Seven activities to-do this Fall during the COVID-19 pandemic

by Hope Salyer

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that Fall is my favorite time of year. It sets up the holiday season, and by the end of August, I’m ready for some chilly nights and pumpkin spice. Normally, I’d be gearing up for Halloween and trick-or-treaters, pumpkin patch visits and corn mazes. This year, planning my fall activities, much like other aspects of everyone’s lives, is revolving around COVID-19 guidelines.

To help others during these difficult, hopefully temporary, times, I’ve compiled a list of traditional fall activities and must-see places in Michigan to enjoy this fall during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pregitzer Farm Marker 2019 corn maize. Photo from Pregitzer Farm Market Facebook page

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch, Cider Mill or Corn Maize

Many of the traditional fall activities will still happen this year, but with strict safety procedures in place. Outdoor activities are a great way to spend your fall weekends, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most places will require masks while indoors, and when social distancing is not possible outside, but you can still enjoy your quality family time picking pumpkins or finding your way out of a corn maize. The following is a list of local places open for the season: Gee Farms, Pregitzer Farm Market, Dexter Cider Mill, Wiard’s Orchard (the website states they are requesting you purchase tickets ahead of time to ensure availability), Uncle John’s Cider Mill and Young’s Orchard. This is not intended to be a complete list of local shops, but these are the shops we are aware of that are open. Please call or visit the website/social media accounts for these locations to find out their COVID-19 safety requirements ahead of time.

2. Decorate for Fall/Carve Pumpkins

Much like the past few years, the Stockbridge Light Pole Decorating is back! For a $20 donation, you can decorate a light pole in downtown Stockbridge to help local charities. Residents vote on the poles by paying a $1 voting fee for the pole(s) they like best. The winners of the contest will choose a local organization that the winning proceeds will benefit. If decorating a light pole isn’t your thing, you can still decorate your house to get in the fall spirit!  Visit a local farm or pumpkin patch and grab some mums and pumpkins to set out on your porch. Spend an evening with family or friends (while social distancing or wearing a mask) and carve a pumpkin. You’ll be surprised just how much fun you’ll have, and all of the nostalgic memories that flood in from your childhood. Post pictures on social media of your adventures and decorations to brighten other people’s days during this difficult time.

3. Have a Fall Family Movie Night

Let’s be honest, whether you have kids or not, everyone loves a movie night. If you’re a Hocus Pocus fanatic like me (I’m really the fourth Sanderson Sister), now is the time to binge-watch your favorite Fall/Halloween movies. The Disney+ streaming platform has some classic Halloween movies available to stream including Hocus Pocus, Twitches 1&2, Halloweentown 1-4 and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Freeform’s (formerly known as ABC family) 31 nights of Halloween schedule begins Oct. 1 with classics like Beetlejuice, Casper, The Addams Family and Hotel Transylvania playing (full schedule available at Facebook.com/31NightsofHalloweenTV. And to all of my muggle friends, Harry Potter is always a good movie marathon option.

Knotted Dinner Rolls. Photo credit Fine Cooking

4. Try out some new recipes

With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner (I know, you don’t even want to think about it yet…) now is the perfect time to start practicing new recipes. The days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting colder, so the next time you find yourself stuck inside on a cold, rainy day, try making these knot rolls. They are a family-favorite at the Thanksgiving dinner table, and they can be placed in the freezer and stored half-baked until the holidays.

For the full recipe, visit www.finecooking.com/recipe/knotted-dinner-rolls.

5. Read a great book

To me, there is nothing better than curling up on the couch with a blanket and a great book on a cold, fall day. Add a crackling fire and cup of coffee or hot apple cider, and I’ll be content for hours. If you need some great book recommendations, check out An Autumn Reading List from Jenna Chapman on the best books to read this fall season.

6. Take A Fall Scenic Drive:

Fall is my favorite time to take a drive throughout our beautiful state. The Fall Colors Tour offers a truly breathtaking experience, and the Pure Michigan campaign has a list of tours available in every region of the state. So whether you want to visit every stop on the tour, or just a few, there is a tour available for you. For more information on the tours, visit www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/fall-color-tours

7. Go Camping

From Copper Harbor to Gregory, Michigan offers some beautiful state and private campgrounds during the Fall season. Changing leaves and chilly nights make for the perfect camping weather. Whether you have a fifth-wheel RV or are in a tent, camping offers a great way to get outside and enjoy nature while social-distancing and keeping safe. Below is a list of state and private campgrounds throughout Michigan that my family loves during the Fall season (or anytime of the year, really):

Bruin Lake Campground: Located in Gregory, this beautiful state park is a great family getaway. Catering to both tenters and rv’s, Bruin Lake is the perfect destination for a quick weekend vacation during the fall. This 161-campsite location offers modern camping with seasonal bathhouses, a sanitation station, electricity, playground, beach and fishing pier. Bruin Lake Campground is open this season through November. For more information, visit www.michigan.org/property/bruin-lake-campground.

Hartwick Pines State Park: With over 9,000 acres, Hartwick Pines is one of Michigan’s largest state parks. Located northeast of Grayling, Hartwick Pines’ rolling hills overlook the valley of the East Branch of the AuSable River, and the 49-acre forest of old growth pines gives the park its name. Offering a visitor center, Old Growth Forest Foot Trail, Boat Launch, Cabins and Lodging, a Fishing Pier, Bathhouses Picnic Area and Playground among other amenities, Hartwick Pines Campground is the perfect location for nature-lovers. And depending on when you travel, you might even be in for a spooky treat during the park’s Halloween Weekends. For more information, visit www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=453&type=SPRK.

Camp Turkeyville RV Resort: Located in Marshall, Camp Turkeyville is the perfect camping spot for families. Located on 14 acres, the modern facility offers full hookup and cement patios on all sites, 2 pools (one for tiny tots and one for adults and older children), immaculate bathhouses, a general store, old-fashioned ice cream parlour, free wi-fi, a playground, laundry facility, restaurant and dinner theatre. And almost every weekend at Camp Turkeyville offers events and activities for the whole family for additional fun. For more information, visit www.campturkeyville.com.

Tahquamenon Falls during Fall. Photo from Reddit

Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Encompassing nearly 50,000 acres and stretching 13 miles, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful places in Michigan. Between the Upper Falls (one of the largest east of Mississippi) and lower falls, trails and the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub, this park has something exciting for every member of your family. The changing colors of the Fall makes for a truly breathtaking vacation. Camping is offered all-year long, so the falls can be enjoyed during the long winter-months, too, if you are brave enough to face the bitter chill. For more information, visit www.michigan.org/property/tahquamenon-falls-state-park.

What activities are you and your family most looking forward to during this fall season? Let us know at www.Facebook.com/StockbridgeCommunityNews.com.