How to Spend a Perfect Fall Day in Northville, Michigan
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I’ll admit I had never heard of the city of Northville before I made the move to the middle of Michigan. Now that I have made mid-Michigan home for over three years, I find myself making day trips to this suburb of Metro Detroit quite often.
Recently, my daughter and I spent a full day enjoying all of the perks that an autumn in Northville offers.
A Trip to Three Cedars Farm
For the first part of our day trip, we stopped to visit one of our favorite fall destinations, Three Cedars Farm. If you are looking for the quintessential Michigan fall farm, Three Cedars Farm is it.
With a petting farm, donut hut, cider, farm-themed playground, train ride, hayrides, pumpkin patch, country store, and more, you will easily find something for everyone during your visit.
A Train Ride, Playground & More
You will want to bring cash for your visit because the donut hut where you will buy your donuts and cider does not take cards (there is an ATM on-site, but if you want to avoid the fee, I suggest having cash on hand). Don’t forget your quarters for the feed stations at the petting zoo.
While the playground, trikes, corn pit, hay bale tower, and other offerings are free to use and play on, there are a few excursions that are a small extra fee, like the train ride. We love first stopping in the donut hut and enjoying our treats near the fire pit outside. There are indoor seating options available as well.
Insider Tip: You will want to purchase your ticket for the train ride at the donut hut. If you get in line at the train depot, they will send you back there to purchase your ticket.
They take you on a loop around the grounds of the front of the farm, and if you have a little train lover, it is the perfect length for those tiny passengers.
Lunch in Downtown Northville
After a full morning at the farm, it was time to fill our bellies. We headed to the historic downtown of Northville to try out a Northville staple, Rebecca’s. With a line reaching the door at lunchtime, I found out quickly this is a popular choice for a good meal in Northville.
Despite the crowd, we were seated and able to put our orders in right away. The time quickly passed as we waited for our food because every inch of Rebecca’s was filled with vintage toys and decor. While my daughter watched the model train make the rounds of the restaurant, I took in all of the nostalgic decor.
Good Eats
At Rebecca’s, you’ll find your typical American fare on the menu. I had come with a cheeseburger in mind, but when I sat down, the turkey avocado baguette caught my eye. I am such a toasted sandwich fan, but it’s hard to find them done correctly. If you are as well, you’ll have to trust me and give this a try next time you are in Northville.
My daughter enjoyed her grilled cheese and was able to get a scoop of vanilla ice cream after lunch since Rebecca’s also serves as an ice cream parlor.
Michigan Shopping
Right next to the restaurant, you will find Rebecca’s Michigan Store, where you will enter and find this quaint little shop filled to its brim with Michigan-made and themed products.
We found two new books to add to our collection about the Petoskey Stone and the Legend of Michigan. If you are searching for a gift, this would be a perfect stop for premade gift baskets or to put together some of your favorite Michigan staples together for a loved one.
The Skeletons are Alive!
One of our favorite reasons to visit downtown Northville in October is the fact that skeletons come to life! You will find over 120 life-sized skeletons decorating the streets of Northville. With businesses going all out to decorate these skeletons, you and your family will delight in taking in all of the creativity scattered throughout Northville.
If your children are fans of Halloween decorations, taking a drive through Northville is one of our favorite fall activities. It seems the citizens really go all out, and it’s fun to watch the city come together and celebrate the holiday together.
The Perfect Fall Day Trip
If you have been looking for the perfect fall Michigan day trip, I would recommend giving Northville a try. With all of its charm and character and with so much to do for everyone, I am sure it will win you over just like it did me.