Change is in the air. Can you feel it? The days are shorter, with a coolness that wasn't there last week. Take a deep breath. Ah, the scintillating smells of autumn in Michigan - drying leaves and the rich, earthy, almost nutty, scents of summer's passing. Look around you. See the subtle changes taking place in the form of brightly hued leaves, too-blue skies, and cozy front porches lined with pumpkins and colorful mums? Now, taste the change. A harvest of plenty — fresh apples, squash, and more.

This is autumn in Michigan. Awesome autumn, beckoning us to explore the beauty and bounty all around us — to celebrate this change in seasons so precious to those of us who call this northern climate home, and the harvest that each fall brings. Are you ready to answer autumn's siren song? Then pack up the car and come with us for an agricultural color tour, Michigan style.

Every fall, Michigan farm families go all-out to offer fun family activities at their farms. Many offer hands-on activities like apple picking and petting farms. You can pick the perfect pumpkin, frolic in a corn maze, watch apples being pressed into fresh cider, and enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride. While there, don't forget to visit the farm bakery or produce market for taste-tempting take-home treats or ingredients for your favorite fall recipes. (See some of ours below)

Many farm markets also feature gift shops with something for everyone on your gift list, including yourself! Follow this link to find a pumpkin patch, cider mill, farmer's market or u-pick farm market near you. Use key words like "pumpkin", "corn maze", or "apple" to find the list of possibilities that fit your needs. Call ahead to find out about special activities or promotions and the farm hours.

Happy (and colorful, tasty, fun, memorable…) Trails!

Our Favorite Fall Recipes:

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Caramelized Apple Bites
Apple Salad
Apple Turnover
Venison Stew
Pumpkin Upside Down Cake
Hot Apple Cider
Perfect Applebutter
Apple Cheddar Biscuits
Pork & Bean Soup
Smokey Chipotle Cheddar Stuffed Pig-Skin Potatoes
Touchdown Hoagie Sandwich
Butternut Squash Soup