Get out your sweaters, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and start redecorating — today is the first day of autumn! Or fall — whichever you call it. Not all states are as lucky as Michigan to get the beautiful changing leaves and perfect weather. Fortunately for us, with the new season comes a whole new list of activities for Michiganders to enjoy. Here are some ways to experience the best Michigan fall this year.

See colorful leaves on scenic drives When fall hits, Michigan transforms into a colorful wonderland. Take a drive on Michigan Highway 22 along the Leelanau Peninsula shoreline for stunning views of the changing leaves and the glimmering lake. Or, take a drive on M-119 for a magical journey through a tunnel of trees, showcasing the essence of fall. Credit: Facebook, Tunnel of Trees, M119
Have a bonfire Fall is cool enough to host a cozy bonfire without melting your face off. Gather your friends or family for marshmallow toasting and s’mores in your backyard. Credit: Shutterstock
A visit to Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill Michigan’s got its fair share of cider mills, but Blake’s stands out. It’s more than just apple picking – they’ve got haunted attractions, food, drinks, and a boatload of family-friendly stuff. You can find Blake’s in Armada and South Lyon. Credit: Facebook, Blake’s Lyon Township
Gear up for football season College football and NFL season is here, and you can either kick back at home with family to watch the game or get a ticket to catch the real deal at a University of Michigan, Michigan State, or Detroit Lions game. Credit: Joe Maroon
Eastern Market Saturdays, 6 a.m.-4 p.m. year-round; Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; June-September; 2934 Russell St., Detroit; easternmarket.org/public We couldn’t make a list of farmers markets without this Detroit institution. The popular Saturday market is one of the best places in the city to buy produce, flowers, and baked goods before grabbing a slice of pizza from Supino. As you’re perusing the sheds, just beware of the vendors who aren’t actual farmers and are selling the same stuff you can get from the grocery store. Credit: Shutterstock
Detroit Harvest Fest If you’re not busy on Oct. 7-8, head over to Dequindre Cut Greenway for the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally. It will feature 50-plus food trucks, live music, and family activities – and it’ll only set you back $5, with kids under 3 getting in free. Credit: Facebook, Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally
Sample fall drinks Whether your beverage of choice is coffee, tea, or beer, with fall comes new drinks to indulge in. Go be basic with a warm pumpkin spice latte or grab some hard apple cider to feel the fall spirit. If wine’s more your thing, explore the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Trails, Bay View Wine Trail, or Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail. Credit: Facebook, Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters
Cider in the City at Beacon Park If you can’t make it to Blake’s, all of the farm’s best treats will be coming to downtown Detroit. For two weekends in October, hot cider, pumpkins, caramel apples, and more will be available at Beacon Park for “Cider in the City,” courtesy of Blake’s Farms. Food trucks will be at the event and fall cocktails will be available by Lumen Detroit from 1-5 p.m. on Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22. Credit: Facebook, Beacon Park Detroit
Great Michigan hikes With the weather being not too hot, but also not too cold yet, fall is the perfect time to enjoy a great Michigan hike. Dequindre Cut and other greenways are great for long walks around metro Detroit. If you’re up for a road trip, consider Sleeping Bear Dunes or Porcupine Mountain for some stunning fall scenery. Credit: Shutterstock
Dress up for Halloween Some people’s favorite part about fall is Halloween, and choosing the right costume can be fun or stressful. Whether you’re hitting a party or guiding kids through neighborhood trick-or-treating, sorting out your costume is a must-do fall tradition. Maybe even think of something Detroit-inspired to rep the 313. Credit: Shutterstock
Get spooked at a local haunted house Michigan is home to a couple of popular big haunted houses like Erebus and Eloise. If giving yourself nightmares is your thing, grab your friends and enjoy a group scare together. Credit: Facebook, Erebus Haunted Attraction
Switch your wardrobe to fall fashion It’s sweater weather! Embrace the season with cozy sweaters, boots, and scarves. Credit: Kassandra Maraz
Cook up some fall recipes If you’re into cooking, autumn is squash season, so make some butternut squash soup or add some to your favorite pasta. If you’re more of a baker, pumpkin muffins are a great option. Credit: Shutterstock
Walk the Boyne Mountain Sky Bridge To be surrounded by views of the reds, oranges, and yellows of Michigan forestry, visit the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. Ride a lift to the top of Boyne Mountain and walk along the 1,200-foot long and 118-foot high bridge. For some, this may be scarier than a haunted house. Credit: Facebook, Boyne Mountain Resort
Go to Halloweekends at Cedar Point Ohio, long lines, and way too many people could be some people’s idea of torture. But, while it’s not in Michigan, many Michiganders love traveling to our neighboring state to ride the rollercoasters and visit the haunted attractions at Cedar Point for the last chance of the year during October’s Halloweekends. Credit: Facebook, Cedar Point
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill. Credit: Facebook, Blake’s Lyon Township

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Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...