Autumn in Lake County from Antioch to Zion

It's about that time.  There's a new brisk feeling to the air, the sun is casting longer shadows, and sweaters are calling out to you from the back of your closet.  Fall is just around the corner and it's time to get ready!  There's so much to look forward to this season!  After all, this is the time of year when everything seems warmer, despite the cool down. So grab some cider, slip on some socks, lean back and fall into Autumn with Lake County.

Antioch:  Offering 56 days of free and fun activities, and located along the Chain O’Lakes,Antioch is your link to old world charm with modern conveniences.  Celebrate a cornucopia of fall events in Antioch with their OctoberFest and Halloween Howl.  Get lost in the world’s largest corn maze at nearby Richardson Farm.  This maze is 33 acres big and has 11 miles of trails! (But only if you won't take EVERY wrong turn.)  This year’s theme is the Beatles and I'm looking forward to literally getting lost in John's eyes.

Deerfield:  Enjoy Autumn favorites in Deerfield this year at their Halloween Hoopla celebration, October 25-26. Explore the Briarwood Nature Area and feast on the beautiful fall colors of Deerfield’s natural spaces.  Shop their farmers market for the season’s freshest foods!

Grayslake:  The largest in the region, Grayslake’s farmers market is your only stop for this fall’s greatest recipes.  Artisan bakers offer hand crafted hearty breads and freshly baked goods to add to your Thanksgiving table (Wednesdays, 3-7, Downtown).  Stay warm this fall at the annual Bourbon Fest on September 13thand Rib Throwdown on the 15th.

Gurnee:  Fall into the spirit at Gurnee!  Shop the new Macy’s at Gurnee Mills for a new fall jacket, and explore the newest additions.  Get scared silly at Six Flags’ Fright Fest and enjoy hair-raising shows and haunted houses.  Enjoy Fall festivals, ghost walks and more!

Lake Forest:  Experience the 2013 BMW Golf Championship at Conway Farms thisSeptember 9-15.  Watch as PGA’s top golfers including Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, swing to win.  Dine in any of Lake Forest’s fine dining restaurants or get away from it all in the 29 acre Forest Park Beach along beautiful Lake Michigan.  On Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., through October 12, their Farmers Market is located in the train station parking lot in the downtown area.  I'm telling you, those were the best Peaches I'd ever had, and I can't wait to try their apples!

Lake Zurich: Take a relaxing stroll along Lake Zurich’s lake front path, the ideal setting for
a fall walk.  Enjoy a picnic on the sandy beach of Henry J. Paulus Park and catch an outdoor concert on their stage.  Spend these late summer days fishing from off the shores of their beautiful Lake Zurich in the downtown area.

Libertyville:  Stop in any one of downtown Libertyville’s 100 shops, restaurants and pubs for a unique dining experience.  Enjoy walking along MainStreet as turn-of-the-century buildings set the mood in this picture perfect city, offering  Autumn fun for everyone.

Lincolnshire:  Didier Farms Pumpkin Fest from September 21 – October 31 is the ultimate fall festival.  This month-long celebration includes rides, classic fall foods, a petting zoo, and of course, a pumpkin patch!  Bring the whole family and pick out your Jack-O-Lantern inspirations!

Long Grove:  Wander among the covered bridges and the cobble stone walks of downtown Long Grove this Autumn.  Enjoy apple-inspired treats at the annual Apple Fest with a fun-filled weekend of live entertainment and fun for parents and kids alike.  Home to over 80 specialty shops, numerous art galleries, and an Oktoberfest celebration, Long Grove is a fall must.

Vernon Hills:  Explore the hundreds of shops at Westfield Hawthorn mall this season.  The Cuneo Mansion and Gardens offer everything from an escape into nature or see an exhibition of period style clothing, running through September.

Waukegan:  One of the oldest communities in Illinois, Waukegan’s historic downtown is unmatched.  Charter a boat for a fall fishing excursion, see live entertainment at the famed Genesee Theatre or enjoy ArtWauk on the third Saturday of every month.  See our Calendar of events for details.

Zion:  Stroll through Illinois Beach State Park and enjoy six miles of Lake Michigan beaches lined with beautiful autumn colored trees.  Bring a blanket and a book (maybe even some coffee) and soak in some early fall sun on Zion's sandy beach shores.

Wherever the ride takes you this fall, be sure to share your photos of Lake County on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with #VisitLakeCounty