on 3.5 hectares growing a diverse variety of grapes, is located in the Germfask community of the Upper Peninsula. Open 11:30 am to 5:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday and located at 6917 Burns Road Germfask.
Taste one of the more than 100 wines made by 45 North Winery and Vineyard. Located on Lake Leelanau, explore a three-mile, all-season trail around the property. The winery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. and Sundays and is located at 8580 E Horn Road, Lake Leelanau.
Northern Michigan Farmers Markets
Harbor Springs Farmers Market it is open from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday until October 15. About 15 vendors regularly participate in the market, although not all are there every week. Market director Dorothy Mills said attendees can wait 10 to 12 on average. Browse produce, baked goods and a selection of homemade crafts.
The Interlochen Farmers Market in Traverse City offers a local variety of fresh products, food and natural crafts. The market opens from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays until the last weekend in October.
Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Groleau farmers market also located in Traverse City. In addition to fresh produce, the store sells fresh homemade soups, pies, soft serve and hard ice cream. When in Traverse City, consider stopping by Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market.
Known as the largest farmers market in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette Farmers Market is the weekly hub of more than 60 vendors. An interactive map about the market website it allows buyers to browse a seller’s profile, identify their sale location and determine if they will be attending that day. The market runs from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday until October 29.
Fall colors in northern Michigan
Month:Michigan Fall Colors – Check out these scenic drives around the state
Take the scenic route up M-22, a 116-mile journey that winds around the Leelanau Peninsula. Along the way, take in the colors at Tart Trail, then cool off with a drink from Hop Lot Brewery or Mawby Vineyards, both just minutes down the trail. Discover Leland, also known as Fishtown, a collection of tourist shops converted from former fishing shacks. Further down the road, take in the panoramic views of Point Betsie Lighthouse.
Or take the Tunnel of Trees in Harbor Springs. The 50-mile drive takes about an hour and takes you past small-town shops and architecture, along with a sugar sand beach and dunes at Sturgeon Bay.
