An Op-Ed by CBS News Detroit producer Brandon Rothenberg

(CBS DETROIT) - Back in my college days, there was something special about Michigan State University's campus in the fall. Between the excitement to the start of the school year, the changing of the leaves, and of course, game day, to look forward to every weekend. Nothing beats this time of the year in East Lansing.

While those days are long gone, everything still looks and feels the same, minus the fact that I'll never experience a syllabus week again, or scarf down some Conrad's after an MSU victory. Oh well.

Still, the fact of the matter is this is the best time of the year in Michigan, hands down. You may or may not consider us Michiganders lucky to experience all four seasons. Some may view it as a blessing and a curse. I, for one, love fall; however, I can't help but feel winter's lingering wrath in the distance. Surely, I'm not alone.

Anyway, this is what makes this time of year so special:

Let me start by saying if you're sitting there scratching your head as to what "hit different" means, let me help. When something "hits different," it just means that it's better than most. It exceeds expectations. It simply hits different.

If you find yourself trying to get some work done outside, or you're warming up with a cup of coffee, fire up YouTube and search "fall lo-fi" and prepare to be amazed. 

If the thumbnail is a picturesque fall afternoon, a couple of personified pumpkins chilling by the fire, or just a random Simpsons character (I swear, I'm not making this up and I don't know why this is the case) driving in the car, you're in the right place.

These relaxing, jazzy playlists can really set the vibe for a fall day. It just goes perfectly with whatever you're doing. 

Find yourself waiting in line at the new Chick-fil-A  in Southfield? Fire up some Lo-Fi, and pass away the time. Just save me some waffle fries.

No-brainer here. I will say cider mills to me always feel like a "one-and-done" ordeal. Once I get my fix for the season, I don't need to return.

Personally, I've spent most of my cider mill days at the Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills. The iconic spot has been around since 1837, and if you're looking for any type of powdered or sugared donut, you won't find it there. Franklin Cider Mill donuts, in my opinion, stand alone in their own category. They're greasy, warm and delicious.

Also, I'm just going to throw my two cents in real quick. Between taking the time to look for a parking spot, the high prices for donuts and cider and the bees landing in your cup of cider and on your donut, there are reasons to argue that cider mills just don't cut it anymore.

But they're only open this time of year, so go while you still can!

If you're big on seasonal items like pumpkin spice lattes, or anything pumpkin-related for that matter, there's a variety of sweets and drinks that you can only snag this time of year.

Clark's Ice Cream over in Berkley and Ray's Ice Cream in Royal Oak both serve up a variety of seasonal favorites. Dive into some carrot cake ice cream, or try a scoop of Ray's collaboration with the Franklin Cider Mill. It features chunks of those famous donuts and definitely will have you going back for more.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company has a variety of seasonal beers you can try at either of its Birmingham or Rochester locations. Some stores also carry its beers and come in a four-pack. Stock up while you can!

During the fall, golfing is arguably the best time to get out there and play. There's just something about hitting the links knowing it's one of your last rounds of the season that gets you going. Putting on that quarter zip or beanie first thing in the morning, knowing you're going to shank your ball to the woods and into a plethora of leaves makes heading out the door and driving to the course that much better.

Most courses offer a discounted fall rate, and oftentimes, you can find a good deal or two on some apparel in the pro shop depending on where you're playing.

If you plan on getting out there anytime soon, just be sure to book ahead of time. Keep in mind that everyone else is trying to squeeze in their last rounds of the season, plus, you're up against the clock as the days slowly get shorter.

I'm sure you have that one sweater, jacket or outfit that you just can't wait to pull off until fall rolls back around. Now's the time to get out and about to show off that great find of yours. 

It's funny because going from spring to summer, wearing shorts and a t-shirt all the time feels so rewarding. But by the time we roll into late summer and early fall, I'm so ready to throw on a sweatshirt and enjoy a chilly night. Enjoy it now while you can before the sweatshirts and hoodies turn into multiple layers of socks, a parka and snow boots.

Finally, the best part of the fall season is the views. This picture speaks for itself.

Actually, the best part might be the spontaneous whiff of someone burning leaves as you drive down the street.

In any case, fall rules.

First published on October 14, 2022 / 11:38 AM

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©2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.