Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a truly North American food. The oldest seeds were found in Mexico, dating back to between 7000 and 5500 B.C. According to WhatsCookingAmerica.net, the name pumpkin originated from the Greek word for “large melon,” which is pepon. The French changed pepon into pompon, the English morphed pompon to pumpion and American colonists worked pumpion into pumpkin.
Fall Flavor: From the first day of school through Christmas, every restaurant in town seems to find inspiration in the autumn classic, offering everything from a pumpkin spice latte to pumpkin pancakes. As much as we enjoy the variety of delightful fall treats, a classic pumpkin pie will always be our favorite. Our favorite local pie shop is Upper Crust Bakery in historic Overland Park. Known for made-from-scratch pies, Upper Crust serves a fabulous rendition of the seasonal favorite.
Fall Fun: Kansas City is home to several amazing pumpkin patches, each with its own variety of attractions. Jumping pillows, corn mazes, pony rides, petting zoos, photo ops, train rides, character meet-and-greets, live entertainment and other fall fun await at our local patches. You’ll find the best patches in the metro in our Pumpkin Patch Guide.
Frankenstein
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the first publication of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The story of a young scientist who creates a monster as part of a science experiment has captured imaginations for centuries. The monster in the book is often referred to as a creature, while it is the scientist who is known as Frankenstein. However, in modern culture, the term Frankenstein is often used to refer to the monster himself.
Fall Flavor: At Westport Ice Cream Bakery (4120 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 14, Kansas City, MO), get a taste of old-fashioned handmade ice cream. In addition to classic flavors, the shop serves a variety of one-of-a-kind concoctions, including Frankenstein, a green-colored, mint flavored ice cream with cookies and candies giving it a crunchy texture.
Fall Fun: Audiences will cackle at Mel Brooks’ new musical comedy production of Young Frankenstein, showing at White Theatre at the J, Nov. 4-19. Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick and a leggy lab assistant, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors.
Jack-o’-Lanterns
Did you know that the original jack-o’-lanterns were carved out of turnips and potatoes? When the Irish brought the tradition to America, the vegetables were replaced with the pumpkin, and jack-o’-lanterns as we now know them came to be.
Fall Flavor: Beginning in mid-October, Papa Murphy’s sells jack-o’-lantern shaped pizzas. The take-and-bake pizzas are a hit with kids and perfect for a family movie night enjoying classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, The Wizard of Oz and E.T.
Fall Fun: Every October, Powell Gardens hosts Glow: A Jack-O’-Lantern Festival. This year, the festival takes place Oct. 19-20 and boasts a mile-long pathway of carved pumpkins. Enjoy hayrides, a firepit, refreshments and pumpkin carving demonstrations at this fall festival.
S’mores
For nearly a century, campers have been enjoying the traditional campfire dessert, the s’more. The word is a contraction of the words “some more”—what every child utters after finishing his first graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow sandwich.
Fall Flavor: Hurts Donuts at Ward Parkway Center came to Kansas City with a loyal following. The chain is known for unique flavors and combinations, from the unicorn donut to the Cookie Monster. However, the s’mores donut is one of our favorites, as it combines the campfire classic marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers with delicious fresh donuts.
Fall Fun: On weekends, enjoy a tractor-pulled hayride at Paradise Park, where you’ll hear spooky stories, play fall games and make s’mores around the campfire. In addition to offering seasonal hayrides, Paradise Park houses a family fun center featuring bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag, rock walls, escape rooms and arcades.
Maple Leaves
Watching the leaves change is a highlight of a Midwestern autumn. You can track the best time to enjoy fall foliage with this resource from the Missouri Department of Conservation: Nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/fall-colors.
Fall Flavor: Trader Joe’s offers a variety of delicious fall treats throughout October, but the maple leaf cookies are one of our favorites for a quick dessert to enjoy on a fall picnic. The sandwich cookies are maple leaf-shaped with maple filling.
Fall Fun: Pack a picnic, take a hike and enjoy the fall foliage. Our family’s favorite local trails include:
- Burr Oak Woods Conservation Center: In addition to a beautiful nature center with hands-on exhibits, the area is home to miles of beautiful trails for walking or bicycling.
- Cave Springs Nature Center: This is a small nature center with historic exhibits and beautiful scenic walking trails.
- Ernie Miller Nature Center: This center offers children’s activities and programs, as well as live animal displays and the chance to participate in hands-on activities and explore nature trails.
- F.L. Schlagle Nature Library: This year-round interactive library, nature center and nature trail offer scientific, educational, cultural, informational and recreational opportunities.
- George Owens Nature Park: Enjoy a small nature center, programs for children, fishing dock and trails.
- John Barkley Visitor Center: Local and national parks exhibits, fishing dock and trails are found here.
- Lakeside Nature Center: See falcons, owls, eagles, toads and exhibits. The nature center also features a gravel trail for walking and exploring.
- Parkville Nature Sanctuary: Wildlife preserve and education site featuring hiking trails.