Your Guide to Fall in Illinois.

And somehow, just like that, we are in the ‘ber months! Fall in Illinois is magical. The Autumn spices that fill this season’s baked goods, candles, and decadent drinks delight our senses and bring a deep sense of nostalgia. The scene outside evokes a feeling of calm as leaves turn to warm Autumn colors and cornfields color the landscape with their golden hues. Although I will say the smell of pumpkins outside in Morton is less than pleasant, the rest make up for it!

Illinois has so many amazing Fall-inspired outdoor places to enjoy this season as well! Between Fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and other local favorites, there is plenty of opportunity to gather with those you love and savor the best that the fall season has to offer. I hope everyone had an amazing Pumpkin festival week last week! Below are some of the things you don’t want to miss – your guide to fall – in central Illinois this year:

• Rader Family Farms: located in Normal, Illinois, and known for its jumping pillow, cannons, and specialty coffee selection.

• The Great Pumpkin Patch (Arthur IL) : don’t miss the fresh bakery items! Make it a fun day trip!

• Curtis Orchard (Champaign, IL): the apple cider donuts here are unmatched. The perfect fall treat.

• Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival: (Fulton County) a famous regional celebration featuring local crafts, food vendors, and historic sites.

• Tanner Orchard (Speer, IL): the perfect spot to enjoy fall as a family, with their “back 40 fun acres” activities.

• Old Capitol Farmers Market (Springfield, IL): an amazing stop for your harvest goods, Wednesdays and Saturdays in downtown Springfield for the month of October.

• Starved Rock State Park: to get the most of the fall outdoor foliage and scenery! This is just gorgeous in the Fall and we are so lucky to have it close by!

I’m sure each of you have those things on your yearly Autumn bucket list that have come to mean “Fall” for you and your family. Whether you are a yearly visitor at the places listed above, or savor the fall season in other ways, I would love to hear from you (and add your favorites to my own personal bucket list for this fall)! 

Happy Fall to each of you, friends!