Have You Been to the Pumpkin Farm

After planning our annual family outing to our favorite pumpkin farm, we enjoyed a fun weekend of outdoor fun, great food, and pumpkin decorating.  We have leaned towards paints and stickers over carving the past couple of years.  Less mess and our pumpkins last longer.  That is if the squirrels don't snack on them when you put them on your porch as ours do.  (Does anyone have any tips on that?)  Check your local craft store for paints, brushes, and peel back stickers. A painted pumpkin with your address painted on is a cute address marker and looks festive.  Let out your most creative self and have fun.

Our family annual pumpkin patch Pearcefarms in Wisconsin where we climb the hay bales and run through the corn maze.  Did I mention they sell amazing apple cider donuts, banana bread, pumpkin bread, jams, jellies, and much more.

I found these fun stickers and paints on Amazon.

They are so festive on the fireplace mantel.

Guess which one I am! 

              

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Favorite Midwest Fall Places to Visit

Fall is one of my favorite things about living in the Midwest. I have so many favorite things about the season, especially all of the annual events we look forward to with Family and friends. I like to check out Eventbrite for new, upcoming options in my area but I also enjoy engaging in our regular traditions. Honestly, there are so many but here are a few of my favorite Fall activities...

A new one at the top of my list is Boxed and Burlap. I eagerly anticipated the opening of this unique coffeehouse/garden center and it was worth the wait! Their coffee is custom made for their shop and it's one of a kind! It is located in Delavan, Wisconsin (just an hour from Chicago). The owners, John and Lindsay have put their heart and soul into it so please check it out next time you are looking for seasonal plants, ambiance and a delicious cup of coffee.

A newly opened Boxed & Burlap

Pearce Farms, located halfway between Williams Bay and Fontana, Wisconsin is our family gathering spot each year for picking our pumpkins and gourds with wagons and wagons of pumpkins to choose from. They offer hay rides, stacked hay towers to climb on, and a 12 acre corn maze with clues along the way to help you find your way out. This year the corn maze features a maze of politics with images of Hillary & Donald cut into the maze! After the corn maze, check out and purchase fresh breads, apple cider, cinnamon, or pumpkin doughnuts, jams and jellies to take home.

If you are looking for a spooky time, check out the Haunted Hayrides at Dan Patch Stables in Lake Geneva. Haunted hayrides are offered Friday and Saturday nights through October 29 from 6PM - midnight. The first hayride of the evening is a bit less scary and family friendly. Ghosts and Ghouls hop on board during your ride throughout the way so prepare to be spooked!

Lastly, check out the Harvest Fest at Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago, Wisconsin for apple picking, a corn maze, pony rides, and a pumpkin patch. Enjoy the gorgeous Fall colors aboard a tractor pulled hayride or take a scenic ride on the East Troy Electric Railroad train from Elegant Farmer. But what they are best known for is their AMAZING apple pie baked in a bag. Did I mention some are topped with caramel? Ask for a fork so you can eat it at the picnic table outside...Trust me, you won't want to wait! The bakery at Elegant Farmer also offers jumbo muffins, assorted cookies, fruit breads, cider baked ham and countless other delightful goodies. We love the BBQ pork sandwiches and warm cider donuts from their donut shack (Can you tell we love to eat?!).

Smiling Elegant Farmer Barn

Pie to die for...

What sort of events do you look forward to in the Fall? If you're in charge of hosting any this season, Eventbrite is an easy place to not only start your planning but find events in your area.

Gather your friends and family together to enjoy all of the events I mentioned or use Eventbrite to search for other great seasonal happenings in your area.  

Happy Fall! 

Orchards and Wineries

Photo Apple Barn Orchard and Winery

Photo Apple Barn Orchard and Winery

Visiting pumpkin farms,  apple orchards and wineries are the perfect activity for the family on Fall weekends.  Many provide hayrides, corn mazes, wine and apple cider tastings, and did I mention sell these apple cider donuts pictured above.  Is there anything better to help say goodbye to the Summer and embrace Fall?  

Applebarnorchardandwinery in Elkhorn Wisconsin is a favorite of ours.  Once you visit their Country Store and Bakery, you'll never want to leave. Apple cider doughnuts, caramel apples, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (I'll be posting a recipe for these on a future date), apple pies, local honey, jams, salsas and unique gifts along with seasonal decor.  They typically produce 11 wines, with offerings of apple, pear, strawberry, cranberry wines just to mention a few.  Their website gives directions and details.

Another that will become a family tradition once you visit is ElegantFarmer located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin.  Years ago I was a chaperone on our daughter's class camp trip and while the students were busy with activities, I set out to find a bakery that sold cookies I could bring back for the students.  I discovered ElegantFarmer and have been going back every since.  Visit their website and check out the electric train schedule and check out the Fall colors.  They are famous for their delicious apple pies baked in a brown bag.  Did I mention they sell these pies drizzled with caramel if you like?  They give you a fork so you can head right out to the picnic tables and indulge.  Visit the doughnut shack located in the orchard for warm cider fresh doughnuts while you pick your own apples.  

All this talk has made me crave doughnuts!  Happy Weekend.  

What's your favorite Fall tradition? 

Enjoy a Fall Picnic

I look forward to Fall every year. Leaves on the trees become brilliant colors and the air is suddenly crisp. Visiting the local farmers market and farm stands for the best selection of apples, pumpkins and squash are at the top of my list this month. Temperatures in the Midwest have been in the 90's this week, with humidity levels making it feel like 100. Summer is lingering and I'm not complaining. 

Al fresco dining is something our family enjoys Summer and Fall. .  With the calendar pages turning to September, you can still create a picnic Fall gathering easily with a bit of creativity. 

Here are a couple of simple suggestions to help enhance the experience.

1)  Throw a plaid blanket on a picnic table and give your table a nostalgic look.  

2)  Mason jars can serve as drinking glasses, utensil holders or my favorite is to pack individual salads in jars.

3)  Use pie plates as plates or muffin tins to hold condiments.

4)  Bundle silverware ahead of time in cloth napkins.

5)  Pumpkin or apple cider doughnuts (what else do you need?)

6)  Portable grills.

7)  Pumpkins and apples can serve as natural centerpieces.

What's your favorite picnic food?

Have a great weekend and embrace the day!