The autumnal equinox at 2:20 p.m. Sept. 22 heralds the arrival of what some — including many at this newspaper — believe to be the best season of the year: fall.
Yes, we know some have labeled Sept. 1 as the start of “meteorological” fall, but we are traditionalists and lovers of words like “equinox.” Plus, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s most days the past two weeks, we think that designation was a bit premature.
Anyway, actual fall will arrive next week. And we can’t think of a better place than Hinsdale to enjoy this fine season. Here’s just a few of the things we think make the village a great place to be in autumn.
• The Hinsdale Farmers Market
The asparagus and baby radishes of the spring and tomatoes and sweet corn of the summer give way to pumpkins and squashes as the temperatures cool and the growing season in the Midwest nears its end. A slight chill in the morning air makes a hot cup of coffee especially welcome during a stroll past the vendors set up along Chicago Avenue.
The market continues from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 25.
• The Hinsdale Fall Festival
An annual treat for families, the fall festival features a costume contest, pumpkin decorating, inflatables and entertainment, with trick-or-treating to follow in the downtown business district. The event is set for Oct. 16 at Hinsdale Middle School.
• Friday Night Lights
After a COVID-19 forced the rescheduling of the 2020 football season to February of this year, the Red Devils are back on Dickinson Field on Friday nights this fall. The team plays two more games at home this year, taking on Downers North during homecoming weekend Oct. 1 and facing Proviso West Oct. 15.
• Fantastic foliage
Recognized as a Tree City USA, Hinsdale has beautiful elms, oaks and maples that enjoy showing off their spectacular colors each fall. We especially enjoy seeing the three “stoplight” trees at Eighth and Grant Streets, brilliant with their red, yellow and yet-to-change green leaves.
• Fabulous flavors
Hinsdale’s eateries offer a host of seasonal delights each autumn — and not just pumpkin spice coffees (although they are tasty). In previous years, menus have featured items like apple crisp, butternut squash salad, pumpkin ravioli, apple cider doughnuts, melted witch cake and caramel apples.
Yes, fall is a delicious and delightful time in Hinsdale. We hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.
