Chicago in autumn offers a myriad of seasonal delights, such as pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and culinary treats. With the onset of winter looming, locals are keen to fully enjoy the fall festivities. As stated in a recent Eater Chicago article, there are many farms, orchards and pumpkin patches within a two-hour drive from the city that offer fun activities and delicious autumnal food.
Among the options is Chicago mainstay, Didier Farms, to put emphasis on located in Lincolnshire. As well as offering pumpkin picking and spiced apple cider, they host a petting zoo and a corn maze, providing a full fall experience. Food vendors serve options such as funnel cake, brats, corn dogs, and pizza, primarily on weekends. Guests are welcomed to purchase jams, jellies, doughnuts, and pies to savor later on.
For fans of apple-based goodies, Long Grove Apple Haus is a must-visit. As reported by the same Eater Chicago report, this shop offers caramel apples, apple bread, apple doughnuts, and apple pies - not to mention chocolates from Long Grove Confectionery Co. It presents a great alternative for those in the city not willing to drive far for a hint of fall.
In contrast, Tom's Farm Market in Huntley, through October 30th, is hosting an annual autumn fest, Fall on the Farm. This festive event includes activities like pedal tractor tracks, an oversized spider web for climbing, and pumpkin-themed putt-putt. On the menu, there are things such as apple cider donuts, cinnamon roll cheesecake, and pumpkin donut shakes. A Time Out Chicago lists Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm & Garden Center, which features pumpkin choices and unique experiences such as a pumpkin-slide and a giraffe petting zoo.
Those who enjoy the thrill of a corn maze, the largest one in Kane County lies at Abbey Farms in Aurora. Alongside its annual Pumpkin Daze attraction, which is open until October 29th, the farm also offers seasonal foods like turkey and cranberry sandwiches, Italian beef, chile con carne, and apple cider doughnuts.
Standing out amongst the offerings is Keller's Farmstand at their Oswego outpost. It successfully combines a pumpkin patch with an apple orchard to offer an exciting autumn experience. Expect to find an 8-acre corn maze, a petting zoo, and a range of seasonal treats like kettle corn, apple cider doughnuts, and fudge on weekends.
Finally, for a comprehensive fall experience, pay a visit to Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest in Homer Glen. The Time Out Chicago article informs that this farm offers a diverse array of foods such as fresh apple cider doughnuts, sweet corn, tacos, barbecue, churros, and kettle corn. Activities such as a haunted barn, thrilling rides, and pig races add to the celebratory spirit of the fall season.
