This article originally appeared in the Fall 2016 ISSS Cultural Spotlight Newsletter. You can read the rest of the Newsletter here.
Now that the Fall season has officially arrived, it is time for us to start embracing the wonderful things that come with the cooler weather, such as comfy sweaters, hot spiced beverages, beautifully-colored leaves and PIE (Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie…how do we choose??). Fall has something for everyone, whether you’re a trickster who likes scaring your friends with Halloween pranks, or whether you’re an aspiring chef who is looking forward to wowing your guests with your gourmet Thanksgiving creations. If you’re looking for some ways to celebrate this season to the fullest, consider taking advantage of the following Fall activities in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Local Treasures
Visit Allerton Park
Allerton Park, an estate and retreat center that is owned by the University of Illinois, hosts plenty of events throughout Fall season. You can also choose to roam the grounds of the park on your own. Try to take a visit before the end of the season so that you can see all of the beautiful Fall colors in the gardens and trails! ISSS will be hosting a hiking trip at the park on Sunday, October 16th. Please email Lauren at lkarpl2@illinois.edu for more details.
Check out Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
Although Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is best known as a Christmastime destination (they have 16 Reindeer and 5 acres of Christmas trees!), they also have plenty of activities for you to enjoy during the Fall season. You can challenge yourself to complete the farm’s Corn Maze either in the daytime or at night under the moonlight. You can also go on Hayrides and Reindeer Tours. If this sounds like fun, Join ISSS on Saturday, October 15th for a Weenie Roast at the ranch.
Head to Curtis Orchard
From Hot apple cider to pumpkin patches, Curtis Orchard has everything that there is to love about Fall. At Curtis, you can pick your own apples, select the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and choose from a variety of local souvenirs, baked goods and sweet treats in the gift store. You can also enjoy live entertainment on weekends during September and October.
Scary Things
The Haunt at Bonesaw Mill and Baldwin Asylum
I personally will never, ever go to a Haunted House, but for those of you who like people in creepy costumes jumping out of dark corners in addition to other nightmare-inducing experiences, you will be able to find plenty of opportunities to lose sleep this season. Check out The Haunt at Bonesaw Mill in Champaign or Baldwin Asylum in Rantoul.
Brainstorm Escapes: Rise of the Zombie Pets
Brainstorm Escapes is a company that offers team-based challenges in which participants have 60 minutes to escape a series of rooms in order to piece a mysterious story line together. In “Rise of the Zombie Pets,” their Halloween-themed challenge, you will have to work together to escape a mad scientist’s house before he turns you and your friends into his own brainwashed Zombie pets.
With so many things to do in the next few weeks, it would be a shame to not take advantage of these opportunities to get out and enjoy all that this area has to offer. We wish you a safe and happy Fall season!
