While Hillsdale isn’t known for being a booming metropolis, the town is full of exciting destinations. If you’re a freshman looking to get out of the dorm or a senior who hasn’t explored the city yet, go visit these Hillsdale hotspots this weekend:
Silos Fun Park
Did you know you could go-kart in Hillsdale? At Silos, you can go-kart to your heart’s content, play a round of mini golf, challenge your friends on bumper boats, win some tickets in the arcade, then hop over to Cottage Inn Pizza for a quick bite to eat (bonus: Cottage Inn has dairy-free and gluten-free options).
Glei’s Orchards and Greenhouses
This family-owned orchard has a store in Coldwater, both with the best artisan food products, honeycrisp apples, and incredible apple cider slushies. With home-grown strawberries, blueberries, and peaches, 20 varieties of apples, and Michigan-grown vegetables, Glei’s is a dream in the fall. The orchard has pumpkins, gourds, and mini pumpkins during the fall months and Christmas trees during the winter months—you can even cut your own tree. Don’t forget freshly baked apple cider donuts from Glei’s bakery.
Boutiques in downtown Hillsdale
Hillsdale’s lineup of clothing, gift, and food boutiques are sure to fulfill even the most picky shopper. The Salty Shark is a trendy, low-cost boutique with everything from wrap skirts to printed hoodies. Maggie Anne’s Shoppe carries Michigan-themed clothes, professional women’s wear, and Vera Bradley bags. Small Town Sweet Boutique is modeled after an old-time sweets store. You can also paint your own pottery at Toasted Mud.Hillsdale Natural Grocer is your go-to stop for organic produce and supplements.
Fields of Dreams
Just two minutes from campus, Field of Dreams is rarely used by Hillsdale students. With two soccer fields, three baseball diamonds, and a playground, the field is just waiting for students to enjoy all it has to offer. Grab a couple teams, head out to the field for a game of softball or baseball or kickball and see your dreams come true.
Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm
Meckley’s is a short drive out of town, but there’s nothing better than sitting under the vines on an old-fashioned deck, sipping a hard cider. If you’re looking for a friend date or a romantic date, Meckley’s is the perfect blend of rustic and chic. Taste-test handcrafted artisan ciders, fine wine, or if you’re under 21, nosh on fresh baked goods. Meckley’s offers fall music festivals, a summer-long corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and family bonfire nights.