The sights and sounds of fall are upon us here in Morgan County! The fall season has now officially begun, the weather has finally turned toward cozy sweater season, and we're ready with your Morgan County Fall Bucket List, detailing loads of fun ideas for the season. One of the very best times to visit the area, fall is almost everyone's favorite - apples, pumpkins, hay rides, sweatshirt weather... what's not to love!?
Here's a list of great things to do during fall - grab your family, your best friends or your significant other, and get started!
- Attend a fall festival...
we recommend the Fall Foliage Festival (Oct. 12-15), but check our event calendar for other upcoming events!
- Take a hay ride...
at Anderson Orchard, Grandpa Jeff's Trail Rides, or during scheduled special events at select area parks.
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Pick a pumpkin...
at Anderson Orchard, Gray's Produce, or the local Autumn Farmers Market.
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Roast Marshmallows...
on a campfire at Morgan-Monroe Forest, or at the Haunting of Waverly (Oct. 28).
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Enjoy a scenic drive...
on state highways, back roads or through the Morgan-Monroe State Forest or Ravinia State Forest. Watching the leaves change colors throughout the seasons is one of fall's greatest joys (and may require more than one scenic drive). Morgan County is home to about 80% of Central Indiana's tree canopy, so it's the perfect fall drive destination. Don't forget to stop along the way at unexpected places! (More on area leaf-peeping.)
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Munch on a caramel apple (with or without nuts)...
at Anderson Orchard or the Martinsville Candy Kitchen.
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Take a walk in the leaves...
at any area park, on forest trails, paved pathways or even lesser traveled sidewalks!
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Take in some live music...
at one of several area venues. Outdoor performances (both free and ticketed) continue as weather permits at Cedar Creek Winery, then move indoors to the Cedar Creek Brew Co Tap Room, or check out a smaller indoor venue to get your live music fix!
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Pack a picnic...
and enjoy it outdoors with someone you love at Burkhart Creek Park, Waverly Park, or Morgan Monroe State Forest.
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Go hiking...
check our Trails and Parks section for a trail you've not experienced yet, or return to a long-time favorite.
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Browse through a craft fair...
see our list of Fall Craft Shows, and watch the calendar of events for even more leading into the holidays.
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Enjoy those sunny afternoons...
with an ice cream stop! Check out our list of where to find ice cream in Morgan County - and watch for fun fall flavors, like pumpkin, s'mores or caramel apple.
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Get creative...
with a fun class with Atelier's Sip N' Paint, or a visit to The Glazed Gypsy (reopening later this month in downtown Martinsville!) or Art Beyond Crayons. Each of these businesses will also work with you to schedule a custom session just for your group!
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Relax at a local winery, brewery or distillery...
fortunately, you can do it all at the same time here in Morgan County. Cedar Creek Winery and Cedar Creek Brew Co are awaiting your visit! Don't forget about their more recent addition - Cedar Creek Distillery. Mooresville's Black Dog Brewing Company is definitely worth a visit as well!
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Savor a piece of apple (or pumpkin) pie...
at Gray Brothers Cafeteria, Anderson Orchard or another locally-owned eatery.
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Watch a scary movie...
under the stars (it's spookier that way) at Centerbrook Drive In. Watch for special horror features on weekends in October.
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Enjoy a pumpkin spice or salted caramel latte...
at The Local Grind in Martinsville, Sara's Goodies in Martinsville, Bran n' Shorts in Mooresville or Farm House Brew in Monrovia.
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Collect some colorful leaves...
for an art project, or just for fun! See how many different colors, shapes or sizes you can find.
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Go antiquing...
and hunt for forgotten treasures! Check our Shopping page to get started.
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Take a bike ride...
on the back roads or on paved trails at Pioneer Park, Waverly Park or Burkhart Creek Park.
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Sip on fresh apple cider...
at Anderson Orchard. Choose from hot, cold or frozen varieties!
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Tell ghost stories...around a campfire, before visiting a haunted house or during a trail stop at Stepp Cemetery in Morgan-Monroe Forest.
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Pick your own apples (or berries)...
at Anderson Orchard. Don't forget to stop by the playground and giant straw pile on you way out. See their website for available varieties.
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Trick or Treat...
on the Halloween Hike in Mooresville, at HalloweenFest in Martinsville or at the Haunting of Waverly! Watch our blog for an upcoming list of haunted happenings.
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Be brave...
at the annual Hall's Haunted Halls - a scary haunted house in an old elementary school building near Monrovia. It's open on Fridays and Saturdays in October.
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Go on a scavenger hunt...
seek out seasonal treasures or other unique finds. Put together your own list, or use one of these from our Pinterest board. Up the fun quotient by doing a photo scavenger hunt! (See #29 for our hashtag.)
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Enjoy a horseback ride through the woods...
at Grandpa Jeff's Trail Rides. They also do seasonal hayrides and campfire events if you're not quite up to being in the saddle - call ahead to schedule.
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Eat persimmon pudding...
at the Martinsville Candy Kitchen - watch their Facebook page to see when it's available. They often have both popular varieties - cake-style and true pudding-style.
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Enjoy a weekend getaway...
Choose from a traditional hotel room, the new all-suite boutique hotel in downtown Martinsville (Brickhouse Loft), a vacation home rental or go all-in with an overnight at the campground at Morgan-Monroe State Forest (pack plenty of batteries for your flashlight).
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Take pictures..
lots and lots of pictures, to remind you of the great experiences you have in Morgan County, and to share with friends! Be sure to tag your photo posts with #thisismorganco so we can share in your fun Morgan County fall adventures!
Happy Fall!
Be sure to see our restaurant listings for local favorites or check out our lodging page for places to stay in the area if you need more than one day to enjoy the season in Morgan County. See our Fall Activities page for even more seasonal fun ideas!
