7 Creative Fall Date Ideas

OKEMOS, Mich., – Fall is one of the best seasons to plan the perfect date! From a cozy night by the fire to a trip to the ice rink, these 7 creative fall date ideas are sure to impress your significant other on your night out! The best part is, these fall date ideas don't even have to be dates! You can enjoy these activities with your friends or the whole family if you'd prefer. Read on to find fall fun in the Lansing area!

1. Make Homemade Candy Apples

What better way to enjoy each other's company than by crafting your very own candy apples? Whether you prefer yours plain or would rather dip them in layers of M&Ms or peanuts, candied apples are a fall food staple that tastes amazing and are easy to make!

What You'll Need: Red or green apples, lollipop sticks, white sugar, light corn syrup, water, red food coloring

2. Picnic in the Park

It may be a little chilly out, but if you bring a few warm blankets and some hot chocolate, you can set up a little picnic to stay cozy in the autumn weather! Set up your picnic at the Harris Nature Center, Ferguson Park, or take a drive to one of Lansing's beautiful outdoor parks for a day you won't soon forget!

What You'll Need: Blankets, hand warmers, hot chocolate, picnic basket/cooler, lunch supplies

3. Visit the Wonderland of Lights

From November 17th-December 31st, the Potter Park Zoo is transformed into a gorgeous display of lights and visual displays. Visit the animals, enjoy holiday cookies, and take in the incredible Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo! 

What You'll Need: A warm coat and gloves (it gets cold out!)

4. Take a Trip to the Cider Mill

What better way to enjoy fall festivities than at the cider mill? You can grab a warm cup of cider, snack on a tasty doughnut, kick back on a hayride, and get lost in the corn maze, all in one day! If you aren't sure where to go, check out these cider mills in the Lansing area to find the perfect apple orchard or cider mill to visit this year! 

What You'll Need: An empty stomach and a big smile!

5. Catch a Drive-in Movie

You can catch a double feature at the Ford Drive-In with your significant other on any day of the week! With five screens and plenty of room for any vehicle, you can cozy up and watch two films for the price of one!

What You'll Need: Any snacks you'd like to bring and a couple blankets if it gets cold!

6. Visit the Lansing Art Gallery

Looking for a great date at a great price? Admission to the Lansing Art Gallery is free and open to the public! The gallery is updated bi-monthly so you can discover new works of art every time you visit. Keep an eye on their 2017-2018 calendar to see when special events are taking place throughout the year so you can plan the perfect date during a fun event! 

What You'll Need: An open mind and a pencil and paper if you feel inspired by any art piece you see!

7. Play a Game of FootGolf

Yes, you read that correctly - FootGolf, a combination of soccer and golf, is the newest craze in the Lansing area! Head on down to Hawk Hollow Golf Course and put your fancy footwork to the test in a game of 18 holes. You'll never want to play an ordinary game of golf again!

What You'll Need: Your best athletic clothes, shoes, and a coat (just in case the temperatures drop!)

Total Cost: $15 for 18 holes, $9 for 9 holes

Check these 7 creative fall date ideas off your bucket list before the season ends to ensure that you've made the most of this breathtakingly beautiful season. If you're on the hunt for more fall fun but aren't sure where to start, we can help! Check out our Fall Seasonal Guide to discover orchards and cider mills, exciting autumn events in the Greater Lansing area, and helpful tips to stay safe on the road this season! Before you head out on your date, though, make sure you complete our Fall Car Care routine to avoid an embarrassing breakdown on the road. If you do happen to find anything wrong with your vehicle, make sure to bring it into our Graff Okemos Service Center right away. You won't regret it once the snow starts to fall!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

Follow Us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube, and Instagram

5 Parks in the Lansing Area to View Fall Colors

OKEMOS, Mich., – When autumn arrives in Lansing, the vivid greens of the summer make way for the beautiful oranges, reds, and yellows of the fall. Temperatures drop, t-shirts are traded out for sweatshirts, and the falling leaves make every walk a crunchy experience. Visit these 5 parks in the Lansing area to view fall colors, celebrate the changing of the seasons, and create memories with your family and friends.

1. Harris Nature Center - Okemos

With over five miles of nature trails, a 3/4-mile paved loop trail, and a nature center on the banks of the Red Cedar River, the Harris Nature Center in Okemos was designed to capture the beauty of the fall season.

Location: The Harris Nature Center is located at 3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos, MI 48864

Fall Fun: Visit the Nature Center, explore the winding trails, and stop by the Nature Exploration Area for a fun and educational experience.

2. Hawk Island Park - Lansing

From its humble beginnings as the Sablain Gravel Pit to its transformation into a beautifully breathtaking 100-acre park, the Hawk Island Park in Ingham County features an incredible kaleidoscope of fall colors every autumn.

Location: The Hawk Island County Park is located at 1601 E Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing, MI 48910

Fall Fun: Rent a paddleboat, pack a picnic for lunch, then end the day with a trip to the riverside!

3. Grands Woods Park - Delta Township

Located along the Grand River, the Grand Woods Park in Delta Township was built to provide families of the Lansing area with a getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visit the viewpoints along the walking trails for a first-class view of the changing seasons.

Location: The Grand Woods Park can be visited at 4500 Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917

Fall Fun: Play a game of frisbee golf, fish along the Grand River, and bring your furry friends along for a walk along the Grand Woods trails!

4. Crego Park - East Lansing

Directly connected to the Lansing River Trail, Crego Park's 200 acres of water, woodland, and walking paths provides a peaceful backdrop to the changing seasons. 

Location: Stop by 1600 Fidelity Rd, Lansing, MI 48910 to visit Crego Park

Fall Fun: Go canoeing, kayaking, or walk along the Lansing River Trail for a firsthand glimpse of nature's beauty in the fall. 

5. Ferguson Park - Okemos

On the east side of Okemos Road, resting on the banks of the Red Cedar River sits Ferguson Park. This beautiful natural area has served residents of Okemos for years as an escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Location: You can visit Ferguson Park at 4540 Okemos Rd, Okemos MI 48864

Fall Fun: Walk along the Red Cedar River with your dogs, take a canoe or kayak down the river, or bike along the idyllic trails of Ferguson Park. 

The picturesque views that come with the fall sometimes require a bit of exploration. You can experience the changing seasons firsthand by visiting these 5 parks in the Lansing area to view fall colors! Welcome the autumn weather and enjoy all the fun activities this year in the Greater Lansing Area with our Fall Seasonal Guide! You'll find orchards, cider mills, events, and tons of fall fun that will last you through Thanksgiving. Also, did you know that the changing temperatures can affect important components in your vehicle? We highly recommend referring to our Fall Car Care guide to make sure all of your vehicle's components are well protected and ready to take on the cold weather. If you notice anything that may require attention, you can schedule service online with us to have it inspected and fixed right away.

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

Follow Us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube, and Instagram

Fall Seasonal Guide for Meridian Township & Greater Lansing

OKEMOS, Mich.,––Fall is upon us, Halloween is coming, and there's plenty of fun to be had! If you're a resident in Meridian Township, Okemos, or the Greater Lansing area we've got something just for you. Our brand new Fall Seasonal Guide can act as your go-to reference for having fun locally this autumn. Check it out on our website!

The brand new Fall Guide we've built will provide you information on:

• Our favorite cider mills and orchards to visit this season

• Our top Chevy picks for fall

• Events you can attend with the family in October

• Unique pumpkin decorating ideas 

• & Vehicle maintenance tips 

We want to help you enjoy this season to the fullest, so take advantage of our guide and our team! As Halloween comes and goes and the weather starts to turn, you'll want to ensure your vehicle can safely get you through the winter season to come. Our entire team would be more than happy to help you with any vehicle needs you have this autumn. Give us a call to make an appointment, schedule online, or simply visit us at our dealership on W. Grand River Ave. for a wide array of auto services, new Chevrolet inventory, Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, and used cars for all budgets!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

Follow Us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube, and Instagram

Exciting Activities at Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration

OKEMOS, Mich., – 4th of July is almost here! With fireworks, family get-togethers, and fantastic foods, this awesome holiday has everything a family could want and more. Enjoy an Independence Day parade, food truck rally, and more with some Exciting Activities at Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration! On July 1st, stop by the Meridian Township Municipal Building, across the street from the mall, at 5151 Marsh Rd for plenty of fun! You're not going to want to miss any of the excitement!

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM - Food Truck Rally

What better way to celebrate Meridian Township's 175th anniversary than through over 75 food trucks? This year, the food truck rally will have everything from pierogis to pizza and other delicious dishes! Admission and parking are free and it'll be taking place from 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, so you have plenty of time to enjoy this exclusive and tasty event!

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Arts & Crafts Fair

Check out Meridian Township's creative endeavors this year at the Arts & Crafts Fair! Artists from around the county will be selling everything from pottery to dreamcatchers this year, and you'll have plenty of opportunity to get your hands on some fresh and eye-catching art. Give back to the community and benefit local art this year at the Arts & Crafts Fair!

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM - Community Mural

This year, the Meridian Township's Anniversary Celebration will feature a community mural painting. Leave your mark on the township's anniversary with this massive mural that will be proudly displayed in Hillbrook Park in Haslett after a day of fun! Painting will be open at the soccer fields and painting will begin at 11:00 AM! It's located right next to the children's field, which will be fun for the whole family!

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM - Children's Activity Area

If you're looking for some kid-friendly fun, the Children's Activity Area has just what you need! Run through the obstacle course, get your face painted, and more! There's plenty of fun for everyone of any age, and it's open all day so you can stop by and enjoy some around-the-clock entertainment! The Children's Activity Area will be located near the soccer fields. You can't miss the inflatable obstacle course!

10:15 PM - Watch the Fireworks Finale

Last but certainly not least, the main event! Enjoy an explosive and exciting end to a busy day with a top notch fireworks show! The show will be taking place at 5151 Marsh Rd, the same place as the anniversary celebration itself. Celebrate 175 years of Meridian Township's great and proud history with some of the best fireworks you'll see this season!

All of these activities and more will make the 175th Anniversary of Meridian Township a day to remember! The action-packed celebration has fun for everyone, from children's activities to the biggest food truck selection in Michigan! Enjoy the exciting activities at Meridian Township's anniversary celebration this year and make the most of your 4th of July weekend! If you need to get your vehicle looked at or repaired on the holiday weekend, schedule an appointment to get your vehicle in and checked at by our Service Staff! We'll be happy to help you with anything you need!

Located conveniently just outside of Lansing, Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is here to help you with your car buying and servicing needs. Our goal is to create a transparent experience and a comfortable environment for all of our valuable customers. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, reach us at (517) 349-8300, or stop by the dealership at 1748 W. Grand River in Okemos, MI 48864

Follow Us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube, and Instagram

Okemos Bucket List

OKEMOS, Mich. - Okemos, MI is located just east of East Lansing and Michigan State University. It is a town filled with great people, local businesses, and so much to do! At Graff Chevrolet Okemos we love our community and the people in it. Narrowing down 5 places on our list was hard, but with our Okemos bucket list you can get a glimpse of the town we call home! Not only does our team at Graff Okemos know of the unique places around town, but we know the perfect vehicles that will get you to all of our bucket list destinations safely. Continue reading for our favorite spots in Okemos and then see what type of vehicle will be perfect for your bucket list adventure!

Meridian Historical Village

Get a taste of local history at the Meridian Historical Village. Founded in 1974, the Meridian Historical Village hosts local events, works to preserve historical structures, and provides education about local history. The village grounds house many historical buildings that give visitors a glimpse into history of what life was like more than 100 years ago. If you are ready to learn about the past this is one spot you won’t want to miss.

Harris Nature Center

If you are someone who loves the outdoors then you love visiting the Harris Nature Center. The Harris Nature Center offers trails along the Red Cedar River and gives visitors a different side of Meridian Township. You can also rent various outdoor equipment that allows you to enjoy the Nature Center year round.

Meridian Mall

A shopper’s dream! From the latest fashion stores, to specialty stores, and restaurants, the Meridian Mall offers stores for everyone! You can find amazing deals and fashions, and enjoy a delicious meal. Visitors enjoy the wide variety of shopping, while being conveniently located in one place. Bored on a rainy day? The Meridian Mall is the perfect place to go for a rainy afternoon.

Abrams Planetarium

When visiting the Okemos area in the fall, stopping by the Campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing is a must. One of the stops on the University campus is the Abrams Planetarium. With shows on Friday and Saturdays, the planetarium is a place the whole family will love. Shows are limited and done on special dates, so you will want to plan your trip accordingly.

Meridian Farmers’ Market

If you are someone who loves local produce and shopping for local products, then you will want to visit the Meridian Farmers’ Market. Located in the Central Park Pavilion, the Meridian Farmers’ Market accommodates fresh produce according to the season. Visitors can browse the locally grown fruits and veggies, locally made baked goods, and a variety of meat and seafoods. If you visit the Meridian Township area, the Farmer’s Market is a must see on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Once you have completed our Okemos bucket list, you will start to see why we love our community! Our team at Graff Chevrolet Okemos takes pride in working with the community and its residents on providing safe and reliable vehicles. If you are looking for a vehicle that will get you to each destination on our list, then look no further than the 2016 Chevrolet Trax! The Chevrolet Trax is the Chevy Small Car that can maneuver around the city, while still having the small SUV feel. Your whole family will be comfortable in the spacious interior, and enjoy the large cargo space and flexibilities that let you fit in every last shopping bag. To get a first look at the 2016 Chevrolet Trax, contact our Chevy expert staff today!

You know what also makes the 2016 Chevrolet Trax so great? The available Chevrolet MyLink technology. The Chevrolet MyLink is equipped in your Trax’s infotainment system. It allows you to connect with your smartphone, have access to vast entertainment options, and even receive turn-by-turn navigation. The Chevrolet MyLink technology provides a customizable travel experience like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Try the Chevrolet MyLink technology for yourself when you contact Graff Chevrolet in Okemos, MI.

Hank Graff Chevrolet Okemos is committed to providing you with integrity and convenience, all close to home. Let our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos help you – simply call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!

Follow Us: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube, and Instagram