The weather may become blustery, but it’s a good excuse to get cozy. We recommend taking a cozy fall crawl in Calhoun County.
 Step one: Go to the farm           
Imported ImageFind fall decorations at Bosserd Family Farm in Marshall. All of the gourds, wreaths and pumpkins will give you that harvest season feeling. They also have activities for kids. While there, pick up some meat and vegetables that can be turned into a hearty soup. Find a farm stand at EBMY Farm in Albion, open on the weekends until Oct. 31. You can pick up eggs from some hard-working ducks and chickens, or some fresh garden salsa and a lemon- apple-dill jelly. In October, they open up a giant corn maze. Find cuddles at Esham Family Farm, where they raise more than produce: They have goats! A great way to unwind is with baby goat yoga. An instructor will lead you through the moves while the goats play and climb, or you can sit there and snuggle a baby goat in your lap. Find really big pumpkins at ZEMR Family Farm. Drive out into the country for a Halloween pumpkin or other cute decorative gourds. Find relaxing spaces at Of the Land’s Harvest Party on Sept. 25. The farm and event center has a zinnia labyrinth, a bonfire circle and a garden by the apple orchard with hammocks and nooks for drinking cocktails or reading a book. They’ll offer u-pick sunflowers and pumpkins that were grown by the farm kids.
Step two: Drink something that warms you up
Find fall drinks in downtown Battle Creek. For proof that the best drinks are in fall, try the fall hot chocolate at Cafe Rica. Kitchen Proper has a lot of fun naming new fall cocktails, such as Rumming in the Fall and Catcher in the Chai. Find doughnuts and hot cider at Station 66 in Battle Creek. Catch a hayride and a pumpkin at this cute roadside attraction. The hayrides are every weekend afternoon in October, and it’ll take you through the woods to see little scenes of what the pumpkin people are up to. Find coffee and cake at Foundry Bakehouse in Albion. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Danish that goes above and beyond or an orange-cranberry oatmeal cookie. It all pairs nicely with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Find pumpkin cocktails in downtown Marshall. The Copper Athletic Club has a seasonal Sunday brunch that changes every month. Winston’s Pub is a great stop for a pumpkin martini or apple butter old fashioned. Imported Image
Step three: Shop for cozy supplies
Find good smells at Bread & Basket, a downtown boutique that promotes businesses owned by women of color. There’s an excellent candle selection – a good one for fall is a cinnamon- scented candle that exudes a spicy warmth. They’ll also be part of Bazaar Days on Sept. 25, featuring local makers. Find comfort at Rice’s Shoes, which sells winter boots and slippers. Go here if you miss customer service – the staff knows their products and can help get the right fit. Find color at Salon K and LynnIvan Salon. Make an appointment at one of these downtown salons for a manicure. Moody green, rich plum, shades of chocolatey browns, smokey gray and lots of glitter are all in style this fall. Find a good book to curl up with at New Story Community Books in Marshall or Stirling Books & Brew in Albion. Both are independent stores, housed in refurbished buildings with historic flair. Stirling features a fireplace and café, making it a popular local hangout. New Story celebrates art and literacy in the community. Find all kinds of fabric and patterns at local quilting stores. Take up a pre-winter craft to make your own warm blankets with the help of the Charitable Union Gift Shop, Quilts at the Marshall House, Quilt N Go and Sew Unique Threads. If you’re more interested in buying a quilt, we’ve received a lot of compliments on the Michigan tourist T-shirt quilts displayed at the Welcome Center, which came from Charitable Union. Find a snug hat at Green Scene in Marshall, which is an official retailer for Stormy Kromer. The natural living store also has a lot of self-care items that are environmentally friendly.
Imported ImageStep four: Enjoy the view
Find a waterfall while on the Marshall Riverwalk trail. The leaf-dappled walkway is 1.6 miles long for a peaceful stroll along the river and past the South Marshall Dam. Find tree-lined paths among historic buildings of Albion College. It’s a walkable campus and you should make stops at the astronomical observatory and Goodrich Chapel to check out the architecture. Find a picture-perfect setting at Historic Bridge Park. It’s a popular spot for taking photos, especially when the old bridges are framed by trees displaying fall colors. Find a pretty view from the Handmap Brewing porch. It overlooks the Battle Creek River and you’ll be able to see the trees change colors. Of course, with the social district, visitors can take their drink right to the river’s edge. Or bring it along with them on their Cozy Fall Crawl.
Step five: Stay the night
Continuing with the cozy theme, you’ll find a warm place to stay at the National House Inn Bed & Breakfast with its open-hearth fireplace and afternoon tea. Built in 1835 as a stop for stagecoaches in Marshall, the inn is on the National Register of Historical Places. For convenience, find a cluster of hotels where M-66 and I-94 cross. Book a night at Home2Suites, Courtyard by Marriott or Holiday Inn and you’ll be able to hop on and off two major roadways. They’re also within walking distance of shopping.