10 Autumn Treats in Lake County, Illinois 2024

By: Sam Ornig 10/04/2024

It's beginning to look a lot like autumn in Lake County as the leaves begin to change and cooler weather rolls in. Grab your hoodies and celebrate the fall by indulging in some quintessential autumn treats.

Autumn offers flavors for every palate. From crisp apple to sweet caramel to that perfect pumpkin spice, we have a list of 10 autumn treats in Lake County, Illinois to enjoy this fall. 

Phase Three Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich

A Bushel of Apples Beer

It’s that time of year again – Phase Three Brewing Co.’s official beer of autumn, A Bushel of Apples, is here for the season. In collaboration with Chicagoland staple Affy Tapple, this brew is “caramel apple in a can,” beginning with notes of roasted peanuts and crisp apple, and ending with a sweet caramel swirl.

 

Ma and Pa’s Candy Store in Long Grove

Pumpkin chocolates

Fill a bag or two of your favorite fall candies, like candy corn, sour apple buttons or pumpkin chocolates at Ma and Pa’s Candy Store. Known for stocking hard-to-find and classic old-fashioned candies, Ma and Pa’s is a Long Grove staple. Also offering a wide selection of bulk candies, chocolates and other treats, this candy store has something for everyone!

 

Tony Cannoli in Mundelein

Pumpkin spice cannolis

Pair your pumpkin spice latte with a pumpkin spice cannoli from Tony Cannoli in Mundelein. The pumpkin spice cannoli is an annual autumn hit! This family-run business offers unique cannoli filling flavors with the perfect cannoli shell, as well as other cannoli-themed desserts like cannoli bites, chips 'n dip and cannoli cake.

 

Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove

Candy Corn Ale

Buffalo Creek Brewing’s famous Candy Corn Ale is back on October 25! This silky cream ale is made with real candy corn to create a delicious buttery-caramel, vanilla and marshmallow flavor. Take a seat inside in the Bavarian-themed taproom or outside on the patio Biergarten and enjoy from the menu of masterfully handcrafted brews.

 

Long Grove Confectionery Co. in Long Grove, Buffalo Grove and Wauconda

Milk chocolate maple syrup truffle

Stop by one of Long Grove Confectionery Co.’s locations in Lake County and grab yourself some of the seasonal milk chocolate maple syrup truffles. These fall truffles also make great gifts! If you’re looking for a fun family activity, book a reservation at the Buffalo Grove location for a Chocolate Factory Tour. Every guest gets a free treat! 

 

Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove

Apple cider donuts

Cross two fall bucket list items off at Richardson's Adventure Farm: trekking through a corn maze and eating apple cider donuts. Better yet, eat apple cider donuts while solving the “world’s largest” corn maze at Richardson’s. Stop by the Donut Bin and pick up one, six or a dozen of the homemade cider donuts and other delicious fall desserts. Richardson’s Adventure Farm has fall fun for the whole family, including a pumpkin patch, ziplining, a petting zoo, pig races and more!

 

North Shore Distillery

The Manhattan

North Shore Distillery is celebrating their 20th anniversary with their very own take on the classic Manhattan featuring their 20th anniversary American whiskey. This craft distillery is known for their handmade spirits and creative cocktails. Visit the distillery in Greek Lakes or attend one of their October events to celebrate their anniversary and try out their version of the Manhattan this fall.

 

Lynfred Winery in Highland Park and Wheeling

Oktoberfest Wine

Lynfred Winery pays homage to their German roots with their Oktoberfest wine, a sweet white wine. This wine pairs perfectly with classic Oktoberfest foods like the Bavarian pretzel, bratwurst and German potato salad. Treat yourself to Oktoberfest in a glass, or try one of the winery’s several other seasonal wines this autumn.

 

Somethings Brewing in Grayslake

Caramel taffy apple

Nothing tastes like fall more than a taffy apple! Enjoy one from Somethings Brewing in Grayslake. Somethings Brewing dips a crisp Granny Smith apple in caramel, and rolls it in anything from chopped Oreos to toffee to cinnamon, and tops it off with milk, dark or white chocolate. Somethings Brewing has treats and drinks to satisfy any sweet tooth and coffee-lovers craving.

 

Whistle Stop Café in Fox Lake

Walnut peach waffle

Start your day off right with Whistle Stop Cafe's walnut peach waffle, a golden waffle topped with glazed sweet peaches, walnuts, whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Whistle Stop Cafe is located in downtown Fox Lake close to the Metra train line. THe cafe is known locally for their homemade pies and speciality coffees. 

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For more options besides these 10 autumn treats in Lake County, continue here. To learn more about the Spooks & Spirits Lake County Autumn Celebration, click here.