Even in the midst of a pandemic, your love for the summer-to-fall transition doesn’t have to be tamed. While we may have had to forego our Octoberfest celebrations and Downtown Trick-or-Treating to help keep our community safe, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the crisp air and warm feels of Autumn in Ludington, Michigan.
1. Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte
This hot beverage is a fall favorite. You can find fall flavors downtown at Book Mark, Red Rooster Coffee & Community and at HumaniTea. And for those who cringe at the mention of “Pumpkin Spice” move right on to #2.
2. Not a Pumpkin Fan? Try a Hot Apple Drink
So pumpkin isn‘t your thing? Try the warm cider topped with whipped cream and homemade caramel drizzle at Red Rooster Coffee & Community. It is to die for! And it would pair perfectly with a doughnut from WESCO. You should also hit up HumaniTea for an Apple Strudel Steamer.
3. Grab a Craft Beer
You’ll find traditional a Oktoberfest on tap at Ludington Bay Brewing Company. Jamesport Brewing Company has a tasty Pumpkin Wheat. Both of our downtown breweries have a great selection of heavy ales, perfect for fall. Or try a mixed six-pack from AJ’s Party Port to try new beers from Michigan and beyond.
4. Get a Halloween Costume
Even with the cancellation of trick-or-treating events and large parties due to COVID-19, you can still have your own small and safe costume party. You can find costumes for the kids at ABC Kidz.
5. Decorate Your Home For Fall
Grateful Heart & Home always has a great selection of unique items to fill your rooms with seasonal cheer. Stop into AGS Gift Shop for fun kitchen towels for every season. Stop by Mariellen’s Hallmark to add to your fall decor collections, as well.
6. Fall Hike, Walk or Bike Ride at Cartier Park
This park is Ludington’s hidden gem! The trails wind through beautiful hardwoods that light up like fire when the colors start to turn. Enjoy the color from the 1-mile paved pathway or take to the dirt trails. Don’t have a bike? Rent one from Trailhead Bike Shop or Spindrift Cyclesports.
7. Go On A Fall Picnic
Grab take-out from one of our downtown restaurants and head over to one of Ludington’s many parks you can find along the water’s edge. You’ll find plenty of space to put down a blanket (or grab a picnic table) at Waterfront Park, Copeyon Park, Loomis Street Boat Ramp (Maritime Heritage Park) and Stearns Park.
8. Shop for Fall Scents
Stop at Avenue’s End to grab an air freshener from local vendor Pics & Wics and fill your home with the scents of fall… from spices to apple pie. You can also find candles at HumaniTea and Mariellen’s Hallmark.
9. Get an Apple or Pumpkin TREAT
Chef John’s is the place if you are looking for divine baked goods. Choose something out of the case or order ahead to get exactly what you want, when you want it. You could pair their delicious treats with Perfect Apple Pie Ice Cream, Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream or Pumpkin Walnut Fudge from Kilwins Ludington.
10. Update Your Fall Wardrobe
Make sure you’re warm and in-style from top to bottom this fall with apparel from Downtown Ludington! Stop into Provisions for a Stormy Cromer and stay warm with gear from Woolridge and Columbia. Everest Athleisure has outdoor apparel from your favorite brands. Don’t forget to stop into Snyder’s to keep your feet happy. You’ll find great deals at My Sister’s Closet and Cedar Chest Consignment.
11. Knit your own scarf
Nautical Yarn has everything you need to learn how to crochet or knit. Grab the tools, the yarn and yes… they even have Zoom classes and gatherings so you can learn from the pros.
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12. Bundle Up and Dine Outside
Just because it’s a little chilly doesn’t mean we put the patio furniture away. Ludington Bay Brewing Co and Jamesport Brewing Co both have the heat cranked on their patios so you can enjoy a meal in the crisp fall air.