HELLO, OCTOBER
October brings crisp air, golden leaves, and harvest flavors, so this month, Talk of the Town is celebrating the autumn season. We’re traveling the globe to find the best fall foliage—from the East Coast to Patagonia—spotlighting local farmers markets still buzzing into October, savoring cozy harvest-inspired foods, and curling up with films that capture the magic of autumn.
Summer may be in the rearview mirror, but several local farmers markets are still going strong through October—giving you time to savor autumn’s bounty.
Evanston Farmers Market – Saturdays through Nov 1
A North Shore favorite featuring fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and specialty items from more than 70 vendors.
Wheaton French Market – Saturdays through Nov 29
Modeled after European markets, this open-air gathering at Main & Liberty in downtown Wheaton features fresh produce, flowers, specialty foods, baked goods, jewelry, and handcrafted gifts.
Andersonville Farmers Market – Wednesdays through Oct 22
A midweek community favorite in one of Chicago’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, with farm-fresh goods and prepared foods from around the world.
For a different kind of shopping experience, don’t miss the return of the Chicago Artisan Market on Sunday, Oct 19 at the historic Morgan MFG in Fulton Market. This curated event celebrates the ingenuity of independent small businesses who channel their passions into one-of-a-kind creations. Meet the artisans, hear their stories, and shop everything from handcrafted goods to seasonal eats, art, and confections—a fun way to connect with the makers behind the products.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, 2025’s autumn colors are expected to peak across much of the U.S. in mid to late October—which means there’s still time for a last-minute leaf-peeping escape.
Classic destinations such as New England, the Ozarks, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and northern Michigan will be glowing in reds, oranges, and golds well into the month, making October an ideal time to plan a quick getaway.
If you prefer to plan ahead, remember that fall unfolds in the southern hemisphere six months later. In April and May, landscapes across Patagonia come alive with the changing foliage. Picture autumn’s colors set against the magnificent granite peaks and pristine lakes of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile—a bucket-list destination any time of year.
Closer to home, Chicago’s peak colors are also forecast for later this month, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the show without leaving town. Stroll through the Chicago Botanic Garden or Morton Arboretum for sweeping vistas, or opt for unexpected gems like Graceland Cemetery, certified as an arboretum with over 2,000 trees including oaks, yews, maples, and beeches. Promontory Point in Burnham Park offers skyline views framed by autumn leaves, while LaBagh Woods is a haven for birdwatchers. And there’s Wooded Island in Jackson Park, where you’ll also find the Japanese-style Osaka Garden and Sky Landing, Yoko Ono’s first permanent public artwork in the Americas.
Whether you’re chasing peak color across the country, dreaming of Patagonia in April, or simply stepping outside in Chicago, autumn’s palette awaits you.
Isn’t Autumn the perfect time for comfort foods? Say yes to dishes that highlight the textures, flavors and aromas of the season. From the sweetness of apples to the nuttiness of chestnuts, fall ingredients lend themselves beautifully to both simple meals and elevated dining.
Squash takes center stage this time of year, whether roasted and served with herbs, folded into creamy risottos, or pureed into velvety soups. Apples make their mark well beyond pies—think cider-glazed pork, apple and cheddar pairings, or even crisp salads that balance tart fruit with earthy greens. Belgian endive, a late autumn vegetable, adds elegance to the season’s table—delicious when braised, roasted alongside root
vegetables, or used raw in salads for a pleasantly bitter crunch.
On the global food scene, fall flavors pop up in many ways. In Europe, you’ll often find roasted chestnuts sold from corner stands, their smoky aroma filling the air. In Japan, sweet potato vendors bring warmth to chilly evenings, while in North America, cider doughnuts, caramel apples, and pumpkin-spiced everything show up at autumn festivals and in your local grocery store. In Italy, truffles are in season—adding their earthy flavor to pasta, arancini, risotto, scrambled eggs, and even ice cream.
Autumn’s colors and moods have long inspired filmmakers, setting the stage for stories of romance, whimsy, and reflection. Here are three films that capture the season in their own unforgettable ways:
When Harry Met Sally (1989): A classic rom-com favorite, the film’s iconic walking-in-New-York sequence from Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art has become one of cinema’s most enduring images of autumn.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) — Wes Anderson’s stop-motion delight is steeped in russet tones and harvest imagery, making it as visually autumnal as it is clever and charming.
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) — Barry Jenkins’ compelling adaptation of the James Baldwin novel opens with a romantic autumn walk through Riverside Park and Harlem, the golden light and falling leaves reflecting both tenderness and bittersweet change.
