Escape to charming Hancock County, Indiana this fall.

Just east of Indianapolis, this idyllic destination offers the perfect autumn adventure. Explore the hometown of the renowned “Hoosier Poet” James Whitcomb Riley, who penned beloved fall classics like “Little Orphan Annie” and “When the Frost is on the Punkin.”Each October, Greenfield, the county seat, celebrates Riley’s birthday with the vibrant Riley Festival. This4-day extravaganza is the largest craft, music, and art festival in Indiana, featuring over 400 vendor booths, delectable food options, live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, two parades, and juried competitions in art, photography, and home arts. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Beyond the festival, Hancock County offers a wealth of quintessential fall experiences. Visit farm experiences like Lark Ranch, renowned for its philosophy of “agri-fun.” Lark Ranch has the traditional pumpkin patch, and animal encounters, but is known for its train with 1-mile of track and other amusement rides. Or explore the “Grand Dam” of Hancock County Agri-businesses at Tuttle Orchards. This facility is a fully working farm that has been in the Tuttle/Roney family for almost 100 years. You can enjoy shopping in the farm store for locally grown produce, honey, cheeses and meats. Apples are the highlight of this facility. The U-pick apple orchard offers a variety of types of apples, and you can purchase Tuttle’s award-winning apple cider that has been pressed on site–right from the store.

Once you tire of apple picking, shopping, and taking the kids to Tractor Town–the entire family can relax and get a bite to eat in Tuttle’s café. Their chef prepares a variety of delicious options that are made with locally grown items. It is literally farm to fork. Downtown Greenfield also beckons with unique shops. Indulge in designer chocolates at Greenfield Chocolates, and discover artisan crafts, antiques, and goat milk-based products, made by Udder-N-Suds, at The Gilded Nest.

Dressing your best is not a problem as you can find a wonderful selection of clothing, jewelry and other items at Ella Junes or Redefined Hope, and if t-shirts are more your style, the eclectic Organic Robot Design is also a Main Street staple. Hancock County also has other wonderful smaller communities with their own unique flare. Fortville and McCordsville are in the northwest corner of the county and are the fastest growing communities in the state of Indiana. They have a wonderful selection of restaurants and unique shops to explore.

Be sure to stop by and visit Fortville’s Pink Elephant or check out the state’s largest Round Barn–located near Tuttle Orchards. New Palestine is in the southwest corner of the county–along US 52. It has a growing selection of restaurants and shops and a fall festival in September. Lastly, Shirley and Wilkinson are in the northeast corner of the county. While these are the smallest communities, they do have a rich heritage. The Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House is in Shirley–one of the few remaining Octagon Houses in the state. Shirley also hosts a Pumpkin and Peddler’s festival in the fall.

Just 20 minutes east of Indianapolis on I-70, Hancock County is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Hoosier hospitality and the splendor of the fall season. Plan your autumn getaway today.