Nothing beats the sights and smells of fall - and there's no better place to enjoy them all than right here in central Indiana.
Whether or not it's your favorite season there's no denying that the fall has something for everyone. From pumpkins and the falling leaves to sitting around a campfire - Here's the top 11 things you want to make sure you do before the season ends.
1. Go Apple Picking at a local orchard (and make a homemade apple pie!)
What better way to celebrate fall than picking your own apples at a local orchard – and there's no shortage of them here in central Indiana. You can check out the map below or find your own, just don't forget some apple cider while you're there!
And about that apple pie - Country Living put out a whole list of recipes to choose from – or make one of your own!
2. Take a ‘Fall Foliage’ drive.
That’s right – get out and drive. If you’ve never ventured out into the beautiful countryside this state has to offer, then you’re missing out. So hop in the car, pick a destination and just drive! If you need some help finding a good spot to visit you can check out our list of the best places to find fall foliage across in Indiana.
3. Get lost in a corn maze – and snap some photos to prove it!
It’s not officially fall until you’ve grabbed a few friends (or the kids) and ventured out into the middle of a cornfield to get lost. If you’re not afraid of the dark then take a trip out just as the sun gets ready to set and see how lost you can really get.
This year’s awesome corn maze designs from across the state - including the one below celebrating Indiana's Bicentennial - have us wanting to visit them all.
4. Play (or watch) some Football
It’s always more fun to be the one throwing around the ball – but if you’re not into playing the sport, that’s fine too. Between the NFL, College football and High School football you have an entire weekend worth of games to pick from during the fall.
Some of our best Friday nights were spent at those high school football fields. You can visit your alma mater for a game or cheer on the kids, we won't judge!
5. Visit a pumpkin patch - and pick the biggest pumpkin there!
Okay the biggest isn't always the best, but when it comes to a pumpkin, you can't go wrong with any size.
Make it a weekend and find a patch that satisfies several things on this list or you can just go find a local patch you’ve never been to before.
Once you’ve picked the perfect pumpkin you’ll have to decide what you’re going to do with it. You can carve it or paint it or just display it in all its orange pumpkin-y glory.
But if you do decide to carve - don’t forget to roast the seeds for a snack!
6. Enjoy a good fall brew
Something about a nice cold brew just hits the spot on an autumn day. Check out this list of some of the must-try fall beers made at Indiana breweries. But feel free to check out any of the craft breweries in the state and grab a sip of something new.
Did you know there are nearly 30 craft breweries in Indianapolis alone?
Check out our map below to find a brewery near you:
If you’re not into beer – there's no judging here. Visit one of the many wine bars in Indianapolis for a sip of something a little less "hoppy."
7. Go on a hayride
Hayrides aren't just for the kids anymore. They come in every type imaginable - whether you're looking for something calm and relaxing or some more excuses to get spooked - check out our map of places you can go for a ride near Indianapolis!
8. Visit a Haunted House
If you’re in for all things spooky then visiting one of the many attractions across the state might be right up your alley. But there are so many good Haunted Houses across the state we couldn’t pick just one.
CHECK OUT| MAP: Best central Indiana haunted houses
Or if you’re up for something a little scarier – you could check out some of the spookiest places in Indiana. From cemeteries to haunted houses there’s a little something for everyone, but these aren't for the faint of heart - don’t say we didn’t warn you!
9. Roast some marshmallows (and tell scary stories around a campfire)
What kind of a fall would would it be without some s’mores around the campfire? If you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent for the weekend Visit Indiana has a list of ten great places to camp this fall.
Or if you’re just looking for a place to take the kids check out the Fireside Tales in Westfield.
10. Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte - or take one to a friend!
If you’re not into the ‘pumpkin spice’ craze, that’s fine, there are plenty of other fall favorite drinks out there. Visit any of your local coffee shops to see what they’re offering this fall.
11. Eat some pumpkin bread (or cookies, cake, donuts…)
You could make your own – or visit one of the many local bakeries Indy has to offer.
But don’t just limit yourself to sweets – have a warm cup of chili or some pumpkin soup (yes, it’s actually good!) There are way too many fall-favorite dishes and not enough days of fall, so get out there and enjoy!
If you’ve completed our list and still have some fall left – here’s some more fun ideas:
12. Have a Fall Photo Shoot with the family (and pets!)
13. Go for a family bike ride at Fort Harrison (or a cool area in your town)
14. Go Antiquing for cozy decorations
15. Make (or buy) a fall wreath for your front door
16. Donate to your local food pantry
17. Run a Race
18. Visit a local candle shop
19. Watch a Halloween Movie (We won’t tell you which one, take your pick!)
20. Take the kids trick-or-treating (Or give out candy to the neighborhood kids)
