The kids have gone back to school weeks ago and we've now set our fall goals. I guess it's time to accept that it's really fall! Sometimes fall get's overlooked sandwiched between lovely summers and brutal winters. There is so much that you can enjoy in this lovely season. What are your favorite things to do in the fall?
Enjoy the leaves
The north east might think they have the market cornered on gorgeous fall leaves but Chicago can definitely hold it's own in this department. You'll find amazing places all over the Chicagoland area to leaf peek. My favorites are definitely the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden. If you're going to visit them definitely get there really early and be prepared for lots of people! Don't want to deal with tons of people there are amazing parks and forest preserves all over the area.
Corn mazes
Corn mazes are definitely a Midwest staple. From simple ones to elaborate designs that look amazing from above you'll find them from Chicago to Nebraska. While everyone has them they don't have the world's largest like we do. You'll find that at Richardson Farm! This year they're celebrating the Illinois Bicentennial. For a little more adult take on a corn maze head to Goose Island for Jack's Pumpkin Nights where you'll find a corn maze with a bar. Well three bars to be exact. Who wouldn't want to get lost in a maze like that??
Pick your produce
Apple picking and pumpkin picking are staples to any Chicago area fall. We have amazing patches and orchards that have whatever produce you're looking to enjoy. For my personal favorite apple orchard you'll actually have to hop over the Indiana border. We discovered in college County Line Orchard when Becky had to write a story for the school paper. After heading home with our own pumpkins, apples, caramel apples and the most delicious doughnuts we were hooked! Don't want to go so far? Check out Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch in South Barrington. They have all the fall staples along with a whole lot of other produce options. Since they're right on my way home from work I've stopped to get corn all the time.
Get spooked
This is one fall past time I tend to skip out on but if this is your bag there are some great options. For the big mac daddy of Chicago area haunted houses you'll want to take in the Statesville Haunted Prison & City of the Dead. Haunted houses too cheesy for you? Try a graveyard tour. For me who is a big wimp I'd go with a day time one that focuses on the history of who is buried there and the stones. Kevin definitely prefers the at night ones where you try and connect with the spirits. The best part is we've got both types in spades all around the area. You'll find probably half a dozen different tours that go through Graceland Cemetery alone!
Enjoy some beer
For some reason fall always seems like the perfect time to enjoy a nice cold brew. Whether you decide to head to an Oktoberfest or enjoy some brews tailgating there is no bad way to enjoy beer in Chicago. Don't want to socialize with too many people you can enjoy a brew at one of the many, probably hundreds of breweries that are in the area. Since the weather is more consistent in the fall you might even still be able to enjoy the patio.
Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also join me on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. In addition to life-capades and doing it for yourself, I love all things 'real life' so use the hashtag #museumfanatic on social media so I can see your beautiful unstaged life. Oh and on the top of the side bar to your right, you can follow me on Bloglovin or on social media to be alerted to each new post!
Post a Comment