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Hunt for Fall Foliage
A premier spot to look for fall foliage is at Brown County State Park, located in Nashville, Indiana. Whether you’re looking to take a hike or bask in the beauty of the season, crisp fall leaves can be seen for miles. The best time to visit and see its vibrant leaves are the second and third weeks in October. To learn more about its foliage, visit its Nature Center.
Knit Something Warm
The temperatures can drop significantly during the winter months, which is why it’s helpful to have some warm blankets handy. Craft a new cozy creation with yarn from Starstruck Cat Yarn Studio. Located in Greenwood, the brick and mortar yarn shop has a selection of materials to choose from, such as wool and alpaca. It also offers classes in its open studio, where knitters gather together for social crafting. Visit starstruckcatstudio.com for more information.
Explore a Corn Maze
A festive and fun fall activity is visiting a corn maze. Every weekend in October, Kelsay Farms opens its barn doors to visitors. Along with a seven-acre corn maze, guests are welcome to visit its straw bale mountain and enjoy a hayride of the property. Visit kelsayfarms.com for more information.
Visit an Orchard
No October is complete without a visit to an orchid — which is when apples are in their prime to be harvested. At Apple Works, you can buy a variety of delicious apples from the orchard, such as Golden Russet, Fuji, GoldRush, Splendour, and Pink Lady. Every weekend, there will be live entertainment from musicians like David Miller, Hey Hey Indy, Bomar & Ritter, Scott Strange, and more. Visit apple-works.com for more information.
Buy a Book
As it gets colder outside, it’s the perfect time to cuddle up with a book and pumpkin spice latte. Red Dog Books has all the necessities, such as fiction novels, comics, and records. It has something for everyone at a discounted price. If you find yourself near Franklin, there is also Wild Geese Bookshop, where the walls are covered with delightful novels.
Soar in a Hot Air Ballon
Take a ride in a hot air balloon with TJV Balloons and draw in a breath of fresh, crisp air. The ride gives guests an amazing view of Bloomington and the hills of Brown County. This activity will take your fall bucket list to soaring heights. Visit 
tjvballoons.com for more information.
Get Spooked
If you’re looking for a place to get some eerie haunts, Hanna Haunted Acres will be sure to leave you terrified. During the week of Halloween, take a hayride through the haunted forest, where creatures will peer from the gloom or descend into a dark cave while you work your way through a dark underground tunnel system. Visit hannahauntedacres.com for more information. For the younger crowd looking for some spooks, the Hotel of Spells at The Children’s Museum is filled with magic and mayhem. Visit childrensmuseum.org for more information.
Take a Weekend Getaway
Located on the edge of Brown County State Park, Story Inn is famous around Indiana as a fall hotspot. Starting at $169 a night, Story Inn’s accommodations offer a haven of carefree comfort. This is the perfect place for a weekend getaway nestled in the middle of fall loveliness. Visit storyinn.com for more information.
Tour A City
Head a few miles south to Columbus, Indiana, where its downtown is filled with architecture you can’t find anywhere else. From now to December, Exhibit Columbus is having its annual exploration of architecture, art, design and community. One of their 2019 Exhibitions, Good Design and the Community, features 18 site-responsive installations by architects, designers, academics, artists and graphic designers. The exhibition is free, open to the public, and will transform downtown. Stop by the Columbus Area Visitors Center to pick up an exhibition guide and family activity guide. Visit exhibitcolumbus.org for more information.
