09.12.2024

Today’s Forecast

🍁 Fall in a day’s work

Your guide to apple orchards and pumpkin patches around Indy

INDYtoday: INDY_Kelsay Farms Pumpkins_OCT23

Turn this year’s pumpkin into next year’s fertilizer. | Photo by @kelsay_farms

Autumn is coming — which means all the farms, orchards, and pumpkin patches around Indy are opening their gates. Whether you’re looking to pick pumpkins, apples, or kids off the ground after a long day of fun, here are eight spots near the Circle City to satisfy all of your fall cravings.

🎃 Pumpkin patches

Waterman’s Family Farm | Open daily through Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | 7010 E. Raymond St. | $12+ | Beyond the standard hayride and maze offerings, this farm is unique for its variety of games. You can challenge your friends and family to a game of duckpin bowling, a football toss, or a run on the human hamster wheel.

Aerial shot of Lark Ranch farm — Lark Ranch has acres of activities + plenty of pumpkins.
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Photo via Lark Ranch

Lark Ranch | Dates vary through Sunday, Oct. 27 | Various times | 1611 N. Meridian Rd., Greenfield | $15-$20 | After you’ve picked your pumpkins, you can easily spend a whole day at Lark Ranch, thanks to the surplus of fun activities like gem mining, pony rides, a rock wall, bungee trampolines, and the adult zipline.

🍎 Apple orchards

INDYtoday: INDY_Stuckey Farm Sunflower_SEPT23 — Depending on when you visit Stuckey Farm, you may get the chance to pick your own sunflowers too.
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Photo by INDYtoday team

Tuttle Orchards | Open daily except Sundays through Thursday, Oct. 31 | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | 5715 N. 300 W., Greenfield | Cost of purchase | After picking your own apples and pumpkins, enjoy watching the resident goats and llamas, wandering through the corn maze, or playing in the Tractor Town Kid’s Area.

Disclaimer: Before heading out to one of these farms, orchards, or pumpkin patches, we recommend contacting them ahead of time just to make sure they are still fully stocked + operating. Some locations may close down operations once the pumpkins are gone or due to inclement weather.

4 more farms to explore

Events

Thursday, Sept. 12

Live Music on the Plaza | Thursday, Sept. 12-Thursday, Oct. 24 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Fountain Square Plaza | Cost of purchase | Grab your favorite beverages + meals from a local merchant and then enjoy a show featuring three local musicians.

Friday, Sept. 13

Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces | Friday, Sept. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | $20+ | Cheer on the Fever as they fight to pull a win over the Aces in their final matchup of the regular season.

Saturday, Sept. 14

Mutt Strut | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | White River State Park | $25+ | Join a competitive 5K or family-friendly fun run raising lifesaving funds for homeless animals in need.
Amanda’s Market | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Amanda’s Exchange, Carmel | Cost of purchase | Come explore a selection of clothing, jewelry, home goods, vintage, and art — plus enjoy food and drinks while you shop.
9/11 Freedom Fest | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | American Legion Post 64 | $10+ | Grab your motorcycle, Jeep, classic cars, families, and friends and join a ride to honor the heroes and victims of 9/11.

Sunday, Sept. 15

SARAGA 30th Anniversary Food Fest | Sunday, Sept. 15 | 12-8 p.m. | Saraga International Grocery - Westside | Cost of purchase | Experience a culinary adventure through the a world of diverse food vendors.

Events calendar here

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Travel

Travel and Outdoors

Need weekend plans? Head to Westfield.

Presented by an INDYtoday partner

a gif featuring images from Westfield, IN's farmers market

We can’t think of a better excuse to escape the city than a visit to Westfield. | Photos courtesy of City of Westfield; GIF by INDYtoday

Just an hour north of Indianapolis is Westfield — the sixth fastest growing city in the country with so many things to explore. Here are our top recs to add to your itinerary:

🍻 Where to eat + drink

From uniquely crafted sweet treats to authentic Italian dishes at quaint restaurants on Park and Jersey Streets, Westfield’s food scene rivals Indy. Read: You’ll want to bring your appetite. See where to make a reservation + explore other offerings.

Start your day with a boost at a local coffee spot. In the mood for a bevvy? Head to a variety of breweries, wineries, and distilleries located in Westfield.

🚲 What to do

“Shop Local IN Westfield” by getting your plant fix, or grabbing a gift for someone special.
Get active with pickleball at Quaker Park, trail rides, or mini golf.
Feeling crafty? Create a candle or make pottery.
Explore the history of Westfield by visiting the Barker Cabin.

🗓️ Mark your calendars

Upcoming events include:

Cuisine Connect Culture (Sept. 21)
Westfield Farmers Market (ends Sept. 26)
Barktoberfest (Oct. 5)
Trick-or-Treating in the Plaza (Oct. 25)

More things to do in Westfield

News Notes

Civic

Election Day will be here before we know it. Here’s your friendly reminder that the deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 7. Register to vote or check your registration status online.

Traffic

The south steps of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument facing South Meridian Street are now fenced off as work continues to replace the limestone stairs, which have been damaged over time. This section of the monument is expected to be closed until November 2025. (WRTV)

Community

Hoosiers who want cleaner air + healthier communities, mark this day on your calendar. Thursday, Sept. 19 is Car Free Day, when people are encouraged to get around in a more environmentally-friendly way by carpooling, biking, taking a bus, or walking to work. Register to participate + enter to win a $250 gift card.

Biz

This week, Indiana Sports Corp. laid out its plan for the next 25 years at its State of Sports event at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The 2050 Vision will focus on attracting more events, promoting business, technology + academic opportunities, and becoming a hub for women’s sports. Learn more.

Trending

Speaking of farms and corn mazes, County Line Orchard in Hobart, Indiana is feeling the Fever — so much so that it created a corn maze to honor superstar Caitlin Clark. It will be open through Halloween. Get an aerial view. (WISH)

Listen

Could the Pacers have a league award winner in 2024-25? Locked On host Tony East breaks it down, including Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, and other possible candidates for a trophy in the coming campaign.

Sports

Celebrate the Hoosier State during Indy Eleven’s All Things Indiana Night this Saturday, Sept. 14. Psst: We’re talking tenderloins, goat yoga + classic Hoosier hospitality. The team will take on the El Paso Locomotive FC at Carroll Stadium, with kickoff at 7 p.m. Snag tickets.*

Edu

You’ve probably heard the metaphor, “data is the new gold.” This local university is preparing students for the data-driven business world through its Master of Science in Data Analytics Program. Get the details on this flexible curriculum that can be completed at your own pace.*

Fun Fact

You can advertise in this newsletter with no long-term commitment or contract. Your message could be right here in as little as two days. Secure your spot.

Sports

🥇 Our golden Hoosier Paralympians

Hoosier Paralympians who competed and medaled in the Paris Games

WStoday: Paris tourism bureau during 2024 Olympics

That’s a wrap on the Paris 2024 Games. | Photo by WStoday

ICYMI: The 2024 Paralympics wrapped on Sunday, Sept. 8, and some athletes are returning to the Hoosier state with medals around their necks.

Noah Malone, Track and Field

Noah completed the cycle in Paris, winning one of each medal — gold in the 100-meter T12, silver in the 400-meter T12, and bronze in the 4x100-meter universal relay.

Grace Nuhfer, Swimming

Grace competed in her first Paralympics and won a silver medal in the 100-meter butterfly final on opening night.

Jeff Butler, Wheelchair Rugby

Jeff is a four-time Paralympian who was part of the US rugby squad that won its third consecutive Paralympic silver medal.

Rose Hollermann, Wheelchair basketball

Rose is a five-time Paralympian who was part of the US wheelchair basketall team that survived against Great Britain to advance to the Semifinal, ultimately winning silver.

Grace Norman, Paratriathlon

Grace is now a four-time Paralympian who earned her second gold medal of her career by winning the PTS5 Paralympic Triathlon.

Team USA came in third in the 2024 Paralympics medal race with a total of 105 medals. The team included nine Hoosier athletes. Get to know all of them.

The Buy

The Buy 9.12.24 (Affiliate)

The cutest ghost pillow to get your couch ready for fall and Halloween. Psst — choose your favorite size or get all three for an adorable trio.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicole

From the editor

I’m making my fall plans now to make sure that I hit all the apple orchards, corn mazes, and fall festivals that I can this year. Apple Works was always a favorite for me when I lived on the south side, but this year I’m thinking maybe I’ll check out Lark Ranch.

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