Goldberry Woods is a modern farm resort in Union Pier, Michigan, recently named Best of the Best by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, and it’s easy to see why. Our summer season is spectacular: picture rows of dahlias, organic berries, and bushels of juicy tomatoes. Fall in Harbor Country is just as magical, with rust-covered leaves crunching underfoot, fields of pumpkins and trees that hang heavy with apples.
A fall stay at Goldberry Woods is the perfect way to soak in the season with crisp autumn nights, seasonal farm bed and breakfasts, and strolls through our on-site orchards and gardens.
Best Apple Orchards Near New Buffalo, Michigan
Best Goldberry Woods has an acre orchard of mixed fruit, which we use in our creative scratch breakfasts at the Inn. Harvested fruit is also available at our Market Stand daily from 10-5 until the first frost of the year (as decided by nature). While Goldberry Woods is not a u-pick farm, we’re happy to recommend some of our favorite u-pick options and autumn things to do in Union Pier, MI. These farms offer u-pick apples in southwest Michigan and share our passion for sustainable farming.
Family-owned since 1929, Lehman’s Orchard in Niles, MI grows its fruit using low-spray, sustainable methods, an approach featured in the farming book The Lean Farm. Bring home bushels of apples and browse their small farm store. After you load up, head to Lehman’s Farmhouse just a few minutes down the road for dinner and drinks.
For a true old-timey apple picking day, head to The Shafer Farm in Southwest Michigan. This third generation 72-acre farm has long been a local tradition for many who return every year to pick their apples, peaches, and grapes. Try the fresh-pressed cider, donuts, and enjoy an authentic fall farm experience.
Fall Days Out, Cozy Nights Back at Goldberry
Harbor Country has so much to offer beyond apple picking, you’ll have no problem planning the perfect fall itinerary. If you’re looking for fall things to do in new buffalo, MI try hiking, or spend an afternoon antiquing, here are a few more of our favorites.
We’re always happy to answer questions and help our guests explore the area’s unique beauty in every season.
- Take in fall colors on a hike. The wooded backroads surrounding Goldberry are stunning this time of year, foliage usually peaks between mid-October and early November, the perfect window for a fall weekend in Southwest Michigan.
- Visit a local pumpkin patch. During fall in Harbor Country farms open their fields each fall for pumpkins, squash, and hayrides, a perfect way to spend a crisp afternoon.
- Go wine tasting. Sip your way through the Southwest Michigan wine trail, where harvest season means rolling vineyards, cozy tasting rooms, and that unmistakable grapey aroma in the air.
- Take a color tour. Some of the prettiest fall color in Southwest Michigan is just a short drive from your door, and we’re happy to point you toward the most showstopping spots including our own incredible canopied Community Hall Road and our 30 acres of woods. An often missed opportunity is kayaking the Galien River to experience the fall color. Kayaks are available to guests.
- Stroll the shoreline. Lake Michigan feels different in the fall, quieter, crisper, but the calming sound of the waves is there to greet you no matter the season. Try fall hiking at Indiana Dunes National Park, or head up US 12 to explore Warren Dunes and Grand Mere state parks.
However you spend your day, the best part is coming back to Goldberry Woods, a modern farm stay in Michigan where sustainability and comfort exist side by side. Our year-round heated pool and hot tub are ready no matter the temperature outside, our hiking trails wind right through the property, and curl up by a warm campfire.
When it’s time to settle in, the suites at our Bed and Breakfast in Union Pier and our cottages come with their own fireplace. Guests staying in our vintage glampers can enjoy a fire pit just outside the door. Out here, sustainability and natural beauty don’t mean giving anything up, they simply set the stage for a slower, more intentional kind of getaway.
Bring the Apples Home
Everyone has a favorite fall dish they return to year after year, and we’re excited to share a few recipes from the Goldberry kitchen. Whether you’re canning jars of apple butter or baking a pie, some Michigan apples are better than others, here’s what we recommend:
Northern Spy: A firm, tart heirloom apple that ripens late in the season and stores well. It holds its shape beautifully in pies and crisps, never turning to mush.
Ida Red: Tangy and crisp with white, juicy flesh. It holds up well when baked, making it a genuinely versatile all-purpose choice.
Jonathan: A small, deep red heirloom apple with a tart bite and firm texture. It holds its shape nicely in pies and sauces, and its acidity balances out added sweetness.
Empire: A cross of McIntosh and Red Delicious, firm with a sweet-tart flavor. It’s a reliable, no-fuss choice for everyday baking.
Granny Smith: Bright green, very firm, and distinctly tart. It’s one of the most trusted apples for holding its shape under heat, pie after pie.
Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
All the flavor of a classic apple pie, baked into a warm, hearty breakfast. Diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg bake together with hearty oats, then get topped with pecans and dried cranberries for a little extra texture. We love using a firmer baking apple here, something like a Northern Spy or Ida Red holds its shape beautifully and won’t turn to mush in the oven.
Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal
A cozy, spiced take on baked oatmeal that leans into everything good about fall. Grated carrot, orange zest, raisins, and a touch of ginger come together with old fashioned and steel cut oats for a dish that’s just as good reheated the next morning. It’s one of our newer favorites in the Goldberry kitchen, and a great way to use up a stray apple from your picking haul.
Common Questions About Visiting Goldberry Woods in Fall
Escape to the Farm: Experience Autumn Magic at Goldberry Woods
Fall in Harbor Country doesn’t last forever, but a stay at Goldberry Woods is the perfect place to enjoy it. Book your stay today and spend your days picking apples and your nights at one of the nation’s best boutique inns & cottages.
