Autumn Drive showcases McHenry County farms, vendors
A drive in the country to see the fall colors can be fun, but what if that drive included stops at farms and galleries for antiquing, crafts, lunch and local produce?
The McHenry County Autumn Drive, now in its 25th year, features more than a dozen stops, each with its unique offerings. The drive is just north of Route 176, primarily on Garden Valley Road, and extends from Deerpass Road in Marengo on the west to Sunnyside Road in Woodstock (GPS address for the drive is 16105 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock).
A complete map with all the stops numbered on the route is available at any of the locations, or on the website for the event, www.autumndrive.net.
The hours for Autumn Drive are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-21.
Here is what visitors can expect to find along the way.
1. Cody's Farm Fresh Vegetables
Home grown vegetables/pumpkins, Fall decorations, food, barrel rides, corn box, corn maze, pumpkin launcher, children's tractor track, antique tractors, music and many crafters. Info: www.codysfarm.com
2. Antiques by the Partlos
Antiques, original art, picture frames, records, old bicycles, collectibles, jewelry, ladies pocket watches, kitchenware, a set of wood shaft golf clubs, unique items, lots of small items, buttons, sewing machines and more.
3. Trash and Treasures of Millstream Woods
Visit five locations offering garage sale items, crafts and family treasures in a subdivision at the end of Millstream Road and along the way. Locations: 3511 Millstream Road, 18501 Deerpath Trail, 2913 Woodcliff, 18321 Woodland Trail, 18322 Woodland Trail
4. RB's Concessions
Food with inside dining available. Crafts, sweatshirts and novelties.
5. The Rivers Edge Farm
Homegrown canned vegetables, crafts, photos, autumn items, home decor.
6. Lisk Family and Friends
Pumpkins, squash, Indian corn, and straw. Ol' Leo's Honey, locally produced by Philip Lauf, is available at this stop.
6a. Lunch barn
Food for sale, with proceeds donated to Faith in Action of McHenry County and the Marengo and Woodstock food pantries. Info: www.fiamchenrycounty.org
7. Karen Schneider, Ceramic Bug Supplies
Crafters and vendors, including sweets, caramel apples, candles, jewelry, dip and soup mixes, antiques, beads, toys, books, knitted items, baskets, Christmas decorations and more.
8. Grasser Antiques
A 5,000 square-foot barn full of antique furniture, jewelry, linens, trunks, used books and white elephant items.
9. A Bit of Everything
A 4,000 square-foot shop with candles, soaps, handmade jewelry, Tastefully Simple items, photography, floral items, a food cart and more.
10. Blue Eagle Pottery
Handmade functional and home decorative pottery (porcelain and stoneware), glass jewelry, holiday decorations. Exhibitors and crafters outside including metal, wood, jewelry, honey, dog accessories, health products and clothing. Other exhibitors include Helping Paws Animal Shelter, Woodstock High School Dance Team, and McHenry County Living Magazine. Info: www.blueeaglepottery.com.
11. The McHenry County Historical Society
Visit the 1885 original Seneca Township Hall to cast a “ballot” for the United States' chief executive. The McHenry County Historical Society is hosting the straw poll. Vote anonymously in an old fashioned voting booth. Results will be posted periodically. After you vote, buy a quilt raffle ticket or vintage gift and sample some Wisconsin kettle corn. The old township hall, now called Perkins Hall, also is welcoming Christine Martin from Olive Leaf Soap in Marengo, Woodstock watercolorist Fran Stake, Gary Anderson from Prairie Antiques of Marengo and Harvard crafter Dawn Bihlmaier. Info: www.mchsonline.org.
12. Grace Farms
Organically grown asparagus, raspberries, and Icelandic wool; quilts and quilting supplies, weaving and weaving supplies, baskets, furniture, and woodwork. Info: gracefarmstudios.com
13. Garage Sale Heaven on Hobe Road
Several families on Hobe road will hold garage sales.
14. All Seasons Apple Orchard
Twelve varieties of apples, including honeycrisp; pick your own pumpkin patch and a 10-acre corn maze with an overlook bridge. Spend time in the petting zoo, country farm market, and indoor grill restaurant. There is an apple cannon, several barnyard activities and wagon rides available. Info: www.allseasonsorchard.com