Fall Fun Weekend Trip

Morning

There is simply no better way to begin your perfect fall weekend in Hendricks County than with a visit to McCloud Nature Park. Renown for it's fall foliage, McCloud Nature Park has 7 miles of beautiful hiking trails, one of the area's only prairie mazes, and a 100-year-old restored iron truss bridge.

Before you hike, stop by the Nature Center to take part in the interactive exhibits, see the live reptiles and amphibians and take in the beautiful birds of fall through the bird-viewing room.

Insider tip: The most highly rated trail at McCloud is the Sycamore Bend Trail, which winds along Big Walnut Creek, and is littered with beautiful old sycamore trees displaying brilliant bright orange and red.

Lunch

After a morning of hiking, it's time for some high quality American cuisine. Stop in at the Bread Basket Cafe & Bakery, which is known for it's spectacular breakfast, sandwiches, breads, and cakes. If you desire a breathtaking breakfast, which they serve all-day on Saturday, consider the savory Smoked Salmon Omelette, the sweet Butter Pecan Waffles or the the nationally recognized Cinnamon Roll French Toast.

For a more traditional lunch, consider the BLTEA (BLT with friend egg + avocado), the popular Dilly Turkey Sandwich, or Cranberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad. And don't leave without trying one of their fabulous cakes and pies. The Coconut Cream Pie, French Silk Pie and Peanut Butter Pie top our list.

Afternoon

Now it's time to head over to one of Hendricks County's signature fall attractions, Beasley's Orchard. And if you time it right, first two weekends of October, you can take in their popular Heartland Apple Festival. 

Start your visit by shooting some apples from the famous apple cannons. Then, survey the beautiful grounds from the comfort of a hayride on your way to the pumpkin patch. Select the perfect pumpkin for the upcoming Halloween season and hitch a ride back to the barn market for more fall delights.

While you're there, make sure to experience their classic corn maze. And a visit to Beasley's would be wasted if you didn't pick some apples! Purchase your bag and pick select variates right off the trees.

Before you go, drop by the barn market and grab Beasley's award-winning apple cider or cider slushies, and the kids will enjoy all the activities in the Barnyard Bonanza area.

Evening/Dinner

After a full day of fall foliage and fun, I'm sure your crew will be ready to check in to one of our great hotels in either Brownsburg or Avon. Freshen up or grab a quick nap before heading out for a nightcap.

For dinner, we recommend getting a reservation at one of our CRG restaurants.

In Brownsburg, you can dine at the eatery that started it all, Boulder Creek Dining Company or head into downtown to Bru Burger Bar. If you're wanting some non-CRG options, have some classic burgers and hot dogs at Rush Off Main, or swing into The Locale for quality sandwiches, salads and steaks.

In Avon, you will enjoy a night out at Charbonos, which offers a little bit of everything from steaks and seafood to soups and salads. Additionally, Avon has a Cajun/creole restaurant called Yats, as well as an authentic Greek restaurant, Opa.

Breakfast

We suggest waking up to a hearty breakfast to enjoy the best meal of the day at one of Big Bear Biscuits, The Breakfast Company or Flap Jacks Pancake House.

All three are in Brownsburg and have become local favorites, so you can't go wrong, and they are close to where we suggest you spend most of your Sunday.

Mid-Day

After fueling up, we recommend making your way over to Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg. Take a horseback ride through the technicolor forest, or check out the interactive animal areas, which have goats, pigs, bunnies and more. Pony rides are also available for kids too young to mount a full size horse.

Reservations are required, so make sure to reserve your spot before you go.

Afterward, if you're ready for lunch, stop in at one of Brownsburg's many locally owned restaurants and grab a bite to eat.

Afternoon

Or you could just choose to go for some dessert by stopping by Mandy's Ice Cream for some seasonally themed delights. Try the popular s'mores flavored ice cream, or the classic pumpkin and apple pie flavors. 

If you're interested in another activity before you head home, check out Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary. At Oinking Acres, you'll meet the passionate folks who care for the many rescued animals and livestock and their many pot belly pigs, goats, donkeys and more.