The days are getting shorter and the trees are beginning to lose their leaves, which means the Fall season is now upon us. In the Chicagoland area there are so many activities centered around the traditions and natural beauty associated with this tranquil season. We’ve found the most notable events and activities that are sure to satisfy your every sense.

1.    Friday, October 18th marks the day of the Northwestern University Homecoming Parade on Sheridan Road. The parade begins at 8:00pm and will feature Olymipic Gold Medalist Matt Grevers, as well as music performances by local musicians and students. Upon the conclusion of the parade, make your way to NU’s campus to view fireworks over the lake. The celebration does not end there, however. The Northwester Wildcats take on the Purdue Boilermakers at Ryan Field the following morning. Kick off is scheduled for 11:00am, so be sure to arrive early.

2.    Evanston is celebrating their fine arts and culture, with Arts Week Evanston. The festivities will begin on Friday, October 10th through the 19th. You will experience an array of musical performances, from classical symphonies to local favorites. You can also learn a thing or two by attending some of the workshops and classes, like the Pinhole Camera Family Workshop or the Drop-in Ceramics Class. Experience unbelievable art by touring the many art galleries and studios that will also be open throughout the week. There are far too many shows and activities to begin to list here, so visit the City of Evanston website.

3.    The Evanston farmers market will be running for a few more weeks, so make sure to take advantage of the fresh vegetables, fruit, and flowers while you still can. The market is held from 7:30am until 1:00pm Saturdays at Oak Avenue and University Place. Be sure to attend on October 30th, where adults and children can make pumpkin crafts and even win some prizes. Call (847) 866-2958 for more information.

4.    With Halloween approaching, the time is now to pick up your pumpkin and carve those Jack-O-Lanterns. Didier Farms in Prairie View not only has the pumpkins, they have pony rides, a petting zoo, hay rides, a corn maze, crafts, and much more. Visit the Didier Farms website for more information, and directions.

5.    Take to the trails and absorb the natural beauty this fall season produces in Wheeling, IL. The Des Plains River Trail runs south through the Potawatomi Woods Preserve along Milwaukee Avenue, and is perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Start at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Dundee Road, and enjoy the outdoors while the weather still permits it.

September marks the start of school and a renewed commitment to learning. We had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Ferris, founder of Ferris Homes, recently, who offered some lessons he’s learned over the course of his 10-year career building distinctive communities of custom and semi-custom homes. This is the first in a series of conversations with Andrew Ferris.

Click below to play the video. To view more interview questions, roll-over and click on the thumbnails at the bottom of the player.

… If not, you might want to catch up on this fantastic opportunity.

Some home builders may give out small discounts for referrals, but we’re not just any builder. We are proud of our communities as well as the great people that have chosen to call them home — that’s why we offer BIG incentives for your valuable recommendations.

When you refer someone to Ferris Homes, we pay you CASH! All you have to do is inform any guest to list you as the referrer when they come in for their first appointment, and if they purchase a new home or condo we give you $5,000. But that’s not all. In addition to the money we’ll put in your pocket, we’ll also take $5,000 off the price of their new home too! So go ahead, tell a friend, family member, co-worker, …anyone, and help them move into a home that they’ll surely love.

Links To Our Communities:

For those who have been anxiously awaiting news on Grand Bend at Green Bay, we’re offering a sneak-preview before this weekend’s grand opening.  Click here to check out the new pictures we just put up on our Flickr gallery. You’ll see the most recent photos of the exterior and interior, as well as shots of the different entrances and the parking garage.

Peruse the gallery and start visualizing your life there. You may also want to picture the oh-so-necessary housewarming party you’ll have to throw once you move in. Looks good, doesn’t it?

The grand opening of Grand Bend at Green Bay is this weekend. All who attend will be offered a $5,000 Grand Opening incentive. Become a Grand Bend VIP, however, and you can save additional $2,000 off your new luxury condo with immediate occupancy availabe.

The grand opening will take place Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm. In addition to the savings, your VIP status will also allow you to schedule a pre-grand opening appointment with us for this Friday, the 18th.

This is your last chance to become a VIP with us. It’s free and only takes a few minutes, so why delay? Sign up today to save $7,000 on your new home at Grand Bend at Green Bay.