Flavors of Fall in the Petoskey Area

As the temperatures fall and the leaves begin to change colors, it seems everyone starts to crave a new variety of flavors. Here in the Petoskey Area, it’s easy to please one’s palate any time of the year, but these are some of my fall favorites.

Apples –

I love all kinds, but the sweeter the better. Get ‘em at Bill’s Farm Market along with a pumpkin or two. Or at Coveyou Scenic Farms, where everything tastes even better when enjoyed on their deck. It offers a gorgeous, expansive view of the countryside and Walloon Lake beyond. Don’t forget about Uncle Frank’s Appletown for some fresh apple cider too!

Drink hot apple cider or a crisp hard cider at Pond Hill Farm during their fall fest weekends. You might even like to try launching an apple out of their apple cannons!

 

Soup – 

You can’t go wrong with a hearty bowl of soup or chili (is chili soup?) and boy, do we have the places that know just how to make it.

Check out our soup blog for some recommendations, and also don’t overlook the white chicken chili at Forty Acres Tavern at Boyne Mountain. Filling and delicious (and served with blue corn chips), it’s perfect after a chairlift ride or run down the zipline. Another great stop if you don’t want to pick just one soup is Roast & Toast; here you can grab a flight of soup.

 

Donuts & Seasonal Sweets –

Of course, donuts are good any time, but this time of the year pumpkin donuts (plain or with that heavenly glaze) can’t be beat. If you’re in a hurry and simply need to feed that donut yearning, a stop at Johan’s Pastry Shop in Petoskey or Harbor Springs will fix you right up. If you have some time, however, a trip to Uncle Frank’s Apple Town for their apple donuts with juusst the right amount of cinnamon sugar is definitely in order. Here, not only do you get to eat the sinfully delightful cakes, but you can watch them being made and wash them down with freshly pressed apple cider.

Another unique sweet treat that comes around each fall is Petoskey Pretzel’s Pumpkin pretzel and pair it with their homemade cream cheese frosting. Not a pumpkin fan? Try their cinnamon sugar pretzel!

 

Maple Syrup –

Yes, I know that maple syrup is made in the spring, but it sure seems like a fall food to me. It’s so versatile in yummy fall recipes and over meats and veggies.

Pick up a bottle of pure deliciousness from the folks at Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery. While you’re there, try Maple Moon’s wines (also made with maple syrup) – their “Gold” has hints of bourbon and really complements fall!

Speaking of maple – a must-stop for a Wednesday-exclusive pastry is at Crooked Tree Breadworks for their maple brioche cinnamon rolls. 

 

Cheese Board –

Or if you’re feeling fancy, we can call it charcuterie. Ask those in the know, and they’ll tell you there is certainly a difference between a summer and a fall cheese board. I know it’s trendy now to put together these boards at home and take them as gifts or appetizers, but for my money, I let Katie and the crew at Petoskey Cheese select the best cheeses and accoutrements. Why? Because they’re experts.

 

Coffee/Hot Chocolate –

Wrapping your hands around an aromatic cup of joe or steaming hot chocolate is a wonderful feeling all on its own when the cold starts nipping at your nose (and everywhere else!) If you want something special in this department, I suggest you follow your nose to Lake Charlevoix Coffee Company in Boyne City, where the beans are roasted on a regular basis.

In Petoskey, Roast & Toast has had it going on for years and continues to cater to those looking for great-tasting hot beverages (and a variety of tasty options). Try their Autumn Sunset – espresso, cinnamon, hazelnut, and chocolate. Non-coffee drinkers might want to give their “Chai-der” a try hot chai tea and apple cider for a new fall spiced favorite. So good.

Fustini’s and American Spoon – Stop into both of these downtown Petoskey shops and find out about their fantastic vinegars and oils (Fustini’s) and fruit-made delights (American Spoon). Again, these aren’t fall-only products by any means, but there are so many ways to perk up your fall favorites with these specialty items that you shouldn’t miss out. Try the spiced pear conserve from Spoon Foods on pumpkin bread – yummy!

 

Hard Cider & Stiggs BBQ –

This fall, Stiggs BBQ Wagon of Stiggs Brewery Kitchen in Boyne City has been stationed at Elder Piper Beer & Cider for the fall season (through October). Enjoy all the smoked dishes from Stiggs like my personal favorite, their Brisket Melt, with a seasonal beverage from Elder Piper (the newest brewery/cidery to the Petoskey area). They have a collaboration brew with Pond Hill Farm coming that is said to be a pumpkin spice latte-inspired Amber Ale. I love fall – everything about it in fact, not just the food.

 

Fall Food Events – 

Taste of Harbor Springs, September 19, 2026 – Let’s start out with the best of the best, Taste of Harbor Springs! The Taste of Harbor Springs is a jam-packed food and wine-centric event to give you samples throughout the Harbor Springs area.

Petoskey Wine Region Harvest Showcase, September 11 – 13, 2026 – The Petoskey Wine Region Harvest Showcase takes place through out the wine region. One price gets you tastes from 14 area wineries paired with a small food offering at each. 

Boyne City Harvest Festival, September 26, 2026 – Put on by the Boyne City Farmers Market, Boyne City Harvest Festival is an event of food, fun, fresh produce and more for the whole family. 

 

 

Think you might like it here? Find a room, bring your fleece and a friend, and explore the foodie options, the trails, and the spectacular scenery we’re known for here. 

 

About the author: Ellen Hillier is a native of the area and loves to promote the next fun thing to do in the Petoskey Area – but also loves giving out local favorites and learning opportunities for all. She hopes to help in your planning process for your next trip to the Petoskey Area of northern Lower Michigan.