JACKSON COUNTY, MI – As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, pumpkins, apple cider and corn mazes are in the minds of Jackson County residents.
Whether you’re looking to visit a local cider mill or catch a glimpse of some fall colors, there are plenty of places to check out this fall. Here are five great fall activities to try.
Visitors wait in line at the bakery for fresh donuts at Meckley's Flavor Fruit Farm in Cement City on October 15, 2022.Ryan Sun | [email protected]
Pick apples at Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm
Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm, 11025 S. Jackson Road, is hosting its 68th annual Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Sunday, Oct. 27. Wristbands for the event are $15 or $5 for people age 65 and older. Children age 3 and younger are free.
The wristbands give guests access to wagon rides, corn mazes, live music and a bounce house.
The bakery, brewery, food truck and cider mill areas are available at no entry charge. People can purchase boozy cider slushies, beer and cider flights, food and caramel apples. Photo opportunities will be available.
People can also pick apples for $5 per five-pound bag.
Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
More information can be found on its website and Facebook page.
The exterior at Veritas, 151 W. Michigan Ave. in downtown Jackson, on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Veritas prides itself in serving fresh food with a homey feel.J. Scott Park | MLIve.com
Sample fall cocktails at Veritas
Veritas opened in 2019 and brings a fine-dining experience to downtown Jackson that includes fine cocktails.
The downtown eatery at 151 W. Michigan Ave. is hosting a Fall Cocktail Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. People can indulge in fall-flavored appetizers and jazz music, according to social media.
Tickets are $35 per person and are capped at 50 slots. One drink ticket offers a cocktail from Veritas’ fall cocktail menu that include Flowers, Always, which comes with Wheatley vodka, sage, triple sec, lavender simple syrup and lemon, and a Wash of Black, made with Stoli Vanilla vodka, dark chocolate liquor, Frangelico and espresso.
Tickets can be purchased on Veritas’ website.
Fall colors in western Jackson County on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. J. Scott Park | MLive.com
Take a hike to see some fall colors
Not much can compare to the beautiful sights of fall in Michigan, and its nearly time to take long walks to witness it. There are plenty of places to catch a glimpse of red, orange and yellow trees in Jackson County.
People can take a walk through the Dahlem Environmental Education Center, 7117 S. Jackson Road. The Summit Township conservancy provides visitors with five miles of hiking trails.
Located on 562 acres, Ella Sharp Park grants visitors plenty of space to enjoy fall. Drivers can also experience some sights on Seymour Road, which cuts through several miles of rural countryside.
The scene at Blossom Farms, 14481 Homer Road, near Concord. The family owned farm sells sweet corn, which they are most known for, as well as tomatoes, cucumbers and even pumpkins in the fall. They also have mums and other flowers. (Chloe Miller | MLive.com) Chloe Miller | MLive.com
Pick pumpkins, try a corn maze at Blossom Farms
Blossom Farms, 14481 Homer Road in Concord, has stayed true to its family roots of growing fresh produce since 1976. It’s also where people can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes and pumpkins in the fall.
Related: Strong family bond has kept Blossom Farms going in Concord since 1976
The corn maze and hayrides are available noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. These are $5 each, and children younger than 5 are free. A family discount is available for $20 for six people, according to its Facebook page.
The farm stand is open every day from dawn until dusk. The farm is open from July to October, and is known for its sweet corn, pumpkins and mums.
Renovations are underway at Michigan Theatre of Jackson, 124 N. Mechanic St. in Jackson on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.comJacob Hamilton | MLive.com
Catch a scary movie at the Michigan Theatre of Jackson
The Michigan Theatre of Jackson is hosting chances to get you into the spooky Halloween season with classic scary movies. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m., according to the theater’s website.
The theater of kicking off the series with Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3. Jackson College’s “Intro to Film” class will also host “The Elephant Man,” at 7:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
“The Exorcist,” is showing at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10. Jackson College’s “Intro to Film” class will also put on “Silence of the Lambs,” at 7:15 p.m. Monday Oct. 14.
The Halloween season will close out at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, with “The Shining.”
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased on The Michigan Theatre of Jackson’s website.
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