October brings the hoodie-wearing weather into full swing. While the leaves continue to fall and the birds head south, the spookiest month of the year is the prime time for visiting cider mills, haunted houses, catching local music and of course, celebrating the Halloween spirit.
Cider Mills:
Papa's Pumpkin Patch and Country Farm Market
3909 S. Summerton Rd., Mt. Pleasant
papasfamilyfarm.com, (989) 773-4345
3909 S. Summerton Rd., Mt. Pleasant
papasfamilyfarm.com, (989) 773-4345
Here's where you can get fine fruits and vegetables, and go pumpkin picking. We're talking straight-off-the-farm-fresh-produce, take-your-pick-right-off-the-tree kind of way. If you want to experience all that fall has to offer, stop in at Papa's to grab some cider and doughnuts. Or challenge your navigational abilities while walking through the nine-acre corn maze, referred to as sheer "corn-fusion." This is also home to the Zonta Applefest, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 1. It's the largest autumn festival in the central Michigan area, where you can enjoy a huge selection of arts and crafts, entertainment, and of course, lots and lots of apple treats.
Uncle John's Cider Mill
8614 N. US-127, St. John's
(989) 224-3686, ujcidermill.com
Take a drive through the fall colors to have your family fun day at Uncle John's in St.John's. Aside from the hay rides, live music and five-acre corn maze, the shops assure you won't be leaving empty-handed. For the bread fiends, take home the famous specialty fruit breads, or take a gamble with other flavors like bacon bread. To satisfy your sweet tooth, choose from one of the homemade pies, fudge or muffins. Need a birthday gift idea? You're in luck because the 3,500-square-foot gift shop is jam-packed with unique items. Is your house looking a bit bare? The home décor, Halloween and autumn decorations are the perfect solution.
Haunted Houses:
Haunted Castle of Pickard Street
711 W. Pickard, Mt. Pleasant
midmichiganhaunts.com, (989) 386-3834
711 W. Pickard, Mt. Pleasant
midmichiganhaunts.com, (989) 386-3834
This is the newest, scariest and most haunted spot in Mt. Pleasant. It's 10,000 square feet of sheer horror delight that's not for the faint of heart. It's so terrifying that no one under 13 is allowed in. For the little ones with a spooky streak, there's the new Haunted Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus with a big top, side show and chilling performances. Prices are $5 for 11+, ages 4-10 are $2 and 3 and under are free. Both open Oct. 16 and each Thursday through Saturday times are 7 p.m. until midnight, Sunday 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. and open every day of Halloween week. For the house full of creepy situations, admission is $13 for each ticket or $22 for two if you dare enter.
Terror on 27
8691 S. Bagley Rd. (corner of US-127 & M-57), Ashley
terroron27.com, (989) 838-2562
8691 S. Bagley Rd. (corner of US-127 & M-57), Ashley
terroron27.com, (989) 838-2562
US-127 is a long road with bland scenery, maybe that's why the people that built it went a little crazy. Take a 30-minute drive to the house haunted with the ghosts of the road, many whose deaths were never explained. Scared of the dark? Then this place, located in the tiny town of Ashley, is a scream. Try and make your way through the house, never knowing what monsters and frights await at each turn. If that's not enough, there's also a pitch black maze that could take minutes or hours to find your way out of. The attractions are $10 for both or $7 for each. Terror on 27 is open every weekend from 7:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturdays and 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Sundays.
Theatre:
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Broadway Theatre, Mt. Pleasant
Oct. 28-29, 8 p.m.
friendsofthebroadway.org, (989) 772-2075
Broadway Theatre, Mt. Pleasant
Oct. 28-29, 8 p.m.
friendsofthebroadway.org, (989) 772-2075
Halloween wouldn't be complete without that sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania. You can watch it live as part of the interactive audience where you'll sing and dance along with the actors to songs like the "Time Warp." Halloween pizzazz, catchy songs, flashy costumes and a weird storyline is to be expected. The plot follows newly-engaged couple, Brad and Janet, as their car breaks down forcing them to take shelter in Dr. Frank-N-Furter's kooky mansion. You can find tickets online or by visiting Broadway Theatre.
Music:
Wavvy Hands with Luna Moth, Blue Valley Farmer, Andrew Price
Kaya Coffee & Tea Co., Mt. Pleasant
Oct. 7, 8 p.m.
Free, donations accepted
The newest band in Mt. Pleasant is comprised of front man Andrew Kieran (vocals, ukulele and acoustic guitar), Nadia Leatz (backup vocals and keyboard) and Corey Densmore (synthesizers and productions). The trio made their debut at Rubble's in August and have since provided their dreamy flow of experimental indie and folk around Mt. Pleasant and the state. You can catch them at Kaya this month, the perfect sit-down atmosphere for their chill, up-in-the-clouds music that sounds like a mix of Iron & Wine and Freelance Whales.
