The Perna Team - Metro Detroit News, Real Estate, Events & More
Posts
Places to See Fall Colors in Michigan + Homes for Sale & More

Places to See Fall Colors in Michigan + Homes for Sale & More

Michael Perna
September 04, 2025

thepernateam
53K followers
View more on Instagram
thepernateam
Add a comment...

Where Michigan Really Ranks Among the Best States to Live

Michigan didn’t top this year’s national “best places to live” lists, and that headline stung some locals. But once you look at what the rankings measure, how they weigh each factor, and what they don’t capture, the full picture of life in the Great Lakes State is a lot more nuanced, and in many ways, encouraging. If your priorities lean toward space, water, trails, and budget, Michigan stacks up better than a single rank suggests. The state offers a genuine shot at homeownership, shorter commutes, and weekends that feel a little longer. If your priorities are elite school outcomes or specific safety metrics, you’ll want to evaluate communities carefully. Michigan’s averages leave room for improvement, and experiences can vary by city and district. Start with local data, not statewide composites.

Why Michigan Is Affordable for Millennials: Prices, Rents, Programs

Fall in Metro Detroit isn’t just a season. It’s a ritual built around crisp air, weekend drives, and the holy trinity: cider, donuts, and u-pick apples. This guide maps every major cider mill and orchard across Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties so families and die-hards can plan smart. Expect honest, on-the-ground details that make days easier, crowd patterns, what’s kid-friendly, pet notes, and where to park. Bookmark it, share it, and build your route. For families with strollers, look for compact layouts and defined play areas like Three Cedars, Parmenter’s, and Westview. If you want the full u-pick experience, prioritize Blake’s Armada, Hy’s on weekends, Spicer, Stony Creek, and Long Family. For heritage vibes, Dexter, Franklin, Parshallville, and Yates deliver history with your cider.

Quote of the Week

"The future depends on what you do today."

- Mahatma Gandhi

Metro Detroit Weekend Events

The Arts & Apples Festival returns to Rochester Municipal Park this weekend, celebrating nearly 60 years as one of Michigan’s premier art events. Spanning 30 acres, the festival will showcase more than 200 art exhibitors, along with food trucks, live music, and hands-on art demonstrations. Families can enjoy the Kids Art Zone and Creation Station, making it a perfect outing for all ages. Running September 5–7 with free admission, the festival invites the community to browse local art, enjoy great food, and experience Rochester’s park setting all weekend long.

The Dance City Festival Detroit returns for its 13th year this weekend, transforming the Detroit Institute of Arts into a hub of movement and creativity. From September 5–7, guests can experience dynamic performances, take part in master classes, and connect with the dance community through special networking opportunities. With events tailored for both professionals and enthusiasts, this annual celebration offers something for everyone who loves the art of dance. Costs vary by event.

The Canterbury Village Donut & Cider Fest kicks off this weekend in Lake Orion, offering a perfect way to welcome the fall season. Visitors can enjoy fresh cider and donuts, live music, a Kids Zone, and a petting zoo, along with plenty of shopping throughout the village. Running September 6–7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the family-friendly festival has $4 admission, with kids three and under free. Parking is complimentary, and admission is cash only.

The Michigan Renaissance Festival continues this weekend, transporting visitors to a lively 16th-century European village filled with entertainment and adventure. Guests can enjoy music, magic, juggling, and thrilling jousting matches, while exploring a marketplace of more than 100 artisans. Costumed characters including knights, fairies, and mermaids bring the experience to life, with each weekend featuring a unique theme to keep the festivities fresh. Running weekends through late September, it’s a one-of-a-kind celebration of history, fantasy, and fun.

Comerica Fireworks will light up the sky this Friday as the Detroit Tigers face off against the Chicago White Sox, followed by a postgame fireworks show. Fans can enjoy the game starting at 6:40 p.m. on September 5, then stay in their seats to watch fireworks burst over the ballpark. Tickets for the game and Fireworks Night are available online.

Birmingham’s Booth Park will host a family-friendly outdoor movie night this Friday, September 5, presented by the Birmingham Shopping District. Pre-show entertainment kicks off at 6:30 p.m., followed by a screening of DreamWorks’ Trolls at 7:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks for a fun evening under the stars at Harmon and North Old Woodward.

If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Metro Detroit, The Perna Team can help you. We're fast, friendly, and have served thousands of families in the Metro Detroit area with their real estate needs. Click below to start viewing what's available in Metro Detroit today, or reach out and find out what your home is worth on today's market!