Fall in Detroit: What I’m Doing This Fall & How I’m Enjoying the Season
From Fall Festivals & Cider Mills To Cozy Nights At Home, Here’s How I’m Making The Most Of Fall In Detroit & Finding Joy In The Little Things
I have been having a ball this fall! Don’t get me wrong, it has been chilly, but overall, it’s been such a fun experience. Being a tourist and just exploring is one of my favorite things to do. I was talking to my friends over the weekend and shared how blessed I am to have rose colored glasses when it comes to my move to Detroit. I’ve been loving the fall festivities and even the chilly weather more than I thought I would.
I thought once the temperatures dropped, I’d be stuck inside. Now, that doesn’t mean I won’t be crying in the winter, but as for right now, I’m having such an amazing time. I find myself walking with Saint or riding the People Mover, feeling like a child with so much joy and, honestly, so much gratitude. I told you before, that’s God’s doing. He has changed my perspective tremendously.
I’ve told you how much I’ve been enjoying the fall season, almost as much as summer. I love the warmth of summer, but there’s something about fall that brings out a different kind of gratefulness. I literally see God in everything. I’m blown away on my drives to my parents house when I see the leaves changing colors and looking more beautiful by the day. As a girl who isn’t really into nature, taking in the beauty of the world and the vastness of the lakes leaves me in awe of God and His creation. The same God who created this beautiful world hand created me.
Fall is a time for gratefulness, but it’s also a time to get outdoors. When I lived in Atlanta, I loved fall because the temperatures dropped a little, and I could enjoy basketball games and other activities; but fall in Michigan is completely different. I had no idea how many festivals, outings, pumpkin patches, cider mills, apple orchards, and so much more there would be to attend.
Maybe you’re not in Michigan, but I challenge you to be a tourist in your own city. Explore with a fresh perspective. Go in like a child, open to the possibilities and magic of the season. And when I say magic I mean wonder, the uniqueness and beauty of the season, not witchcraft. Jesus is my Lord and Savior!
We’re only a few weeks into fall, and there hasn’t been a dull moment yet. Every weekend, and even on my free evenings, I find myself doing something fun. It’s funny because I’m someone who loves fancy dinners, curated girls nights, traveling and extravagant outings. Lately, I’ve found a new joy in everyday activities. The activities geared toward families and kids have been so much fun! The whimsical harvest festivals and walking through pumpkin patches have been some of my favorites. I love seeing the holiday decor and simply taking a walk around to enjoy it all.
If you’re tired of doing the same things or feel like your city is boring, I challenge you to get out and explore. Look up what’s happening around you and go without expectations.
I’ll be honest, Halloween isn’t my favorite holiday. I watch Disney Halloween movies and classics like Beetlejuice and Hocus Pocus, but that’s about it. I’m not really into being scared or dressing up. I’m more interested in the changing leaves, pumpkins, fall colors, and all the cozy things that come with the season.
As someone who is single, dating, and doesn’t have kids, I know it can sometimes feel like fall and winter aren’t our seasons. So many activities seem meant for families, and it’s easy to think certain experiences are meant for a different stage of life. There is SO much to do! Don’t wait until you’re married with kids to start enjoying your life.
I thought I’d share some of the things I’ve been loving and doing this season, along with a few things I have planned for the next several weeks.
1. Attend All The Fall Festivals
This is my jam! I’ve already been to several fall festivals, and I still have more on my list. I’ve visited Harvest Fest, Cider in the City, Fall Fest, and the Nowlin Fall Festival. Next week, I’ll be at the Detroit Zoo for Zoo Boo. There’s also a festival in Northville called Streets of Treats that I’m sad to miss because I’ll be traveling. There are several others coming up, too. The YMCA has a fall event, Palmer Park has Scarefest, and there’s so much more happening around the city.
I love festivals because they get you outdoors, even if it means putting on a layer or two. They typically have food trucks, face painting, pumpkin painting, drink vendors, games, prizes, activities, and more. Even though many of these events are geared toward kids and family fun, I’ve been having the BEST time at them! You don’t need to have children to enjoy a festival. Grab a friend, make it a date, or go by yourself and take everything in. Sometimes the simplest outings end up being the most fun.
2. Visit A Pumpkin Patch, Cider Mill, Or Apple Orchard
Would it really be a Midwest fall without a visit to a pumpkin patch, cider mill, or apple orchard? Or all three? This is something I’ve been looking forward to all season. I visited one about six years ago, and I remember having such a good time. There are so many places around Detroit, big and small, including Yates Cider Mill, Blake’s, DeBuck’s, Three Cedars Farm, Plymouth Orchards, Franklin Cider Mill, and more. Dearborn also has a community pumpkin patch event this Saturday, October 24.
I plan on visiting at least three of these places before the season is over! I love that pumpkin patches and orchards offer so much more than picking apples and pumpkins. You can go on hayrides, participate in scavenger hunts, carve pumpkins, drink cider, eat donuts, and so much more. I'm also trying something a little different next week, a pilates class at a cider mill called Core & Cider. I love that there are so many unique ways to enjoy the season.
These activities are perfect for all ages, and you can even go alone and have a good time. Whether you’re taking pictures, enjoying a cider donut, or simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something special about getting outside and experiencing the season.
3. Try the Fall Menus and Festive Treats
You know I’m a fake foodie. I tend to stick to what I know, but I do enjoy a festive treat! Trying seasonal menus and limited time offers, is one of my favorite parts of fall.
People often think of Starbucks when they think of pumpkin spice lattes. Listen, I love my Starbucks, but there are so many restaurants and coffee shops offering seasonal treats beyond your typical pumpkin spice latte. I don’t necessarily love pumpkin flavor, but give me cinnamon and those warm fall flavors, and I’m interested! Check out your local coffee shops because many have introduced festive drinks and treats. I recently found an apple cinnamon muffin that was TO DIE FOR.
Places like Vive have a pumpkin shaped bagel that’s actually plain, and I can’t wait to try it this week. I also had a cider slushy from Lumen that was delicious. JoJo’s ShakeBAR has an entire fall menu, and Mesa in Royal Oak had some delicious fall drinks. So many local spots have introduced seasonal specials, and I love discovering them. Google some of your favorite coffee shops, bars, and restaurants to see what’s available near you. You might find a new favorite!
4. Enjoy Some Fall Activities at Home
As for indoor activities, I plan on carving a pumpkin this week simply because I want to! I’m not big on arts and crafts, but it feels so on brand for the season. I honestly can’t remember the last time I carved a pumpkin, so I figured, why not? This is perfect for a date night or an activity with the kids, but I think it would be fun to do solo, too. Put on a movie, pour yourself a glass of wine, and make an evening out of it.
I’ve also been adding some fall decor to my home, which is something I didn’t think I would do because it seemed like a waste of money. Plus, I didn’t want my house to be filled with pumpkins. However I found a more grown up, girly way to decorate for the season, and it’s been so satisfying. I love sitting in my living room, watching old Disney movies with my fall glasses, and just enjoying how cozy and festive everything feels. It’s such a simple thing, but it makes being at home feel a little more special.
Another thing I’ve enjoyed is sitting by a fire to read my book, have a cocktail, or simply talk with friends. My building has a really nice fire pit, but I’ve also seen so many outdoor fire pits around the city that you can enjoy without leaving town. Hotel bars, restaurants, and even some parks have cozy outdoor spaces. Add some s’mores, invite a friend, or bring a book and enjoy the moment. You don’t always need a big plan or an extravagant outing to have a good time.
Make the Most of This Season
I hope this encourages you to get out and explore your city and your surroundings this fall. Life can become so mundane, and as adults, we have to be intentional about bringing joy and a little festiveness into our lives.
I want you to try at least one fall activity this season. No matter where you are in life; single or married, a parent or not, on a tight budget or spending freely, young or old, there is so much to enjoy about this time of year. Sometimes, you just have to step outside your comfort zone and put in a little effort.
Maybe that looks like putting on a jacket and visiting a pumpkin patch. Maybe it’s staying home, watching a movie, and making yourself a festive drink. Or maybe it’s taking a walk through a park and slowing down long enough to appreciate the beauty around you.
For me, this season has been about more than festivals, pumpkin patches, or finding the perfect fall drink. It’s been about perspective. It’s about allowing myself to enjoy where I am instead of constantly thinking about where I thought I would be. It’s about recognizing God’s goodness in the big moments and the little ones, too. I’m learning that you don’t have to wait for life to look a certain way to enjoy it. You don’t need a spouse, children, a perfectly decorated home, or an elaborate itinerary to make memories. You can find joy right where you are, in the season you’re in, with the life you have today.
So, consider this your reminder to stop waiting for the next chapter to enjoy the one you’re in. Get outside, try something new, explore your city, and make a little magic out of the ordinary. Fall won’t last forever, and neither will this season of your life. Don’t let it pass you by while you’re waiting for life to begin.
