The places I’ve been….
As a sort of a Getting to know you post I will highlight some of my favorite places I have been and my most memorable experiences. I suppose it would be easiest to work in chronological order. Growing up in rural North Central Illinois most of most of memories are of complaining how little there was to do! However that was not entirely the case. Several of the small towns I grew up by held summer festivals or carnivals and in the fall there was a few orchards and pumpkin patches we would venture to for a fun fall day.
One of my all time Favorite orchards to visit when I was young was Tanners Orchard. My own memories of the orchard are hazy and unclear, but I could never forget the apple cider we would buy by the gallon and by the cup to wash down of the delicious fall treats they would have for sale in the bakery. I was fortunate to get the chance to bring my own daughter there once when I was back home visiting my Sister and Nephew, we enjoyed corn mazes, goats and llamas, and lots of other activities for the kids. It was such a great day, although it was much busier than I remember as a kid; but I think that is a good thing! It means more people are getting out there and making wonderful memories!
Another favorite fall destination of mine growing up was Boggios orchard. When I was in K-5th grade every fall we would take a field trip during school to go out to the pumpkin patch and all the kids could pick a pumpkin to take home to decorate. Over the years it starred growing bigger and better and is now quite an impressive destination for our little community. Today the orchard offers U-pick apples and pumpkins, kids activities such as corn mazes, bounce houses and barrel trains and wagon rides. They also host a craft show in September. Oh, did I mention that they have THE BEST sweet corn in the area! You have to get you some!
Another wonderful fall event in that neck of the woods is the Burgoo Festival in Utica Illinois. This year it is held on October 7th& 8th . It is a fantastic community event that is running 53 years and still going strong! The festival includes musical entertainment, flea markets and arts and craft vendors, a classic car show plus much more! The star of the show is the Burgoo which begins preparation on Saturday and is served on Sunday; make sure to get some before its gone! But don’t worry, they also have other food vendors in the food court area to help satisfy your hunger.
If you are in the area, or need an excuse to head that way then be sure to check out any of these destinations!
Tanners Orchard- 740 State Route 40, Speer, Illinois
https://www.tannersorchard.com/
Boggios Orchard and Produce- 12087 Il Highway 71, Granvile Illinois
http://www.boggiosorchardandproduce.com/
Burgoo Festival- Utica Illinois