Fall Bucket List
ATTEND A FALL FESTIVAL
BAGPIPES & BONFIRE 9.19.21
This annual fundraiser for Lake Forest Open Lands is back in the field for 2021! What I consider to be the official kick-off to fall, our family has been attending for years. Even if you are not of Scottish heritage (we are) you will have a blast watching the Highland Games, trying your hand at fly-casting, doing crafts, and listening to the pipe bands. New this year are Native American tribal dance performances and also guests may bring their own picnic. This very special evening culminates with the lone bagpiper playing Amazing Grace at sunset. INFO HERE
THE HIGHWOOD PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 10.8 to 10.10.21
The community comes together to raise funds and attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Record for most pumpkins carved! This three day festival is one of kind with the lighting of the Great Pumpkin Wall on Friday and Saturday nights. So many fun activities for all ages includes: unlimited pumpkin carving, trick or treating, costume contests, petting zoo, carnival rides, kids crafts, three stages jam packed with live music, plus food and beverage vendors galore! INFO HERE
THE NORTHFIELD STATE FAIR 9.11.21
Affectionately called “Rib Fest” in our small town, literally everyone who lives here attends (or it feels that way.) Held at Clarkson Park, residents begin setting up and smoking ribs early in the morning. The official fun starts at 4:30PM with a local restaurant serving food & drinks, kids activities, and an amazing fireworks show! This is a great way to get outside and say hi to neighbors and friends while welcoming the fall season. INFO HERE
CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST
Traditionally Oktoberfest starts in September and is celebrated into October. But feel free to enjoy a beer and pretzel anytime this fall! The long standing event unfortunately is cancelled in Munich this year, for a second time. Why not just celebrate in your own backyard with some fun props and play a game of Hammerschlagen. Try our favorite recipe for soft pretzels HERE.
CARVE A PUMPKIN
Because nothing says fall more than scooping the cold guts out of a pumpkin and roasting up the seeds! We love to gather friends and family at our farm for this annual activity.
CELEBRATE THE HARVEST MOON
2021’s Harvest Moon will take place on September 20, two days before the autumnal equinox, which falls on September 22. The name dates from the time before electricity, when farmers depended on the Moon's light to harvest their crops. One year we hosted a Harvest Moon dinner party, a fundraiser for our local school district, where we celebrated by star gazing and setting new intentions. HERE are some creative ways you can celebrate at home.
HOST A CHILI COOK-OFF
We hope to bring back this annual Halloween tradition of hosting our neighbors in a Chili Cook-Off! Everyone is a winner here because you get to taste all the chilis and vote for your favorite. It’s even more fun if you make it a costume party!
A FEW MORE IDEAS FOR YOU…
Take a Haunted Hay Ride: this one in Lake Geneva is the best- totally scary and goes through the woods behind the Grand Geneva Resort.
Hike the Lake Geneva Shore Path: You will be surrounded by fall foliage and gorgeous mansions. Plus, you can stop at Pier 290 for yummy food & drinks by the fire pit with a lake view.
Visit a Brewery: a couple of our favorites are Lake Bluff Brewing Company, located across from the picturesque town square in the fall it’s like a scene from Gilmore Girls (except with beer instead of coffee.) Macushla is a hometown delight with indoor and outdoor seating- on Wednesdays bring in your favorite record & get a complimentary beer flight. Bonus- there is a Bernese Mountain Dog that hangs out there!
Host an Outdoor Movie Night: Any movie feels special when watched outside by a fire pit- whether you are in the mood for scary or funny, pop some popcorn and make some hot apple cider- your crew, young and old, will love it! We use this movie projector.
Go on a Virtual Ghost Tour: From Salem to Charleston, tour some of the most haunted places in America from the safety of your home! US Ghost Adventures
Make Apple Cider Donuts: What tastes like fall? These donuts do! This is the recipe we use- easy, albeit a bit messy and time consuming- but worth it! Or you could go pick your own apples and pumpkins and just buy the donuts here!