Michigan fall things to do Up North: Apple picking, wineries and more

If you're in the mood for a fall getaway, escape to the scenic landscapes of northern Michigan this season. A span of orchards, vineyards, farmers markets and nature’s kaleidoscope of changing colors await throughout the region.

If you're planning a trip Up North, here are some suggestions:

Fort Fright in Mackinaw City

Get a haunted dose of history during Fort Fright in Mackinaw City. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7, 8 or 9 at Colonial Michilimackinac. Visitors wander the grounds during thrill-themed walks. Tales of folklore are told around campfires and the characters in these stories can be seen wandering the grounds.

Most events are suitable for children. Tickets are available online, with admission at $11 for adults and $7 for children ages 5-12, children 4 and under are free.

Charlevoix Apple Festival

Find all the autumn eats and treats at the Charlevoix Apple Festival, Oct. 14-16. In its 43rd year, the event welcomes a variety of merchants to downtown Charlevoix, dealing produce, specialty goods, art and more. Other family friendly activities include a fun run, petting zoo, children’s games and more.

Northern Michigan apple orchards

It’s harvest season! All fall, use your own mittens to pick raspberries, pumpkins or apples. Here are a few northern Michigan orchards that offer U-Pick experiences:

• King Orchards near Traverse City. The orchard is located at 4620 N M-88, Central Lake.
• Friske Farms near Charlevoix. The farm is located at 10743 US-31, Ellsworth.
• Knaebe’s Apple Farm and Ciderworks near Rogers City. The farm is located at 2621 S. Karsten Road, Rogers City.

Northern Michigan wineries

Take the whole family for a day at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs. This winery has recreation for all ages. Fridays are Family Fright Night, featuring a haunted vineyard attraction. On Saturdays, enjoy hayrides, explore the pumpkin patch, eat cider and doughnuts, or try pumpkin bowling and smashing, bounce houses. Beer, in-house wine, meals and more are also available. The farm is at 5699 S Lake Shore Drive, Harbor Springs.

Mackinaw Trail Winery has three northern Michigan tasting rooms open for visitors. If you are in Petoskey, Mackinaw City or Manistique, stop at one of these locations for small plates and refreshments. The Upper Peninsula’s location offers views of the mouth of the Manistique River.

Take in the scenery surrounding Walloon Lake Winery, nestled between the arms of Walloon Lake. The quaint vineyard has an indoor tasting room and covered crush pad for guests to enjoy their beverages. Groups under six are welcome without a reservation. The winery is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and located at 3149 Intertown Road, Petoskey.

Open until mid-October, stop at End of the Road Winery. Nestled on 3.5 acres growing a diverse range of grapes, it’s located in the Upper Peninsula community of Germfask. Open 11:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and located at 6917 Burns Road Germfask.

Taste one of more than 100 wines produced by 45 North Winery and Vineyard. Located in Lake Leelanau, explore an all-season three-mile trail through the property. The winery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays and located at 8580 E Horn Road, Lake Leelanau.

Northern Michigan farmers markets

The Harbor Springs Farmers’ Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 15. About 15 vendors regularly participate in the market, although not all are there every week. Market manager Dorothy Mills said attendees can expect 10-12 on average. Look out for produce, baked goods and select homemade crafts.

The Interlochen Farmers Market in Traverse City offers a local variety of fresh produce, food and natural artisan arts and crafts. The market is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sundays through the last weekend of October.

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Groleau’s Farmers Market is also located in Traverse City. In addition to fresh produce, the shop sells fresh homemade soups, pies, soft serve and hard pack ice cream. While in Traverse City, consider stopping by the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market.

Referred to as the largest farmers market in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette Farmers Market is the weekly hub to more than 60 vendors. An interactive map on the market's website allows shoppers to browse a vendor's profile, pinpoint their selling location and determine if they will be in attendance that day. The market runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 29.

Fall colors in northern Michigan

More:Michigan fall colors: Check out these scenic drives across the state

Take the scenic drive up M-22, a 116-mile journey that winds the Leelanau Peninsula. Along the way, take in the colors on Tart Trail, then cool down with a drink from Hop Lot Brewery or Mawby Vineyards, both just minutes off the route. Experience Leland otherwise known as Fishtown, a collection of tourist shops converted from former fishing shanties. Further down the road, take in the panoramic views at Point Betsie Lighthouse.

Or take the Tunnel of Trees in Harbor Springs. The 50-mile drive takes about an hour and takes you through small-town stores and architecture along with a sugar-sand beach and dunes at Sturgeon Bay.