It’s not time to hibernate yet. Get out and play! Here’s our list of fall fun.
Scroll down for apple and pumpkin picking, bikes and hikes, fall crafts, fall food, Halloween ideas, Northwestern football, trunk shows and wine tastings.
Apple Orchards, Pumpkin Patches and Farmers’ Markets
Apples and pumpkins are ripe for the picking! And don’t forget the last few crops of summer veggies. Whether you’re baking a delicious apple pie or carving a grinning jack-o-lantern, MIB compiled the ultimate apple orchard, pumpkin patch and farmer’s market lists for you to have at your fingertips.
The Best Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches
8 Farmers’ Markets You Need To Visit
Bikes, Hikes and Nature Centers
Keep climbing and pedaling into the fall. Go for a bike ride on a local trail, visit a nature center or get out of town for a scenic hike.
Biking:
The Apple Cider Century: A Fall Biking Tradition In Three Oaks, Michigan
5 Best Bike Trails to Try
Healthy Obsession: Cyclocross
Hiking:
Trekking West Michigan
Hiking Through History: The Geneva Lake Walking Path
Fitness:
5 Ways for the Weight to “Fall” Off
Check out our calendar for fall outdoor activities!
Get adventurous: Compete in the City Solve Urban Race on September 10.
Nature Centers:
Into The Wild, Child
Fall Crafts
Get crafty with some fun and easy projects for you and your kids!
Easy and Fun Fall Crafts With Kids
Fall Food
Apple cake, caramel apples… meatball eyeballs? As the leaves begin to change colors, usher in autumn with some classic fall recipes and a few spooky dishes for Halloween.
Autumn Apple Cake
Easiest Caramel Apples Ever
Turkey Thighs Braised In Cider
“Skeleton Bones” Breadstick Recipe
“Ghost Brains” Steamed Cauliflower Recipe
“Eerie Eyeballs” Meatball Recipe
“Frankenstein’s Guts” Crispy Kale Recipe
Tried and True Halloween Recipes
Halloween
‘Tis the season! For spooks and sweets, that is. Get into the ghoulish spirit with tips on everything from homemade costumes and adult Halloweens to keeping your kids and pets happy amidst candy madness.
Halloween Hangover Prevention Tips
Pet Tip: Halloween Pet Stress
Come As You Aren’t: MIBS Guide to Halloween Costumes
Sexy, Scary, Supernatural Whodunits to Rent on Halloween!
Northwestern University Footbal Schedule
Football season is finally here, so root for the home team! There’s nothing like a football game on a crisp, fall Saturday. Check out Northwestern’s 2011 fall schedule for some Big 10 fun.
Trunk Shows
Kick off the fall with some new looks! Head to local trunk shows to see what’s in store for a fashionable future.
Frances Heffernan (Winnetka)
9/14-17 – Lafayette 148
10/13-15 – Lida Baday
10/18 & 19 – Rena Lange
10/21 & 22 – Zenobia
10/25-29 – Brunello Cucinelli
10/28 & 29 – Les Copains
11/12 – Temple St. Clair
Shirise (Glencoe):
9/15 & 9/16 – Taryn Rose
9/22 & 9/23 – Carlos Falchi
Neapolitan Collection (Winnetka):
10/13-15 – Lela Rose
10/27 – Derek Lam
11/3-5 – Wes Gordon
Neiman Marcus Northbrook Court
9/28-10/2 – Christian Louboutin
Wine Tastings
Interested in trying a new Merlot or learning more about wine lingo? Head to a wine tasting this fall for an enriching, flavorful experience.
Schaefer’s
Wednesday, September 14, 6-8pm – Taste of Italy
Schaefer’s Wines hosts a celebration of Italian specialties, featuring foods, wines, spirits and beer. Learn how to make fresh mozzarella at home! This in-store event will be packed with passionate representatives of our favorite Italian producers.
Free
Thursday, September 15 – Schaefer’s Wine Dinner at The Happ Inn
Mel Master, winemaker, restaurateur, all-around amazing guy, will be hosting this evening’s gala kickoff to Schaefer’s fall wine dinner series. French and California wines. Three course dinner, five wines. Call today to reserve seating. $65 per person, all-inclusive. Call Schaefer’s: 847-677-9463.
Tuesday, September 20 – Schaefer’s Monsanto Wine Dinner at Cappriccio’s Northfield
Laura Bianchi, manager of the Castello di Monsanto and daughter of founder Fabrizio Bianchi makes a rare Midwest appearance. Four-course dinner with seven wines. $65 per person, all-inclusive. Call Schaefer’s: 847-677-9463.
Thursday, October 13 – Schaefer’s Fritz Wine Dinner at Prairie Grass
Clay Fritz, a Schaefer’s favorite makes a return visit. Four courses, five to six wines. Limited seating still available. $80 per person, all-inclusive. Call Schaefer’s: 847-677-9463
Vintage Illinois Wine Tasting Event (Matthiessen State Park): 9/17, 9/18
Wildfire: Beringer Vineyards Dinner (Lincolnshire): 9/23
Wildfire: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery Dinner (Lincolnshire): 10/21
