On September 12, I received a text from my daughter Sarah. It read ‘A few of my friends and I are thinking about going to a concert this weekend.’ Without hesitation I responded ‘Great! Have fun!’ as soon as I hit the send button, I realized I should have answered a bit more cautiously. I quickly texted ‘Where is it?’
‘Colorado’ was the answer that followed. After a few more texts and phone calls, she and her friends were off on a fall road trip, driving from Kansas State University to Denver. They stayed with a much beloved aunt and uncle and saw a music concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. While I can’t say that I wasn’t worried much of the time, I appreciate them making the most out of life by enjoying the gorgeous weather, visiting with relatives and creating memories with good friends.
Where will this fall take you? What memories will you create? Below are a few suggestions of outdoor activities to consider. They combine the natural beauty of our state with fun and adventure.
Illinois River Road, aptly named, runs alongside of the Illinois River. It extends from Ottawa to Havana, on both sides of the river. This is a designated National Scenic Byway. Throughout the 17 communities that make up the Illinois River Road area there is a plethora of dining, shopping and lodging options. Attractions include pottery studios, wineries, museums and theater productions. Live music will be featured during the Dickson Mounds Museum Spoon River Scenic Drive Weekends. These run October 6-7 and 13-14. For more information please visit illiniosriverroad.org or email info@illinoisriverroad.org
The always popular Scarecrow Fest is occurring October 5-7 in St. Charles. Only a 30-minute drive from Huntley, it includes a craft show, bike ride and a make your own scarecrow area. Three stages feature live music and dance performances throughout the entire festival. Brunch Café will be participating in the Taste of St. Charles Festival on Friday night. The Apple Gouda Melts and Loaded Brunch Potatoes sound delicious! For more information go to www.scarecrowfest.com or call 1-800-777-4373.
The 92nd Annual Halloween Parade will take place in Centralia Illinois on Saturday, October 27. The Annual Fall Festival and Halloween Parade is an amazing event! The theme of the parade this year is ‘Candy, Costumes and Goblins…Oh My!’ The festival includes a Best Dress Pet Contest that is sure to be interesting. Like to make chili? Consider entering the Chili Cook-Off Contest. In addition to parades and contests, the festival also includes a car show. There really is something for everyone! For more information go to www.centraliahpff.org or call 618-533-5602.
Of course, you really only need to drive a mile or two to find two wonderful fall destinations right here in our community. Tom’s Farm Market is home to a bakery, gift shop, and farm market. Their Fall Weekend Activities include a petting zoo, tractor rides to pick your pumpkin and 6 acre corn maze. Delicious pies, cookies and cake pops are available through their bakery. Their Moonlit Corn Maze event is Saturday, October 20. Bring your flashlights and sense of adventure as you enjoy a hayride, bonfire, and of course exploring the corn maze. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased the evening of the event. For more information go to www.tomsfarmmarket.com or call 847-669-3421.
Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard in Pingree Grove has been a destination for our family for years. Four generations of our family have enjoyed countless fall days there and created hundreds of hours of memories. When my children were all very young, it was the only public place that I could truly relax, knowing that they were safe and having fun. This year they are debuting their Fall Light Show. It is open from October 2 through November 11 from 7:30-11 p.m. You will view 1.5 million lights as you drive your car through their farm and orchard. Their Fall Festival includes camel and pony rides, pig races, a haunted house and magic shows. For more information please visit www.goebbertspumpkinpatch.com or call 847-464-5952.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
