Where to go for fall fun

By Doug Marrin, STN reporter

Fall is here with tons of fun things to do and places to visit. Here is a list.

Agricultural markets

Rhuligs Country Market:
(11296 Island Lake Rd, Dexter) In its 41st year, this family market offers fresh produce from the family farm. Hours: Sat and Sun 10-6.

Dexter Farmer’s Market: Dexter Farmer’s Market is located in downtown Dexter, next to the Dexter District Library and Mill Creek Park. Products available: Fruits, vegetables, herbs, jams, baked goods, flowers, plants and handmade crafts. Opening hours May-Oct: Tue 2 pm-6pm, Sat 8 pm-1pm. Nov-Apr starts the Winter Marketplace. Check the website for details.

Chelsea Farmers Market: Located in downtown Chelsea offering food: fresh vegetables and fruits (available organic), meat, seafood, poultry and eggs, fresh bread and sweets, honey, herbs, jams, cheese and yogurt, and syrup of maple plants, shrubs and trees, flowers Local handicrafts of all kinds – candles, jewelry, pottery and more. Hours May to October: Wednesdays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. corner of Main and Old US 12, Sat 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. downtown. Winter market Nov-Dec Check the website for details.

Saline farmers market (S Ann Arbor Street downtown) Includes fresh produce, plants and flowers from local producers, specialty items such as jams, honey, baked goods, local cheeses, meats, maple syrup, coffee, seasonal corn stalks, Indian corn, wreaths, crafts and more. Hours: Sat 8:00 a.m. May-Oct. Winter market Nov-Apr Check the website for details.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Downtown near Kerrytown) A large market open year round with over 100 vendors offering farm-fresh produce, native plants, artisan yogurt, cheese, baked goods, coffee and more . Many craft vendors also display their artwork for sale. Visit the website for details on vendors, online ordering, and curbside pickup. Hours: Wed & Sat 7-3.

Stops at the farm

Stop at the agricultural farm (118 N Main St, Chelsea) Agricole is an agricultural market open seven days a year. Local food suppliers set their own prices and receive 75% of the selling price of their meat, dairy products, fresh produce, pastries and other products. A fully equipped espresso bar serves RoosRoast coffee.

Vestergaard Farms (4408 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor) One of the area’s newest farms offers its own meats raised without hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or fertilizers. In addition to beef, chicken and pork, items such as baked goods, canned goods and other sundries are available.

White lotus farms (7217 West Liberty Road, Ann Arbor) White Lotus offers an incredible variety of meats, cheeses, baked goods, dairy products, desserts and sweets, skin care products, and more. Online ordering available. Visit their website for more details on their product line. Market hours: Wed 9-1, Sat 9-2.

Acorn growers market and cafe (327 W Main St, Manchester) An exciting new market in Manchester. The farm stop offers a wide variety of meats, vegetables, baked goods and more from local producers. Check their Facebook page for the last few hours.

Stop at Argus farm (Two locations in Ann Arbor: Liberty, Packard) You’ll find locally grown produce, baked goods, cheeses, and a full line of coffees and espresso drinks. This popular farming stopover goes one step further by educating patrons of local farms. Hours: Sun-Sat 8-7.

Cider houses and apple orchards

Photo: Alber Orchard & Cider Mill Facebook page.

Dexter cider house (3685 Central St, Dexter) At 135 years old, Michigan’s oldest cider mill, located on the scenic banks of the Huron River, this cider mill is famous for its 5 apple cider blend, donuts and quickly becoming known for its crisp and clear hard cider. The queues can be long in good weather, even longer with safety precautions, but it goes quickly. Parking can be a challenge. Check their website for auxiliary parking near the mill. Hours: Wed-Sun 8-5.

Jenny’s Farm stand and cider house (8366 Island Lake Rd, Dexter) Cider, donuts, pies, pumpkins, a huge pile of hay to climb and slide, old farm equipment, and animals to pet and feed are some of the top attractions. from the popular stop at the corner of Island Lake and Pinckney Roads in Dexter. Hours: Sun-Sat 9 am-dusk.

Albers orchard and cider house (13011 Bethel Church Rd, Manchester) Over 100 varieties of apples, both traditional and heirloom, help make Albers a special place to visit in the fall. The family owned and operated business offers award winning cider. Donuts, other goodies, and crafts are also for sale. Hours: Tue-Fri 12-6, Sat 9-6, Sun 10-6.

Small farms and orchards (12651 Island Lake Rd, Dexter) Don’t miss Lesser Orchards as you explore the Cider House this fall. Fresh, fresh and sweet, a truly unique cider. In addition, the store offers various varieties of apples as and when they are in season, as well as pies, homemade jams, honey, pumpkins and other seasonal products. Hours: Wed-Sat 9-6, Sun 1-6.

Lutz Orchard (11039 Macon Rd, Saline) A five generation working farm specializing in traditional and heirloom apples. The orchard is off the beaten track but well worth a visit. Usually closed on Thursdays, visitors are encouraged to call ahead for opening hours. Phone. 734 429 5145.

Wasem fruit farm (6580 Judd Rd, Milan) Possibly the widest variety of donuts of any cider mill in the area with traditional cinnamon sugar, pumpkin, apples, blueberries and more. Apples, cider, jams, honey and other fruits make it a popular destination for many. Hours: Wed-Sun 9-5.

Wiard orchards (5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti) The grandfather of fall destinations in Southeast Michigan that has it all: corn maze, hay walks, apple and pumpkin picking, a country fair with rides, games and activities. The country store has your cider, apples, baked goods and more. Check the website for ticket information. Hours: Wed-Fri 10-6. Sat-Sun 11-6.

Erwin Orchards (61475 Silver Lake Rd, South Lyon) This is another family run farm with tons of things to do and see. Cider, donuts, apples, pumpkins, corn maze and wagon rides. Weekends are filled with special events. Hours: Tue-Sun 8-7 until Oct 31

Pumpkins and more

Photo: Schell Family Farm Facebook page.

Wing farms (corner of Zeeb and Ann Arbor Rds, Dexter) Wing Farms is famous for its giant pumpkins and walks through the pumpkin patch to pick your own. Hours: Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until October 31.

Popcorn Maze (6175 Daly Rd, Dexter) With 3.5 miles of trail over ten acres, three exits provide fun in a short, medium or full maze. Hay rides, U-pick pumpkins and treats are also available. Check the website for ticket information. Hours: Fri 5-9, Sat 11-10, Sun 11-8, until November 6.

Schell family farm (10055 Dexter-Pinckney Rd, Pinckney) A new destination in its second year of operation. The farm offers one of the widest ranges of activities including apples, pumpkins, sunflowers, wildflowers, nutty, maple and hickory flavored syrups, Christmas trees and a haunted forest. . Hours: Fri 12-6, Sat-Sun 10-6.

Family farm rooms (6820 Farley Rd, Pinckney) A century-old family owned and operated farm offering the ‘Best Sweet Corn in the World’. Family entertainment includes a corn maze, pumpkins, farm animals, and a playground. Hours: Sun-Sat 10-8.

Terrified forest (145 Swarthout Rd, Pinckney) The popular October event is thirty acres of spooky with jumps and boogies. Frankenstein, werewolves, zombies, and ghouls inhabit the three-quarter-mile forest walk which takes approximately 45 minutes. There is a haunted mansion that takes about 15 minutes to visit. Get there early, the line can be long. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Hours: Thu / Sun 8-10pm, Fri / Sat 8am-midnight.

Night terrors of the orchard of Wiard (5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti) Wiard’s “Night Terrors” features five distinct attractions, The Ultimate Haunted Barn, The Asylum, The Mindshaft, Alien Caged Clowns and Hayride of the Lost. Tickets can only be purchased online.

Howell Nature Center
(1005 Triangle Lake Rd, Howell) The Howell Nature Center is home to Michigan’s largest rehabilitation clinic, welcoming approximately 4,000 wildlife per year from across Michigan. The animal park has a variety of interesting animals to see. It is an ideal stop for children with many interpretive areas and animals. Hours: Sun-Sat 10-5.