I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, so I wasn't familiar with some of the "classic" fall experiences until I moved out east. Now that I am here I can say that Ann Arbor is one of the best places to be during the Fall! The excited buzz from new and returning students combined with the beautifully changing leaves and a cool fall breeze really puts you in the mood for the season.
Some of my favorite things to do in Ann Arbor during the Fall is:
- Cider Mill/Apple Picking
- A classic Michigan Fall experience and one that you have to do at least once. Nothing beats a fresh cider donut and warm apple cider on a crisp fall day. There are many around Ann Arbor so there is no shortage of places to try and explore. Some even have apple/pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hay rides, etc. The best time to go is early October, when the apples and pumpkins are still fresh and you have time to load up on donuts and cider for the season!
- Catch a classic horror movie at the State/Michigan Theater
- As a horror fan, watching a horror movie is a must for any free fall evening. Luckily the Michigan Theater in Downtown Ann Arbor is always running classic films, and every October they do a series of classic horror movies, including a live shadowcast of Rock Horror! If I'm lucky the movie I catch will be screening in the main Michigan Theater room, and I recommend that anyone in Ann Arbor try to see a movie or performance there. It is a beautiful art-deco themed auditorium that is wonderfully preserved by the theater.
John Blake is a third year dual-degree masters student at the Ford School and at the School for Environment and Sustainability. He is a Research Assistant for the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy and the Science, Technology, and Public Policy program at the Ford School. His interests lie in environmental economics, energy policy, and environmental justice.
