A Guide to Your Perfect Fall Photo Op: #Fall #Family #VisitLakeCounty

By: Jonathan Jones 10/03/2013

Let's play a game.  I'm going to ask you to close your eyes and imagine a perfect fall moment.  Okay... go.  Odds are that you pictured the same scene that we all do .  The one where everyone is laughing, the leaves are glowing orange and yellow, and it’s not your favorite flannel shirt keeping you warm, but the smell of cider and cinnamon in the air.

See?  It’s pretty easy to see where all of our heads are at this time of year.  It’s all about capturing that one classic fall image that have burned into our imaginations.  The little witches and goblins running around, the jack-o-lanterns carved and lining the walk (…and even though I live in an apartment, I still picture a long driveway lined with glowing smiles…but let’s just go with it for a second.)

Fall is perhaps one of the quickest, yet the most savory of the seasons, so let me help you chase down that movie moment of pure fall perfection.  It's really all about the setting, and for fall, it's all about pumpkin patches and apples.  So grab your boots and cameras, button up that favorite flannel and get your hashtags ready, (#VisitLakeCounty) because here’s a list of some ideal fall photo ops to set up a real life “perfect fall scene”.

Aaaaaaaand…. ACTION!

Didier Farms Pumpkin Fest in Lincolnshire Bring the family out for this annual fall festival. Hayrides, pony rides, camel rides.  Children's kiddie rides, exotic petting zoo, corn maze, concessions, Pig Races(weekends only) Be sure to visit Grandma D.’s Bake Shop for the best pies, cookies, and fudge.  You have to try the homemade apple cider and delicious pumpkin donuts.  Hours, location and more here

[caption id="attachment_2013" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Video of Richardson's Adventure Farm"][/caption]

Richardson’s Adventure Farm

We're talking thousands of pumpkins and gourds of all sizes and colors! Some are pre-picked, but you also have the option of walking to where they are grown, and on weekends, take a free wagon ride to the pumpkin patches and back.  Everything from tiny gourds to pumpkins of all kinds of shapes and sizes - red, white, blue, warty, flattened, and of course, orange. 4 inch pumpkins up to 30, 40, 50 pounds or more! Coupon for a free pumpkin here! Let's not forget the world's largest corn maze, which is Beatles themed this year!

Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm Find your pumpkins and fall decoration at Kroll’s!  They have a huge selection of different kinds of pumpkins in their pumpkin farm, and they also have gourds and winter squash.  For your entertainment and education they also offer a corn maze, farm tour hay rides, and a petting zoo.   For serious decorators, pick up your straw bales and corn stalks while you’re here.  See the corn maze and more here!

Suzanna Farms Open daily 10-6, through Oct. 31 This farm has been run by the same family for four generations!  Select your perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating at home.  Enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, face painting, and farm animals like the baby bulls…which by the way… are the cutest things you’ll ever see.  Come for the pumpkins...stay for the memories!  More info and activities here 

Patch 22’s Pumpkins and Events Pick from thousands of pumpkins on this real, working farm!  They have tons of varieties, plus other decorations like gourds, corn stalks, hay bales and ornamental corn.  Enjoy a taffy apple and other refreshments while on a hayride and get spooked in their haunted barn!  See their horses, and other farm animals like goats, sheep, cows, and learn all about working farms.  Learn more here

Heinz Apple Orchard This orchard has been open for more than 50 years and still carries a small and family-run feel to it.  With so much history and experience, it’s no wonder that they’re all about apples!   As a working orchard, they don’t offer hayrides or have animals, but if you’re looking for an apple picking experience, this is the place for you. Parking is free but you’ll have to purchase a bag for your picking.  Buy a 6 lb. bag for $8 or a 12 lb. bag for $15 and then fill it up with the apples of your choice.   Be sure to bring cash because they don’t accept credit cards!  Open Friday - Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ziegler’s Orchards Picking hours are 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday through October and include Jonathon, Portman, Red and Golden Delicious, Fuji, Banana Apples and more.  This is a small operation, and a little under the radar, but this selection sounds amazing! 32363 North Bacon Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 Phone: (847) 546-1228

Wherever the ride takes you, be sure to share your perfect photo-ops with #VisitLakeCounty