Here are a few ways to enjoy fall in southwest Michigan
Fall is upon us.
Sure, temperatures are expected to reach the low 80s next week, but the cooler morning air and transitioning leaves will remind you that it's time to break out the flannel, warm up the apple cider and enjoy all southwest Michigan has to offer during this season.
Here are just a few ways to enjoy autumn in southwest Michigan:
Get lost (in a corn maze)
Gull Meadow Farms: This sprawling farm at 8544 Gull Road in Richland annually turns its six-acre cornfield into both a canvas and an elaborate maze. This year, the farm is using its corn maze as a platform to raise awareness and spur donations to the First Day Shoe Fund, which provides new athletic shoes to students in Kalamazoo County at no cost. Gull Meadow also offers a miniature corn maze with a smaller footprint of minimal twists and turns. Activity hours at Gull Meadow Farms are from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 4 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Other attractions offered at Gull Meadow include a zipline, cannons that shoot pumpkins and apples and giant yard games. For more information, visit gullmeadowfarms.com.
Bosserd Family Farm: Located at 14721 Verona Road in Marshall, this farm hosts "Fall Family Fun" each autumn, featuring a straw climb, a scavenger hunt, a zipline, a tube slide and a corn maze. The farm is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. seven days a week. Admission is $10 per child and $3 for accompanying adults ($5/adult without children).
Admire the creativity, humor of 'Skeleton Fest'
More than 60 skeletons donned in spooky and often hilarious costumes have descended upon downtown Marshall for the month of October. The Halloween-themed festival begins with a kick-off party at 1 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot near the post office and will include live music, face painting, food trucks, a giant slide, games and more.
Pick the perfect pumpkin, apple
Bosserd Family Farm: Along with its pumpkin patch, this Marshall farm at 14721 Verona Road offers you-pick raspberries.
Canaan Orchard: Located at 14810 Roof Drive in Climax, this you-pick apple orchard is open seven days a week, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Gull Meadow Farms: The farm at 8544 Gull Road in Richland offers both a you-pick apple orchard and pumpkin patch. There are also pre-picked pumpkins available in the "pumpkin corral" located just outside of the apple barn and bakery.
Get your pie on at 'Pie Palooza'
Pizza, pie and pints are at the center of a new festival coming to Battle Creek this fall dubbed "Pie Palooza."
The Battle Creek Battle Jacks and Outlier Events are bringing the festivities to MCCU Field at C.O. Brown Stadium from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14. Festival goers can expect a wide variety of pizza, baked pies, beer and live music throughout the event.
Those interested can purchase tickets online at kalamazoogrowlers.wixsite.com/michiganpiepalooza or by visiting the Battle Creek Battle Jacks box office, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 189 Bridge St.
'Fall into the Zoo'
Battle Creek's zoo at 7400 Division Drive is making the most of its final month of the season, with a variety of fun events slated throughout October. In addition to viewing more than 200 animals on the 433-acre property, visitors can also enjoy these themed weekend events:
Kids Weekend at the Zoo, Oct. 7-8: A weekend for kids and their families to visit the zoo and enjoy a variety of activities including a coloring contest (with a chance to win a family pass to the zoo) and games on the Snow Leopard Lawn. A meet-and-greet with Cinderella, Ariel, Batman, and Spiderman with run from noon to 2 p.m. and face painting will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fall Fest at the Zoo, Oct. 14-15: Festivities include live music from noon to 2 p.m., yard games, animal encounters and a coloring contest (with a chance to win a family pass to the zoo). Cider and doughnuts will be available for purchase.
Tailgate at the Zoo, Oct. 21-22: In celebration of the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, the zoo encourages visitors to wear their favorite team colors and cheer on their teams while exploring the zoo. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch a snow leopard predict the winner of the big game, watch the game on big TVs throughout the zoo and challenge rivals to a game of cornhole.
Halloween at the Zoo, Oct. 28-29: Dress up in your best costume and enjoy mini pumpkin painting, face painting (from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and a coloring contest (with a chance to win a family pass to the zoo).
Fall hours for the zoo are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The final day of the season is Oct. 29.
Feast upon fresh doughnuts
It wouldn't be fall without some fresh doughnuts. Whether you're in the mood for seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice and apple cider or a more traditional variety, here are a few places worth checking out:
Continental Pastries & Deli: At 928 W. Columbia Ave. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Gull Meadow Farms: At 8544 Gull Road in Richland. Bakery and market hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Louie's Bakery: At 144 W. Michigan Ave. in Marshall. Open Tuesday-Saturday, from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Station 66: At 4588 D Drive S. Open Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sweetwater's Donut Mill: At 2807 Capital Ave. SW. Open daily, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Here are a few ways to enjoy fall in southwest Michigan
