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Michigan Claims Top Spot Among Best States to Visit in the Fall

Author Kayla Morgan

As summer transitions to fall, many people eagerly look forward to the offerings of the fall season. The vibrant fall foliage, scenic drives, festive events, and visits to pumpkin patches and apple orchards. But which states are the best for a fall visit? LawnStarter has compiled a ranking of the best states to visit in the fall.

Their Methodology

They identified the key factors for ranking the best states to visit in the fall. Afterward, they assigned weights to these factors, considering their relative importance, these criteria and organized them into four distinct categories: fall scenery, outdoor recreation, entertainment offerings, and safety considerations. Data pertaining to these factors was then collected from various sources for all 50 states. Hawaii and Alaska were excluded from the analysis due to insufficient data in a single category. Ultimately, scores were calculated for each state on a scale of 100 points to determine their rankings within each factor, category, and overall. The overall score for a state represents the average of its scores across all factors and categories, with the highest score earning the title of “Best” (No. 1) and the lowest being labeled as “Worst” (No. 48).

Where Michigan Ranks

Michigan secured the fourth position in the ranking. It stood out for having one of the longest projected fall foliage periods. Additionally, the state received recognition for its high density of hayrides and cideries per 100,000 residents.

The top spots in the ranking were predominantly claimed by states in the West Coast and Northeastern regions, such as California (No. 1), New York (No. 2), and Washington (No. 3), due to their abundant state parks, extensive forest trails, and an extended season of vibrant foliage. A total of 14 states shared the distinction of having the longest projected period of fall foliage, lasting for 12 weeks.

Delaware (No. 46) found itself towards the lower end of the list, alongside Southern states such as Texas (No. 44), Florida (No. 45), and Louisiana (No. 48), which occupied the last position. According to the study, the South typically experiences shorter windows for leaf peeping, with Florida and Louisiana tied for the shortest duration at just five weeks of fall colors.

See how other states ranked with the full study here.

Places with the Best Apple Cider in the U.S.

Apple cider season is here. There’s just something special about having apple cider in the fall. You can have it any season, but it just tastes better in the fall. What’s more, if it’s chilly out, it’s extra delicious to have hot apple cider with a dash of cinnamon. So, what are some spots with the best apple cider in the U.S.?

Before we get to today’s apple cider, let’s look at some of the interesting history of apple cider. According to Washington State University, the very “first recorded references to cider date back to Roman times,” and, “in 55 BCE Julius Caesar found the Celtic Britons fermenting cider from native crabapples. The people of northern Spain were making sidra before the birth of Christ.” That’s so wild to think about.

Moreover, according to SmithsonianMag.com, “Evidence of apple trees growing along the banks to the Nile River can be found dating back to about 1300 B.C., but there’s no evidence that ancient Egyptians ever used them for cider. However, considering how much the Egyptians enjoyed beer (and that they were one of the first cultures to brew it), they did have some notion of the joys of fermenting alcoholic beverages.”

In other words, apple cider dates back a long, long time. In fact, apples are as old as time, really. Remember the Biblical story where Eve at the apple? There you have it. Even though apples are very ancient, the way that we eat them today is not. There are so many different ways to enjoy apples and apple cider in the fall. With that in mind, let’s get into the best apple cider in the U.S. What’s your favorite spot to get local apple cider? Reach out to us on social media and give us your picks.

Spots with the Best Apple Cider in the U.S.

  • Linvilla Orchards in Pennsylvania

    Linvilla Orchards is located in Media, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia. It’s a favorite local spot to get apple cider every fall. In addition to apple cider, Linvilla has their legendary Apple Cider Doughnuts. Oh, my.

    Linvilla Orchards

    Linvilla Orchards is a 300-acre family farm dedicated to agriculture, entertainment and education. A trip to Linvilla creates family memories that last a lifetime. Come visit and experience all of the things that make Linvilla Orchards special.

  • Franklin Cider Mill in Michigan

    If you haven’t tried the honey crisp apple cider at Franklin Cider Mill, then you haven’t experienced fall. This cider mill, located in Bloomfield Hills, is close to Detroit. It’s a super fun spot for fall activities.

    Home - Franklin Cider Mill

    The Franklin Cider Mill is a one-of-a-kind piece of history. We take pride in our family-friendly atmosphere and strive to provide exceptional service.

  • Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in North Carolina

    You’ll find delicious, fresh cider at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in Morganton, North Carolina. They, of course, make their own cider by pressing their fresh apples and turning it into yummy cider. They even offer it hot or as a slushie.

    Apple Picking | Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill | United States

    Apple Hill Orchard, a pick your own orchard located between Charlotte and Asheville. Our Farm Market is filled with apples, cider donuts, baked goods and more!

  • Mercier Orchards in Georgia

    Mercier Orchards are a fourth generation family and veteran-owned and operated apple orchard. They were founded back in 1943. They offer amazing cider, as well as other fresh treats, such as baked goods and fruit. They’re located in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

    Mercier Orchards | North GA Apple Orchard | U-Pick | Blue Ridge, GA

    We are a 4th generation family-owned and operated apple orchard founded back in 1943 by Bill and Adele Mercier...

  • Bedner's Farm Fresh Market in Florida

    “Our mission at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market is to bring our customers a variety of locally grown produce,” Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market states on their social media pages. Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, this spot is known for its great cider and the annual Bedner’s Fall Festival.

    Bedner's Farm Fresh Market

    Our Mission at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market is to bring our customers a variety of locally grown produce that is tasty, yet affordable. When you shop at Bedner's,...

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Author Kayla Morgan
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