Celebrate fall’s most recognizable icons with tasty treats and memorable outings.
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. They also make an amazing caramel apple pie and pecan pie to tempt the tastebuds with even more fall faves.
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, giant slides, corn pits, 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 on KCParent.com.
Jordan Spatz
Spooky Stories
This year marks the 205th 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 Annedore’s Fine Chocolates (locations: Annedores.com), the small shop known for packing big flavor into decadent chocolates, you can celebrate fall with their one-of-a-kind treats, including Frankenstein French macarons and solid chocolate Frankenstein treats.
Fall Fun: Oct. 19-Nov. 5, the Coterie brings Electric Poe back to Union Cemetery, showcasing three newly adapted Poe works. The work of Edgar Allen Poe, literature’s master of the macabre, is so perfectly suited for an autumn performance in a cemetery, and we are thrilled that Coterie brings this tradition back to Kansas City this fall. The setting, the material, the performers, the costumes ... it’s all so idyllic for a brisk October play. Treat yourself and your family this Halloween to superb acting accompanied by atmospheric underscoring in front of Union Cemetery’s holding vault, built in 1857 in Kansas City’s oldest public graveyard. Tickets available at TheCoterie.org.
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: Did you know that jack-o’-lanterns can even turn into pumpkin cars? On the last Saturday in October, Westbrooke Church (9777 Antioch, Overland Park) hosts a Great Pumpkin Derby. This is a fun-filled creative race where handcrafted pumpkin race cars compete in a side-by-side derby. Prizes are awarded for the top race cars and best designs. Spectators and racers are invited to cheer on their favorite pumpkin race cars, enjoy a hot dog lunch, yard games, face painting and more! Register to race or plan to attend; info at WestbrookeChurch.org.
S’mores
For nearly a century, campers have been enjoying this traditional campfire dessert. S’more is a contraction of the words “some more”—what every child utters after finishing his first graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow sandwich.
Fall Flavor: Betty Rae's (locations: BettyRaes.com) has been a Kansas City favorite since opening in the Waldo area in 2015. Now with multiple locations and a loyal following of fans who love their crazy concoctions (Louisburg Apple Cider ice cream floats and Joe’s Kansas City Burnt Ends & Sauce ice cream anyone?), they also serve up a scrumptious fall classic in their s’mores ice cream. The flavor boasts homemade marshmallow fluff toasted and swirled with crushed graham crackers and Betty’s fudge! Yummo!
Fall Fun: S’mores around a fire pit in the fall are a great way to turn neighbors into friends. Build a fire and create a build-your-own s’mores bar. You can invite everyone to bring a favorite surprise ingredient (i.e., bananas or waffle cones) and share s’mores, campfire stories and laughs.
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 Spring 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.
- Shawnee Mission Park: John Barkley Plaza at the entrance offers parking and a shaded meet-up spot. In the park you’ll find a fishing dock and extensive trails.
- 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.