The changing of colors signals it is time for apple picking and hayrides along Indiana Foodways Alliance (IFA) Homegrown Culinary Trail. With Indianas long history of farms and orchards it seems this is the season that Indiana really gets to show off. IFA helps you find the best spots to celebrate this fall.

Wanting to pick your own pumpkin and be driven to the pumpkin patch in a hay wagon? Head to the City of Peru to McClures Orchard where you will find children activities, the Animal Barn, the Apple Dumpling Restaurant and the Apple Barn Store. Continue to Beasleys Orchard and Gardens in Danville, which offers educational group tours along with a corn maze and produce. In addition, a variety of apples, apple products, and local honey can be found at Apple of His Eye Orchard in Anderson. While Prairie Acres Restaurant and Farm Market in Oaktown serves meals in addition to selling produce and gifts.

Looking for more places to let the pros make the pies and leave the eating to the traveler? Head to Apple Hill Orchard in Knox County where Karen Black uses the orchards produce to make pies, tarts, breads, doughnuts, preserves, and jellies. Karen says apple pie is their biggest seller, but when peaches are in season the peach pies fly out of here. Her favorite to make, however, is their apple crisp. One can also try Highpoint Orchard in Greensburg for a visit to our Orchard Shop and Apple Barn for a refreshing apple slush, apple cider, and in-season pies - all while browsing our assortment of gifts and home accessories.

Now travel from traditional orchards to a modern-day and fascinating agritourism experience. In the northwest part of Indiana off of Interstate 65, one will find Fair Oaks Farms taking visitors through the dairy process from grass to glass. Nine dairy farmers 3,000 cows make possible the Adventure Center, interactive exhibits, the Cow Palace Theater, bus tour, and Milking Parlor. This year pigs have been added to the family and adventure. Fair Oaks Farms dairy products can be purchased at the Oaks Café, ice cream parlor, and store.

Indianas festivals also preserve and celebrate the local food heritage. See and taste how food was once made during Mississinewa 1812, October 11-13. Grant County will again be hosting this event, which is the largest War of 1812 living history museum in the United States. In addition, Tippecanoe County is home to the popular Feast of the HuntersMoon, October 5-6. These long running events allow people of all ages to immerse themselves in Indianas past through activities, products, and food. Many smaller festivals throughout the state also happen every weekend in the fall.

For more information on the Homegrown Culinary Trail and additional trails visit www.IndianaFoodways.com or call 317-853-4944. The IFA is a membership-based organization dedicated to the development and promotion of the food culture and heritage of Indiana.