Without a doubt, fall is my favorite season. The cider buckets, warm sweaters, and hay rides delight me every year, no matter how many times I’ve experienced them. As the weather cools down, my excitement warms up as I see my neighbors set out pumpkins on their porches and cafes set out signs for pumpkin lattes on their sidewalks.
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Maybe you share my love for fall and have been eagerly awaiting its beginning. Maybe you haven’t yet discovered all the season has to offer. Whether you’re a fall fanatic or a fall skeptic, I can tell you one thing for sure: Fall in West Michigan is awesome. Period.
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If you don’t believe me, take a look at these great fall things to do in West Michigan. I challenge you to try them all and not fall in love with fall.
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1. Cider
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Cider is a fall staple, and where better than to get cider than Michigan? Our state is a prime place to find flourishing apple orchards. One such orchard, Sietsema’s Orchards and Cider Mill is located just outside Grand Rapids in Ada. Sietsema’s runs their own cider mill and creates delicious cider on-location. Open all day throughout the fall, this is the perfect place to fulfill your cider craving.
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2. Artprize
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One of the most well-known features of West Michigan, ArtPrize in Grand Rapids is a wonderful event that takes place in streets, shops and galleries all over the city. Lucky for you, it is happening right now! ArtPrize will be taking Grand Rapids by storm from September 24 to October 12. If you’re a veteran and are up for a new art experience, try going to the pre-party and after-party of the awards ceremony on October 10. Although the awards event itself is ticketed, the outdoor parties before and after are free and open to the public!
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3. Seasonal Produce
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If you wander the Downtown Farmers Market or Fulton Street Farmers Market, I can guarantee that one thing will become clear: squash is in season. The oranges, yellows, and greens are spilling over on all the tables! But I want to tell you about a lesser-known orange, yellow, and green plant: swiss chard. A leafy vegetable often used in Mediterannean cooking, swiss chard is in-season for the fall as well. Give it a try by making these mouth-watering Swiss Chard Fritters.
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4. The Great Outdoors
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What better way to celebrate fall than to simply take a walk through it? And you don’t have to go far to find incredible trails for hiking or nature walks. So get out and explore the changing trees and cool breezes–and maybe bring a friend with you to marvel together. To get started on your outdoor adventure, check out all the resources on the Grand Rapids City website. For an extra bonus, try collecting leaves and doing this craft when you return home.
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5. Sweaters
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One of the reasons I love fall is because it’s the season when I get to haul out my big box of sweaters. Wrapped up in knits and wool, I always look forward to the coziness. If you’re looking to expand your collection of sweaters this fall, then West Michigan is a great place to do it in an inexpensive and eco-friendly way! Try out Clothing Matters or Urban Exchange to find gently-used, severely-comfortable sweaters for the fall.
