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.

As the season changes, our summer weather slowly is getting cooler. While it’s still pleasant, check out some of the area’s timeless homes and gardens. Evanston has a rich cultural history immersed in art and architecture. Take some time to appreciate the history and fine beauty you’ll find right around the corner. Here is a short list of local attractions that you won’t want to overlook.

1. Northwestern University Sculpture Garden and Gallery
   1967 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201
   847-491-2300

   The Sculpture Garden of Northwestern University’s Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art constitutes one of the most significant groupings of modern sculpture in the region. In 1987, Leigh Block, bequested a large group of outdoor bronze sculptures to the museum. These pieces formed the core of the collection, which now features monumental sculptures by some of the 20th century’s most renowned European and American sculptors. In 1989, the Block Museum opened its Sculpture Garden with nine of the monumental bronzes donated by Block. The Sculpture Garden was designed by Chicago architect John Vinci and has grown to 22 pieces. Located on the University’s Evanston campus, it is open year-round. Free Block Sculpture Garden Tours are available by appointment only. For more information about the Sculpture Garden call (847) 491-4852. Read the rest of this entry »

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There are so many reasons why Ferris Homes’ Grand Bend at Green Bay community is a great place to consider living.  Other than the great amenities and intriguing structure, the location makes Grand Bend a perfect place for a Chicagoan to settle into.

For those who have concerns with the cost of living on the rise and gasoline prices at an all time high, Grand Bend at Green Bay is practical solution. It is perfectly located for easy commuting to and from the city without having to break the bank.

Read the rest of this entry »

… 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.

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