The official start of fall may be at the end of September, but many of our favorite fall activities, attractions and certain coffee beverages become available much earlier than that! If you love fall here’s our guide to make the best of the season! Be sure to click on locations you’re interested in to learn more!
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1. Sip on a Pumpkin Spice or Apple Cider Beverage
Pictured: Maple Bourbon Coffee from Eastside Café
The only way to beat the autumn chill that’s better than snuggling up in your favorite sweater… is snuggling up in your favorite sweater while sipping on a pumpkin spice coffee or apple cider. These classics will be available at Original County Donuts→ and Blue Box Café→. Give them a call to check when these fall favorites are coming back! Oh and we have to mention trying a maple bourbon iced or hot coffee from Eastside Café in East Dundee→. It’s such a unique flavor but understandably a fall classic once you taste it!
2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Getting to pick your pumpkin is a must for the ultimate fall experience. Each patch offers a different experience. The Pumpkin Wagon→ is all about the pumpkins. Decorating, painting or eating available pumpkins is an option with all the variety that’s offered. For a agritourism experience head over to Enjoy Pioneer Farm→ to visit the animals, pick veggies and walk the patch to pick your pumpkins. Or you can also head to Goebbert’s Farm→ where there are also veggies picking opportunities as well as the apple orchard and attractions for kids.
3. Go to a Candy Store
Whether you’re preparing for Halloween or looking for a quick fix for your sweet tooth, candy stores bring out the fall décor and candy that will really get you into the spirit of the season. Around the Corner Candy in West Dundee→ is a fan favorite for their candy, chocolates, seasonal decorations and they also have caramel apples!
4. Attend a Fall Event / Festival
There are quite a few events happening in the Elgin Area this fall and many are free to attend! Here are some of the events happening this year.
5. Visit a Farmers Market or Farm Stand
Reap the goods from the harvest at a local farmers market or farm stand for guaranteed fresh products!
6. Make S’mores
Whether you’re out camping around the fire or inside using the gas stove on a rainy day, S’mores are an amazing fall treat. You can also complete this category if you’re able grab some S’mores ice cream from Milk House→. Be warned this is a fall favorite that is frequently scooped up fast!
7. Watch a Football Game
Football is integral to the fall season. Cheer as you watch your team on the big screen at an Elgin Area sports bar or in-person with Judson University’s new football team! See below for a list of options.
8. See the Leaves
Seeing the leaves change colors is fall’s most beautiful features. It’s a great time for a romantic walk or an afternoon picnic with the family. One of the best spots to go to take in the sights is the Fox River Bike Trail→. Running through multiple preserves and Elgin Area communities you can see all of fall’s beauty, both natural and through the decorations set out. Some other options are:
Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve→
9. Savor a Fall Foodie Favorite
The fall season offers some of the most delicious and savory dishes like chili and other soups and stews. And don’t get us started on the treats and desserts! Between the pies, cobblers and apple cider donuts picking a favorite isn’t possible. Here’s a list of fan favorite seasonal offerings from Elgin Area businesses:
Chili at Elgin Public House→
Apple cider donuts at Country Donuts→
Caramel apples at Goebbert’s Farm→
Assorted baked good at Herb’s Bakery→
Various fall flavors of ice cream at Milk House→
Themed martinis at the Martini Room→
Local Oktoberfest brew at Black and Gray Brewing→
10. Watch a Spooky or Fall-Inspired Flick
Every year we can expect scary movies to hit the theatres. If you love going to the movies stop by Marcus Cinemas in Elgin→, Cinema 12 Classic Cinemas in Carpentersville→ or the Cinemark Spring Hill Mall and XD in West Dundee→. But getting cozy in your pjs and hunkering down for a movie is also perfect fall activity. Here are some recommendations if you choose to stay in:
Scary Movies
- The Exorcist (1973)
- IT (2017)
- The Shining (1980)
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
- The Halloween Series
Spooky Movies
- Labyrinth (1986)
- The Village (2004)
- Edward Scissorhands (1990)
- The Haunted Mansion (2003)
- Beetlejuice (1988)
Kid Friendly
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
- Halloweentown (1998)
- Hocus Pocus (1993)
- Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
- Casper (1995)
