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Autumn Drive has 26 stops for fall fun

The 32nd annual McHenry County Autumn Drive, which takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 18-20, is an event that combines a variety of fall activities into 26 stops along rural roads in Woodstock, Union and Marengo.

You can purchase pumpkins and apples, shop for antiques, garage sale and flea market finds; browse handmade pottery, artwork and crafts; visit a historical museum; buy produce and eggs from local farms; and stop for lunch or warm up with hot cider or coffee at a food cart, lunch barn or local restaurant.

Other offerings include petting zoos, homemade kettle corn, caramel apples and apple cider doughnuts, Halloween and Christmas decorations, mums and other flowers, wreaths, a quilt raffle, collectibles, jewelry, furniture, and an antique tractor display.

There are two routes along the drive - the Pinecone and Acorn routes - but the headquarters are at 16105 Garden Valley Road, Woodstock. Maps and descriptions of all 26 stops are available at each location. Parking is available along the drive, which is self-guided.

A few insider tips from the website:

• Try to go at off-peak hours, as the roads and parking can get crowded in the middle of the day Saturday and Sunday. Less crowded hours are 9-10 a.m. Friday, 9-11 a.m. Sunday and 3-5 p.m. all three days.

• Indoor restrooms are available at Ceramic Bug, J. Goebbert's U-pick Farm Stand, and All Seasons Orchard.

• Kids' entertainment is offered at 5 Lazy K Ranch, Cody's Farm & Orchard and All Seasons Orchard.

For details, as well as a printable map and list with description of all 26 stops, visit www.autumndrive.net.

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