Fall Into It
Your Local Guide to All Things Fall
Writer / Elizabeth Choi
Photography Provided
Fall for Brown County
Brown County is to fall as pumpkin is to pie. Those who have been there understand that the two just go together. Brown County is one of the least populated counties in Indiana, and has more tree-covered land than any other county in the state. The fall foliage in Brown County is nothing short of spectacular. The best time to visit for the brightest, most colorful leaves is generally the second or third week of October. Take in fall foliage while picnicking in Brown County State Park or while strolling through the town of Nashville.
Downtown Nashville has more than 100 unique shops like Jack & Jill Nut Shoppe, featuring homemade fudge, and nuts roasted in-house. Stop by Lawrence Family Glass Blowers. Here you can watch glass blowers in action and shop an assortment of original and detailed glass products. There are also dozens of restaurants to choose from. The nearly 95-year-old Nashville House, which recently reopened, is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Known for homemade fried biscuits and apple butter, the Nashville House now serves beer and wine, and offers outdoor seating.
Brown County is also home to a variety of fall festivities. The “Slightly Haunted Puppet Show,” and “Ghost Stories Under the October Sky,” are ideal for those seeking a scare. The Brown County State Park will offer hayrides. This year’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival will include the Uncle Pen Festival, jam packed with music, camping and lots of fun.
Tip: Contact the Brown County Visitors Center before your visit, to learn more about what’s happening ahead of your trip. You can reach the Visitors Center at 812-988-7303, or via email at visitorscenter@browncounty.com. You can also view a calendar of events at browncounty.com.
Fall Festivals
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival: October 8-17. This is one of the state’s largest festivals, and features crafts and food. You’ll find 31 historic covered bridges. It is headquartered at the courthouse lawn in Rockville, and there are several other locations throughout the county. Each location offers something unique, like the town of Montezuma, which will have a hog roast. At Bridgeton you can find a gristmill, the 1878 House, a schoolhouse from 1925, and a variety of vendors.
Metamora Canal Days Autumn Festival: October 1-3. Located in Metamora Township along the Whitewater Canal, this is a small town with a population of less than 200 people according to a 2010 census. The town is reliant on tourism. The festival’s slogan is “If you can’t find it at Metamora’s Canal Days, you don’t need it.” The three-day event includes a flea market, art, antiques, handmade crafts and food.
Oktoberfest: October 9-11. The German American Klub of Indianapolis is hosting its 47th annual Oktoberfest in German Park, located on the south side of Indianapolis. New at this year’s festival will be a large tent with seating set up to accommodate any weather, as well as even more inflatables for the children. Oktoberfest is known for its live music, dancing and German food, as well as the Edelweiss Restaurant and MashCraft Biergarten. Admission is $5 per person – a price that has not changed in more than 20 years.
Hoosier Fall Festival: October 16-17. This is a kid-friendly event located at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. There will be amusement rides, an exotic petting zoo, vendors and live entertainment.
Pumpkin Pickin’ and More
The Apple Works: A family favorite in Johnson County, The Apple Works is located in Trafalgar and features a U-pick pumpkin patch. It holds extended hours in the fall. On weekends expect live music and food trucks, as well as train, pony and wagon rides. Also check out Old McDonald’s Farm. Homemade baked goods and apple cider can be purchased in the country store.
Adrian Orchards: Family owned and operated since 1925, Adrian Orchards is a convenient place for pumpkin picking, homemade apple cider, and more. Adrian’s is located on the south side, the orchard nearest the heart of Indianapolis.
Waterman’s Family Farm: Waterman’s has two locations in Greenwood and Indy. Its Indy location hosts the Fall Harvest Festival with a corn maze, a hayride, Tyranny the pumpkin-chomping dinosaur, food vendors and more. The Greenwood location opens in October. There you can purchase pumpkins, apple cider and other fall treats.
Anderson Orchard: Fall is a big time of the year at Anderson Orchard. Along with a U-pick pumpkin patch and hayrides, the orchard puts on two festivals throughout September and October. The Apple Festival and Craft Fair takes place September 25 and 26. More than 80 crafters will be set up, along with Dashboard Diner and its famous tenderloins and root beer. October Fest is a kid-friendly event taking place October 2 and 3. You can expect five inflatables, a trampoline, a train ride, face painting and a petting zoo.
Kelsay Farms: Experience a working farm! Get outside and enjoy the fresh air by visiting a 6th generation family farm. Get lost in the corn maze, sit by a campfire, enjoy a signature farm milkshake, play in the corn, bounce on the jump pad, and climb Bale Mountain. Kelsay Farms is open Oct. 1-31 on weekends. Group events and field trips can be scheduled by emailing tours@kelsayfarms.com.
A Little Frightening…a Lot of Fun
Hanna Haunted Acres: With one location and six terrifying attractions, including names like the Blood Barn, Hanna Haunted Acres is located in Franklin Township and also features a hayride and haunted mazes. Tickets are available for late September through October.
ZooBoo: Here’s a chance to check out the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo when they are more active due to cooler weather. ZooBoo will feature a friendly witch who concocts special edible potions, a train ride, a live DJ and more. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes.
Frightful Frontier Haunted House: The Children’s Museum Guild’s 57th Annual Haunted House has two options – lights-on hours (for kids who are easily scared) and lights-off hours (for kids who are looking for a fright). Take a ride through the Frightful Frontier, where your child is sure to encounter the goblins and monsters of the wicked west.
