Fall is a pretty incredible time of year to release some feel-good hormones into your blood. As if there is a bad time to do that. In the fall, the pictures look better, that's why.

Whether you're going on a first date, your first fall, or finally getting some good time in with your spouse, don't miss out on the tremendous beauty of this season. There's an intensely romantic force in the air from mid-September until the frigidness of winter.

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11 Great Fall Date Ideas in Illinois

A fall afternoon, nighttime fun, or overnight, for those who love fall, this list looks like fun to me. I live in Rockford, so some specific places are in northern Illinois, but it shouldn't be hard to find some replacements around your area.

Photo by Cam Morin on Unsplash
Photo by Cam Morin on Unsplash
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Fall Date Idea #1 - Farmer's Market

Spend the morning or afternoon at one of the area farmers' markets. Stock up on fresh veggies and make some salsa together. Fresh flowers, too.

Kevin Thompson
Kevin Thompson
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Fall Date Idea #2 - Scenic Walk and Picnic

Take a scenic walk at Rock Cut State Park, downtown Rockford by the river, or at one of the Forest Preserves. Hold hands, breathe in the fresh air, and admire all of the beautiful colors. Blanket, snuggle, crisp fall afternoon. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate.

Young scared couple is watching horror on TV.
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Fall Date Idea #3 - Scary Movie Night

Rent a scary movie and have a night in. If the relationship is new, this will guarantee some close encounters.

Vineyards at sunset in autumn harvest. Toned
Rostislav_Sedlacek
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Fall Date Idea #4 - Visit a Winery

Tour some of the area's wineries. Stock up on wine. Cranberry is a must for this time of year.

  • McEacheron Homestead winery
  • DC Estates winery
  • Famous Fossil winery
  • Northleaf winery
Homemade Sugared Apple Cider Donuts with Cinnamon
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Fall Date Idea #5 - Apple Orchard

Visit an apple orchard. Drink cider, eat donuts, and pick-your-own apples. When you get home, look up a recipe. Don't skip the kitchen dancing.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
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Fall Date Idea #6 - Pumpkin Carving

Carve pumpkins together. Save the pumpkin seeds and bake them in whatever way you would like for yet another delicious fall snack. I recommend 'everything bagel' seasoning.

Photo by José Alejandro Cuffia on Unsplash
Photo by José Alejandro Cuffia on Unsplash
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Fall Date Idea #7 - Horseback Riding

If you're feeling a little adventurous, go horseback riding at Lockwood Park. This is another great way to witness the beauty of fall.

Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash
Photo by Josue Michel on Unsplash
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Fall Date Idea #8 - Backyard Camping

Go camping in your backyard. Make a bonfire, cook S'mores, play hide-and-seek in the dark, lay out underneath the stars, searching for constellations.

11 Great Fall Date Ideas in the Rockford Area
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Fall Date Idea #9 - A Night In

Plan a night in. Make a fire, drink wine, read a book together, and light some great-smelling fall candles.

Photo by Szőcs Viola on Unsplash
Photo by Szőcs Viola on Unsplash
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Fall Date Idea #10 - Photoshoot

Hire a photographer to do a romantic photoshoot of the two of you, or ask a friend to take the pictures. Then use the pictures for your Christmas card.

Driving At Sunset
Niccolo? Simoncini
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Fall Date Idea #11 - Day Trip

Take a day trip to Galena. Enjoy the scenery, and visit the shops. Sip wine, eat amazing food, and bring home some specialty coffees. You won't struggle to find things to do in Galena

Have fun FALLing in love.

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Unbelievably Restored 163-yr-old Million Dollar Wisconsin Farmhouse

Not one detail was missed in giving this very old farmhouse new life. A couple new buildings added and a connecting underground tunnel, too.

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