From festivals and ferry cruises to fresh fall flavors, we’ve compiled an essential guide to experiencing the joys of the season in northwest Michigan.
Fall in the Petoskey area: crisp, clean air. Harvest gatherings. Glorious fall colors. Orchards overflowing with apples. Pumpkins ripen on the vine and then get smashed by people armed with sledgehammers.
Wait, what? Yes, it’s true, pumpkin smashing is a part of the northern Michigan autumnal experience, along with ferry rides, farm markets, and cozy celebrations.
If you think summer in the Petoskey area is magical (which it definitely is), try spending some time up here this fall. Feel free to try out some of our handy tips for making the most out of the season.
Acres of trails and gorgeous color await you at Offield Family Viewlands, one of Little Traverse Conservancy’s many nature preserves. Photo Credit: Little Traverse Conservancy
Bask in fall colors
As the season wanes towards winter, plummeting temperatures spark waves of golden, orange, red, and purple across the landscape. Fall is truly a sight to behold.
Tunnel of Trees
One of the most popular places for fall colors is the Tunnel of Trees: the narrow, winding path of M-119 beneath a breathtaking palette of autumnal foliage north of Harbor Springs. There are plenty of places to peruse along the way, from lunch at Turkey’s Cafe & Pizzeria in Harbor to a hot beverage and baked good at Trillium Woods Coffee, a pit stop at the beloved Good Hart General Store, and last call for a decadent Polish meal at the historic Legs Inn (which closes for the season in late October) in Cross Village. Three Pines Studio, a Cross Village art gallery with selections from many talented artisans, holds its Annual Great Lakes Pumpkin Patch glass exhibition in October.
Avalanche Mountain Preserve
Fall colors abound throughout northwest Michigan. Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City is a favorite spot to take in a glorious view of Lake Charlevoix surrounded by colorful foliage. You can hike, mountain bike, or disc golf your way to the very top and soak in the sights from a viewing platform. Miles of trails and acres of vivid hardwoods await you at Little Traverse Conservancy’s Offield Family Viewlands in Harbor Springs. Or take a walk above Boyne Valley at Boyne Mountain’s SkyBridge
Fall Views without the Hike/Drive
What if you just want to relax and take in the scenic beauty? The Petoskey area has you covered. First, the fall display from the barn porch at Coveyou Scenic Farm Market is a sight to behold. Grab some snacks, take a seat on their comfy outdoor furniture, and enjoy the view, as well as fresh seasonal produce. If you want to experience the season from the water, Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company conducts fall color tours of Lake Charlevoix and Round Lake that are sure to please the eyes. Or enjoy a scenic chairlift ride over the trees at Boyne Mountain or the Highlands.
Bread and pastries from Gildas’ Bakery Downtown Boyne City. Photo credit: Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau
Fall Eats and Drinks
All that fall color touring can really work up an appetite. Luckily, plenty of area restaurants offer fall-themed eats and beverages to make the season special. In the Petoskey area, look for seasonal drink and food specials at Palette Bistro, Roast & Toast, Crooked Tree Breadworks, Elder Piper Beer & Cidery, Petoskey Brewing Company, North Perk Coffee, The Grove Beverage Cafe, The Back Lot, 1911 Restaurant, and Leto’s Osteria.
Bear Creek Organic Farm’s market is loaded with crispy, juicy organic Michigan apples and winter squash in autumn and home to an indoor pumpkin patch. And fall is the last call for their wildly popular outdoor food truck. Bill’s Farm Market offers tons of seasonal goodies, like apples, pumpkins, gourds, and squash.
Boyne City
In Boyne City, you’re going to want to stop at Gilda’s Lake Street Bakery for fresh and seasonal French pastries of all kinds. Think apple hand pies, then go eat one. Beani’s Coffee Lounge and Lake Charlevoix Coffee Company carry specialty drinks, as do Stiggs Brewery & Kitchen and Muskrat Distilling.
Bay Harbor
NOMAD in Bay Harbor is known for incorporating local, seasonal flavors into their one-of-a-kind dishes. Maple + Batter, another Bay Harbor staple, offers fluffy, delicious pancakes and other dishes with seasonal themes in generous portions.
Harbor Springs
Small Batch at the Cupola is a favorite breakfast, brunch, and lunch joint in Harbor Springs with a rotating menu that includes fresh seasonal flavors. It was featured in one of our brunch guides and includes a bakery and boutique right next door. Birch Tree Bakery & Cafe, included in our bakery guide, carries seasonal goodies and cookies as big as your head.
Are you seeking cider, donuts, hayrides, pumpkins, crafts, a corn maze, and, of course apples in a gorgeous location? Uncle Frank’s Apple Town in Brutus opens just for the fall season.
The Boyne City Harvest Festival is packed with vendors and activities for folks of all ages. The pumpkin ring toss, pictured here, is always a favorite! Photo credit: Boyne City Main Street
Get into the Festivities
There are so many ways to get outdoors and celebrate pumpkin-spice-latte season. One of our most popular regional options is the Boyne City Harvest Festival. It’s a huge, family-friendly event that sees part of downtown closed off for cars so that farmers, artisans, bakers, vendors, food trucks, musicians, and other entertainers can take over for the day. For the littles, there are games and face painting, and everyone can enjoy stunning views of Lake Charlevoix.
The Highlands holds its annual Harvest Fest in Harbor Springs, with lots of kids’ games like sack racing and pumpkin ring tosses, and apple cider and donuts to go around. Pets are welcome. And adults will appreciate the autumn Stein Hoisting Competition for a chance to win a gift card.
Pond Hill Farm is a perennial favorite for seasonal festivities. This is also the site of the aforementioned pumpkin smashing. Their Fall Fest Weekends begin in September and include a squash rocket, pumpkin bowling, hot cider and donuts, hayrides, live music, and tons of food and drink selections. Their cafe is open with piping hot pizza and sandwiches, and Pond Hill boasts an incredible selection from their brewery and winery.
Yes, pumpkin smashing is back! Test your mettle against a variety of squash, then check out Fall Fest Weekends, with cider, games, live music, great food and drinks, and more at Pond Hill Farm. Photo credit: Pond Hill Farm
If it’s line dancing and cocktails you’re seeking, Gypsy Distillery can show you an excellent time. Their Fall Fest features live music, a bounce castle, food specials, a pie-eating contest, and seasonal cocktails with warming spices.
As you can see, the fun doesn’t stop when summer is over. Visit the Petoskey area and join us in celebrating the fall colors, flavors, and everything else the season has to offer.
About the Author: Jen DeMoss is a newcomer to the Petoskey area and loves northern Michigan. You can catch her paddling a canoe, hiking a trail, or swimming in Lake Michigan as often as the weather cooperates. She’d love to help you make the most of your time in this paradise she now calls home.