There are millions of reasons why people love the fall; the changing colors of the leaves, the slight briskness in the air, and the smell of fresh apple cider donuts are just a few of many. Autumn is a beautiful time of year in St. Charles, and there are tons of activities that will get you in the fall mood. Here are some things to do around town that you can't miss out on this season.
Take a Hayride at Primrose Farm
Photos Courtesy of Primrose Farm
There's no better way to celebrate the fall-harvest than on an actual farm. Primrose Farm offers a 30-minute tractor-drawn wagon rides that the whole family will absolutely love. Not only do you get to cruise around the farm, but you also get a sweet treat at the end! Group tickets include everything you need to make s'mores over your own private fire, and individual tickets include a marshmallow roast over a shared fire. Click here to find what times are available and to book your ride!
Go to the Farmers Market
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Farmer's Market
Harvest season is a great time to get some fresh local produce for any fall meals you are looking to create, and the St. Charles Farmers Market makes it easy to get some! The Farmers Market takes place every Friday from June through October from 8am - 1pm and is located at Fourth Avenue and Main Street, along Baker Memorial United Church. Not only will you find delicious produce, but you'll even find local meats, flowers, baked goods, crafts, and much more.
Go Shopping
Photos Courtesy of Townhouse Books, Magnolia Soap and Bath Co., and Ghoulish Mortals
When fall rolls around, you have to stock up on all the seasonal products! Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. offers a variety of fall themed soaps and other products such as their "Apple Spice" and "Fall Y'all" soap. With the weather getting chilly, it's a perfect time to curl up and start a new book. Stop by Townhouse Books and find a novel that you won't want to put down. Feeling spooky? Ghoulish Mortals is Chicagoland's only retail monster and horror store located right downtown, and it's jam-packed with scary-themed, artist created merchandise. This store screams Halloween, so be sure to visit...if you dare.
Catch a Game at a Local Bar
Photos Courtesy of Riverside Pizza & Pub, Crazy Fox Bar and Grille, and Flagship on the Fox
With football season now in full swing, you can't miss out on supporting the Chicago Bears. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in St. Charles that provide an excellent atmosphere to cheer them on. Grab a Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza from Riverside Pizza & Pub, or try Crazy Fox Bar and Grille's "Fried Pork Sandwich" that is piled high with coleslaw, pickles and house BBQ sauce. If you do (unfortunately) happen to be a Green Bay Packers fan, Flagship on the Fox serves some cheese curds that come with a chipotle ranch sauce that will make your taste buds smile.
Have a Scare at Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour
Photos Courtesy of the Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour
Looking for a good scare? If so, then the Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour is for you! The Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour gives you the opportunity to see some of the spookiest homes in the Fox Valley, and we can't think of a more fitting way to really get into the Halloween spirit. This is a fa-boo-lous opportunity to put your fright tolerance to the test! Click here to view the map of all the homes on the tour, when it takes place, and to find out how you can show off your spooky house.
Explore the Parks and Trails
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District, the St. Charles Business Alliance, and Drew Pertl Photography
St. Charles is home to an abundance of parks and forest preserves that offer breathtaking views of the changing colors of the leaves. Take a walk on one of the many trails and take in all the stunning nature in this city. Some of the local favorites to visit in the fall are Delnor Woods Park, Pottawatomie Park, or LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. Another terrific option to experience wonderful fall views is to explore the Fox River Trail. This trail is situated right along the Fox River and it runs all the way from Oswego to Algonquin, and provides excellent views of all the beautiful autumn scenery.
Taste Fall Foods
Photos Courtesy of Kilwins, Alter Brewing + Kitchen, and Coroco Coffee
Many local restaurants offer food specials in honor of the autumn season. Alter Brewing + Kitchen is featuring an Oktoberfest Burger that consists of Ream's Brat Burger, house-made sauerkraut, swiss and cheddar cheese, and house mustard all on top of a pretzel bun. Or, grab a salted caramel pumpkin spice latte with house-made spiced pumpkin puree and smooth salted caramel from Coroco Coffee. Need something to satisfy your sweet tooth? Kilwins offers an array of fall treats including caramel apples, caramel corn, peanut brittle, and much more.
Sip on Wine and Ciders
Photos Courtesy of The Wine Exchange, and Broken Brix Winery and Cidery
What better way is there to unwind after a fun, autumn day than sipping on some wine or cider? Broken Brix Winery and Cidery offers a wide range of beverages - wine, mead, and cider; many of which are made in-house or come from local producers. Their "Cherry Cider" or their "Late Harvest Riesling" are two great options to enjoy during this season. The Wine Exchange is another fantastic place to have a drink, as they have many bottles available for purchase. If you're just looking to have a glass and and maybe enjoy some small bites to eat, they offer that too! You can even enjoy their outdoor patio and soak in some more of that autumn air!
Want to find more activities and events in St. Charles? Be sure to download the Travel St. Charles App to give you an insider's guide of everything that this city has to offer!