Fall-ing for A2: Five Fall Favorites in Ann Arbor
A Warm Welcome to the WSN Blog!
If you are anything like us, you love fall in Ann Arbor. Because we love it so much, we thought up some activities that you won’t want to miss. Whether you want to try new things or you need to spend all day studying, Ann Arbor has something for everyone this autumn season! Keep reading to learn about some Ann Arbor classics and our favorites.
A Fresh Taste of Fall
As the trees begin to change color, leaves start to fall, and the air becomes crisp, there is no better place to soak up the season than a local cider mill. Surrounding the Ann Arbor area, there are several cider mill locations to embrace fall festivities such as apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and of course, sweet cider and fresh donuts. Just 20 minutes outside of Ann Arbor lies the Dexter Cider Mill. This location prioritizes fall treats with a menu filled with apple cider and treats such as apple turnovers, apple fritters, caramel apples, and of course, warm donuts. If the delicious treats aren’t selling you, Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair, also 20 minutes away from campus, is home to all the fall festivities one could dream of. Whether you’re in the mood for a corn maze, apple picking, hayride, or pumpkin picking, Willard’s has it all. And to top it off, before entering the fair, Willard’s store is free to enter, and you can buy the fresh cider and donuts there. If you don’t try out a cider mill, you will be missing out on a true Michigan fall.
A Walk in the Arb
We all know how cold it can get in Ann Arbor, right? Well, before the temperatures drop and Ann Arbor turns into a winter wonderland, take advantage of the crisp fall weather with a walk through the Nicholas Arboretum. Grab a coffee, bring a friend, and spend an afternoon wandering through the trails while taking in the changing leaves of fall. Whether you’re catching up with friends, listening to music or a podcast (WSN podcast coming soon…?), or simply enjoying some time with nature, the Arb is your place to go during this time of year.
Exploring Local
Feeling like switching up your routine this fall? The Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown is a perfect place to shop, explore, and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Eat your way through the market while you try local fruits, veggies, pastries, cider, coffee, and more! But don’t forget to enjoy the local art, clothes, jewelry, and gifts as well. From May — December, you can go any Wednesday or Saturday from 7:00 am — 3:00 pm, and from January — April, you can go any Saturday from 8:00 am — 3:00 pm. If you want my advice, go while the leaves are still changing; you won’t want to miss that. Whether you have been at Michigan for less than a semester, or you graduate soon, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market is the best way to relax, get away from campus, and learn about the Ann Arbor community. And if you are still feeling hungry after, stop by Zingerman’s Delicatessen or Miss Kim!
Beat the Sunday Scaries: Try a Study Crawl
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We all LOVE a good night with friends, until Sunday (plus Sunday scaries) arrive EEK! Want to know the absolute best way to make your Sunday more exciting, less scary, and more productive? A study crawl.
It is the perfect excuse to try 4 new coffees, get some good study breaks in, and make your hours of homework (a little bit) more enjoyable.
Feel free to steal my formula, or create your own. I like to skip my typical weekly coffee shops and hop around town! Start at Vertex for a nice outdoor vibe; I highly recommend the fall drinks. Next, hit up the Graduate lounge to enjoy a very prestigious long table. Then take a nice walk downtown to the best hidden gem, the cafe under Shinola. Enjoy the dark lighting and speakeasy vibe; it is perfect. The last stop is Hyperion; it’s small, bright, has outdoor seating, and has delicious hot chocolate.
I like to stop at each cafe for 1–2 hours and assign one chunk of work to each session. Invite a friend, add a new cafe to your Beli rankings, and take this usual boring study time to enjoy Ann Arbor. Happy Studying!
Screams and Spooks for October
BOOO! It’s spooky season, and the Ann Arbor area has so much to offer for all the thrill seekers. Wiard’s Orchard, a historic site filled with tons of fall activities, offers huge“Night Terror” events with 5 separate haunted attractions, ensuring long-lasting fun for all horror fans. If you dare to enter, Terrorfied Forest in Pinckney is also well known for its Halloween fun and features a long creepy haunted trail, zombie paintball to kill the undead, and even an escape room to test your wits. The extra brave 18+ souls can even attend their annual blood bash event on October 29th, where actors will take turns grabbing you and spewing “blood” as you try to navigate a series of challenges. For those willing to wander a bit farther away, Eloise Asylum is a real abandoned hospital in Westland, featuring 54,000 square feet of scares with immersive cutting-edge effects. As one of the most iconic haunted houses in the country, it offers an amazing blend of extreme fright and rich history, a truly unforgettable experience.
A Final Note
Fall in Ann Arbor doesn’t last forever, so make the best of it while you can! Enjoy these things with your friends or as a solo date. Whether you’re exploring the Arb, grabbing cider and donuts, studying at a new café, or getting spooked, there’s always something to do. Happy fall-ing!
Much Love,
The Newsies Committee (Blanka, Catalina, Marina, Molly, & Olivia) ❤
