Even before the pumpkins ripen to their perfect orange, many regions of the state turn to a wide assortment of seasonal festivals and celebrations. Northern and Western Michigan's cultural calendars are packed in the Autumn months with museum exhibits, colonial reenactments and plenty of local historical presentations.
With the decline in the number of Summer tourism, the climate is great for spontaneous trips to all the events without the worry of reservations. And as the cool nights and enchanting nature scenes inspire romance, may I recommend a weekend at one of Michigan's cozy Bed and Breakfasts?
For many, an annual trip to a U-Pick farm marks the official beginning of Autumn. Michigan accommodates nicely, being the nation's top third producer of apples. Red Delicious, Ida Red, McIntosh, Northern Spy and Jonagold are among the most popular varieties of the Fall fruit, but are just a small sample of those you'll find at the state's numerous orchards.
With a taste ranging from somewhat bitter (for baking) to ultra sweet, you'll find apple products ranging from baked goods to cider to butter stocking the shelves along with bushels of the fruit itself. Many of the most popular orchards and cider mills offer a plethora of fall fun, including hay rides, haunted houses and petting farms.
It's no surprise that the state home to both the automobile and thousand acre forests has found a way to combine the two. Fall Color Tours have become a favorite weekend activity for many throughout the state. Michigan Travel and Ring Online both provide up-to-the-day foliage color reports to help drivers plan their trips at the peak of visual enjoyment.
The color change overtakes the state slowly, moving from northwest to southeast beginning in early September and finishing by mid to late October. You'll want to get off the highways to truly enjoy the experience. Websites including Michigan Up North, "Exploring the North", Michigan Travel and Ring Online all offer pre-planned driving routes. Check one out or just take off on your own free spirited fall adventure.
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