Flint Township View

Get a full-fledged fall experience in Flint and Genesee County




One of my favorite things about living in Flint and Genesee County is that there’s always something to do. This region is a four-season destination offering all kinds of events and attractions, and fall is no exception.

Right now, for example, it’s a great time to visit one of the county’s many orchards, which are currently harvesting varieties including Macintosh and Ginger Gold. Rumor has it that Porter’s Orchard in Goodrich will begin pressing its famous 100-percent pure Honeycrisp cider later this month. And Almar Orchards in Flushing and Spicer Orchards in Fenton offer a great selection of wine and hard ciders for the 21+ crowd.

Starting next week, you may notice the leaves begin to turn. According to various reports, the colors will likely peak in mid-October.

A great way to take in the colorful foliage is to explore some of the 11,000 acres that make up the Genesee County Parks system. For readers who prefer a guided experience, For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in Burton will offer a fall color hike on Oct. 6.

Additionally, the Flint River Watershed Coalition will host its final Flint River Paddle of the year on Oct. 7. The three-hour “fall color float” will take kayakers and canoers along the colorful waterway, starting at the Halloway Dam and ending at Irish Road.

There are also several festivals scheduled over the coming weeks. St. John’s Applefest, which attracts 35,000 visitors each year, kicks off today in Fenton. There’s also the Fall Harvest Festival at Flint’s Applewood Estate on Sept. 29 and Davison’s Truck or Treat & Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 12.

As we get closer to All Hallow’s Eve, I recommend a visit to Crossroads Village. As part of “Halloween Ghosts & Goodies,” visitors can watch a magic show at the Colwell Opera House, explore an enchanted forest and catch a ride on the Huckleberry Ghost Train Express.

For a spookier experience, give the Stockton Center at Spring Grove Museum a call. Built in 1872, the former Flint hospital offers ghost tours by appointment throughout the year. Additionally, Dreadlands Haunt of Davison and Exit 13, a haunted house attraction in Mt. Morris, both offer goosebump-inducing experiences.

Truly, this column just scratches the surface of the events and activities available this season in Genesee County. To stay informed about area happenings, check out the Flint & Genesee Explore Blog at flintandgenesee.org/explore. There, you’ll find a variety of articles, community calendar and listing of local attractions to help plan your spare time.

Also, if you take photos while you’re out and about, the Flint & Genesee Convention & Visitors Bureau would love to see them! To help our team find your favorite fall images, be sure to use Pure Michigan’s new hashtag #FallFilter along with #flintandgenesee when sharing on social media.

DeAndra Larkin is group vice president at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce.


Leave a Reply