Sweater weather is upon us. Don’t let winter come before you take in the autumn sights.   

Whether you’re coming into Battle Creek and Marshall from I-94 or I-69, here are some stops for your November drive:  

Enjoy the changing season  

If you can’t hear the crunch of leaves under your feet, then it’s not really autumn. So get out of your car to take a walking tour in Battle Creek.  

Leila Arboretum is a carefully cultivated park. Two great vantage points are the steps of the old museum building and the Fragrant Hill Pavilion to see the trees spread out in all their glory.   

Historic Bridge Park is the home of trestle bridges that have been relocated next to the Kalamazoo River. Admire the river or go for a walk in the woods on a paved trail.  

Oak Hill Cemetery might seem like an unusual pick, but the old cemetery has beautiful golden foliage. It’s also a chance to see a little Battle Creek history, as famous citizens are remembered here: the Kellogg brothers, C.W. Post, Sojourner Truth, Junior Walker, Ellen White and more.  

The Linear Park Trail stretches throughout Battle Creek, but we suggest parking at the Battle Creek Math and Science Center, and following the path along the river to the Kellogg House park with the Underground Railroad Sculpture. The manicured park is pretty in any season. 

If you want more of an adventure than a walk in the woods, try kayaking the Kalamazoo River. The tree-lined river is beautiful in the fall, with the colors reflected in the water. If you don’t have a kayak, Marshall Recreation rents them out.  

Drink wine  

It’s not unusual to see people shopping with a glass of wine in hand at Horrocks & Co. in Battle Creek. There’s a tavern in the back, along with a beer garden bar, if you can get there without being distracted by the large selection of wine bottles and craft beer. Samples and flights are available, too. Horrocks is a specialty food store, but they also offer ready-to-eat soups, sandwiches, sushi and salad. New to the store: an entire pizzeria. 

Marshall offers lots of opportunities for wine shopping. Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub commissioned their own bottles, with drawings of local landmarks. You can try the wine at the bar or with your meal in the restaurant. Want to attend a tasting? Then go to Maria’s Uncorked. Try something unusual, like the Ghost Pepper wine, or a dependable pinot grigio. 

If you want another perfect fall drink, order the beautifully spiced fall hot chocolate or maple latte at Cafe Rica.  

Remember traditions  

What would fall be without fresh doughnuts coated in sugar? Station 66 serves up pumpkin doughnuts and apple cider at its small cafe. The soup and sandwiches are also popular in the fall. 

For a nice Sunday drive, try Gorsline Road, N Drive North, L Drive North, Verona Road and 9 ½ Mile Road in Calhoun County. You’ll go through tree tunnels and find roadside farm stands, such as ZEMR Family Farm.  

The Turkeyville restaurant serves up a classic turkey plate. It has the advantage of being right off of N Drive North, one of the area’s best fall drives. If you don’t think you’ll have time to cook this Thanksgiving, you can also reserve a take-home turkey meal for the holiday.   

Shop for antiques  

Amazing Grace Antiques in Marshall is a co-op for eight different sellers, so there’s a wide variety of stuff to discover. Maybe you’ll find an old velvet dress, a classic record, a bronze chandelier or a first-edition book.  

Farmer Grey’s is inside a charming 1859 schoolhouse. They carry vintage and farmhouse antiques, architectural rescues, furniture with original patina, and other unique and found wares.  

Starlite Vintage is the new shop in Battle Creek. It is a collective of more than 40 vendors, bringing a wide variety of items for the home, garden, entertaining, travel, leisure and gifts. You’re sure to find something interesting. 

Spend the night 

Get cozy at an inn in Marshall. You have three choices: National House Inn, the Royal Hotel and Villa on Verona.  

National House Inn is Michigan’s longest-operating inn. The Royal Hotel is connected to Schuler’s Restaurant, so you can eat like a king and sleep like a princess. Villa on Verona is a luxurious boutique hotel in an Italianate style villa. 

Or choose the convenience of downtown Battle Creek. Some great restaurants, Cafe Rica and the Linear Park Trail are all within walking distance of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.