Since school resumed, we’ve had unusually high temperatures for McHenry County. We finally got a break in mid-October with a nice breeze and high 50-degree days. It’s time to break out your long sleeves and coats; sweater weather and pumpkin spice season are finally here. Here are the top 5 affordable fall activities to check off your Autumn list.
FREE Pumpkin Bowling at Dave’s Pumpkin Farm in Huntley
Pining for the perfect patch to pick your precious pumpkin? The pursuit is over! Only 2 miles west of Randall, on Algonquin Road, this adorable and affordable family-owned pumpkin patch has served Northern Illinois since 1975.
Admission and parking are free, and all pumpkins (no matter the size) are only $9 each. The farm offers daily haunted hay rides, antique pedal tractor playground-like equipment, and a mini corn maze for students with young children or siblings. For those of all ages, check out the free pumpkin bowling and nighttime hay ride.
Unlike other pumpkin patches or fall farms, Dave’s has no animal attractions like petting zoos or pig races. This is great for students with allergies or those who don’t like to engage in animal exploitation.
For more information, including pricing, directions, and more, visit their website:
Dave’s Pumpkins
9112 Algonquin Road, Huntley, Illinois 60142
Open Daily (10 a.m.– 8 p.m.)
DIY Dairy-Free Caramel Apples
This recipe only calls for six ingredients and 20 minutes of your time. I loved caramel apples, but I’ve had difficulty finding them pre-made since ditching dairy. Thankfully, this quick recipe is cheap and fun for the whole bunch without the guilt. Only $1.18/apple not including optional nuts and popsicles sticks.
View the whole recipe here:
https://thehiddenveggies.com/vegan-caramel-sauce-vegan-caramel-apples/
FREE Haunt 31’s Annual Haunted Walk/Drive-Thru
Beware whoever goes there! With 1-10 un-dead actors each night, homemade animatronics, and over $80,000 of creepy decor, this free haunted house is now open in Lake in the Hills. 2023 is the Wrolson’s 25th year in operation. Admission is free; however, donations are accepted if you want to thank them for all their hard work.
Toby Wrolson explains why there is no admission charge. “Some people can’t afford to go to a haunted house, and I want everyone to be able to enjoy the Halloween season. I’m extremely passionate about it.”
You can find more information about the attraction on their website:
Haunt 31
340 South Annandale Drive, Lake in the Hills, Illinois 60156
Sunday-Thursday: Dusk – 9:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: Dusk – 10 p.m.
Easy-Peasy-Cheapy Pumpkin Pie
It’s not fall without pumpkin pie, and you don’t know good pumpkin pie until you’ve baked one yourself. I’ve been using this recipe for years, and it’s a hit every time (my husband eats the entire 9-inch pie in one sitting)! Sweetened with maple syrup and homemade coconut whipped cream, this pie is to die for — and only $0.80 a slice!
View the whole recipe here:
https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/easy-vegan-pumpkin-pie/#recipe
All Treats and No Tricks at Ethereal Confections
Stop into Ethereal Confections Cafe in Woodstock Square to get that pumpkin spice latte you’ve been craving, and check out all the other autumn ambrosia. Ethereal’s entire chocolate line is dairy-free and soy-free, making their truffles the perfect goody for anyone. They offer several plant milk options, like oat, almond, and coconut, to add to your coffee or tea. They always have a comforting ambiance, cozy lighting, and a place by the fire for you and a friend or special someone. It is that time of year, you know.
Hot drinks cost $3.35 and up, and their homemade chocolate costs $3 and up a piece (sometimes, they hand out free samples).
For more information, visit their website:
https://etherealconfections.com/
Ethereal Confections
140 Cass Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
Sunday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
What are you waiting for? Grab a friend and a few bucks and head out there; fall only comes once a year.
