Get Out is Your Monthly Guide to What’s Great in the Great Outdoors.
If you’re like me, you probably caught a bug this season. I hope you didn’t, but, wow, was it rampant. As a freelancer, I can stay at home for days, so how surprised was I when I picked up some germs? Very. I even followed the recent advice I received firsthand about staying healthier in winter. But the force was strong with this one, and I was taken down, anyway!
This put a wrench in my plans to see ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens, not once, but twice. Two reschedulings later, and with most of my recreation group having already gone, I was faced with a solo trip. Not that I don’t appreciate some alone time, but this is one experience that is more enjoyable with someone to stroll along with and soak up the magic. A friend who had already been once, but felt rushed by the teenagers in her group, offered to join me.
It really is cool enough so see again and again. And, even if you went last year, there are new and enhanced installations to see—and the whole event has been fine tuned.
The first mistake I didn’t want to make again was concessions. Last year, I skipped dinner and intended to get some snacks and bevvies, but I walked right past them and ended up going home hungry. It all seemed a lot more obvious this time, but we also went on a Monday night, so it was far less crowded. My friend and I opted to feed ourselves first, since we had the 5:30 time slot and it wasn’t completely dark yet. This decision was greatly improved by the existence of a warming tent, where we could sit down and actually take off our gloves to eat. Well played, FMG!
I got the mac ‘n cheese and a peppermint White Russian. My dinner companion got the pasty and an Irish Coffee. While we didn’t get away cheap, the food and drinks were tasty and added to the festive vibe. Sufficiently fueled, we headed to the path. The first point of interest, the main stage featuring Hybocozos Glacial Light, was probably my favorite. (You might recognize these uplit geometric shapes from Worlds of Winter past.)
I could’ve stood there indefinitely watching the colors change and the shadows dance in harmony with the music. But, it was about 20 degrees and standing for too long made the chill noticeable. I was glad I threw on an extra layer right before leaving the house!
The rest of the mile-long stretch had familiar and unfamiliar light displays, and the snow-covered trees and sculptures made it feel all the more like a winter wonderland. Many of the Gardens’ well-known outdoor art pieces were incorporated into the light shows, and there were other standouts, like the interactive Moonlight Melody where onlookers could play the part of the conductor. Throughout there are also firepits, an additional concession stand and warming tent, and restrooms. Nice!
After what felt like just the right amount of time, the outdoor portion concluded. We walked inside to a rush of balmy air and greeters directing us to the other attractions. If you go, definitely don’t skip a walk through the tropical conservatory. It’s not only a great place to defrost, it’s also dressed in holiday décor and provides additional photo ops.
For the finale, there were numerous trees decorated in different cultural themes lining the hallways and rounding the corners. The café and gift shop were also open.
If you haven’t been yet, this really is a must-see for the season. Get tickets and full details here. And, if you are looking to save a little cash, go on one of the off nights, which also tend have lower attendance, making it easier to avoid congestion and linger longer.
(Pictured below: Inside the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory)
