Although Vermont is famous as the state where everyone on the East Coast travels to see the fall color, Michigan residents know that they don't have to travel anywhere to get the best show in the world. When autumn takes hold of our forests and trees, we are treated to brilliant yellows, oranges, reds, and every conceiveable shade of brown in existence. Now that the air is a little crisper and the leaves are starting to drop, just taking a drive north on M-37 can be a lovely way to spend a weekend morning or afternoons, especially if you have a steaming cup of hot apple cider in your cup holder. However, if you're looking for something a little more active, there's still plenty in the area to enjoy!
Have you ever considered running through a corn maze? There are over a dozen in the Greater Grand Rapids area, each with its own design, ownership, and other attractions. Some of the best in the area are just north of town, out in farming country.
Ed Dunneback and Girls' farm is a staple offering for corn maze enthusiasts . Not only is there a maze throughout acres of corn with a variety of hint questions (ranging from Detroit Tigers trivia to animal noises) complete with additional stations and a prize at the end of the season for those who find all of the extra stations hidden in the corn maze, there's a playground, a pumpkin patch, and homemade goodies including doughnuts and apple cider in the barn. Locals love to take photos with the bright pink John Deere 420 model sitting at the edge of the road (#dunnebacks), and there's a field full of u-pick pumpkins waiting to come home and be made into Jack-o-Lanterns. While you're waiting for the hay ride out to the maze, the kids can play on the playground, which includes massive, painted tractor tires and recycled tire swings, made to look like horses, tractors, and a moose, as well as a “spider web” for the kids to climb.
If you're looking to get a little farther from the city, you might want to travel about ten miles farther north to Fruit Ridge Hayrides. Their ten acre corn maze is not for the faint of heart; Fruit Ridge Hayrides brags that their maze is one of the hardest in the area. Dubbed the Giant Maize Quest, this massive maze is created annually by renowned maze designer Dave Phillips. This year's design is called “Everest Expedition.” If you have little ones not up for a 10-acre romp, there's a smaller, child-friendly maze perfect for impatient little people who just can't wait to get back to the pony rides, the petting zoo, or the playground.
The beautiful, engaging culture of West Michigan is part of what makes this area such a desirable place to live and raise a family. If you're looking to buy a new home or sell the one you currently own, the professionals at Pyxis Realty have the experience and local knowledge to help you get the most out of your purchase or sale. Give us a call today!