Yesterday was the first day of fall, and now you can officially order Pumpkin Spice everything without *too much* judgement. I cannot wait for what this new season has to offer. If you love the cooler temps as much as me, keep reading to find out about the sweet treats from local bakeries and coffee shops, apple picking at area orchards, and seasonal family-friendly events throughout the Rockford region. 

Crust & Crumbles

Sweet Treats

Mary’s Market is a Rockford favorite during any season for their homemade breads, soups, sandwiches and salads. But now that it’s fall, it’s time for their pumpkin pie squares, pumpkin cake bars and the coveted fall favorite, pumpkin spice latte.

If you’re looking for something a bit more savory, Crust & Crumbles, located in the new Indoor City Market, always has a wide variety of sweet and savory pastries. A favorite in the fall is the fresh loaves of bread, including Oktoberfest favorite Laugenbrots.

Rockford Roasting Company always delivers the ultimate coffee experience no matter the season. Keep your eyes peeled for their seasonal menu coming soon!

Donuts

Fresh Apples, Donuts & Cider

Nothing screams “Fall” like a Rockford area apple orchard. Curran's Orchard has warm apple donuts, award-winning cider and gluten-free treats, along with hay wagon rides and a strawbale mini-maze.

In addition to the 18 varieties of apples ready to be plucked at Edwards Apple Orchard West, Edward’s also offers pick-your-own pumpkins and weekend tractor rides as well. 

Valley Orchard offers all sorts of fall treats including apple pie, fresh bread, sugared and glazed apple cider donuts, fudge and more, along with their pick-your-own apples, and fall raspberries. This 35-acre family-owned orchard has really got it all!

Oktoberfest

Fun Fall Events

Where can you find “the Running of the Wieners”, “Bier Barrel race” and German food and bier? The 55th Annual Oktoberfest occurring Oct. 4-5 at Loves Park City Hall has all of this and more!

Midway Village Museum is once again hosting its annual trick-or-treat in the Victorian Village for All Hallows Eve on Oct. 19. More than 20 buildings will be decorated for Halloween, so bring the entire family to enjoy this festive, fall experience. 

The Great Pumpkin Market Pop-Up at the Indoor Rockford City Market is Oct 26 and will be featuring story time and crafts for kids, vendors and specialty fall food and drinks. While Rockford City Market may be a favorite of the summer, luckily we can enjoy these Indoor Market events all year-long!