Now is the season of pumpkins, pies and pictures. “Fall feels like the perfect season. The leaves look incredible when they change colors and make the world seem so warm and welcoming,” said sophomore Jaylen Purnell. All these fall favorites can be found throughout Grand Rapids and other nearby neighborhoods.
Robinette’s Haus and Winery has an alien-shaped corn maze, with “2015 Robinette’s” carved out in the front of the maze. The corn maze is open on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It costs $7 to enter the maze. Robinette’s also offers horse-drawn hayrides. The hayride costs $6 and is open Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons can save money by buying tickets for both at a price of $12. After the hayride and corn maze, stop in the Apple Haus for fresh apples, caramel apples, pies and other desserts. Apple varieties range from Gala to Honeycrisp to Macintosh. Robinette’s also offers some wonderful dessert options. The Apple Haus is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The corn maze and hayride run end Nov. 1, but the Apple Haus is open year-round. Find your way to this fall wonderland at 3142 4 Mile Rd NE.
Heidi’s Farmstand and Bakery is known for its corn maze. Each year the maze is shaped into a unique and challenging maze. This 10 acre corn maze is split into two separate mazes. The first maze is a smaller one intended for children. The second, larger one is more challenging. This year, the maze is in the shape of “Three Billy Goats.” Dive into the Farm Scene Investigation, a mystery game through the corn maze where you must discover the culprit behind Farmer Joe’s kidnapping. Connect all of the clues and earn your very own cider slushy — for free! The maze costs $6 and stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights. Bring a flashlight or face the darkness. The last entry for the maze is at 9 p.m. Heidi’s also offers a pick your own pumpkin patch and hayrides. The night maze is on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Find your way through the maze at 11999 Cascade Rd. in Lowell.
Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park to see the current autumn exhibit “Chrysanthemums and More.” Revel in all of the various colors, shapes and sizes of mums. The focus, however, will be on yellow mums. According to their website, “the mum is a culturally significant symbol of happiness and longevity” in Japan. This exhibit is meant to honor The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. While visiting, don’t forget to check out the permanent attractions such as the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory or the Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden. Frederik Meijer Gardens is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is located at 1000 East Beltline Avenue NE.
Become a witness to the power and grace of nature in autumn, and travel to the Ada Covered Bridge. This 125 foot, brown truss bridge sits over the Thornapple River. Lined by trees, this is the perfect spot to see the beautiful leaves falling down. Other covered bridges worth checking out include the Fallasburg Bridge and Bowen’s Mill Bridge.
Grand Rapids and its neighboring areas offer plenty of options to enjoy the season. Check out http://www.experiencegr.com/ for more local fall attractions.
