AUTUMN IN CHICAGO
About MARISSA
Marissa Lanzito launched her residential real estate career on Chicago’s North Shore back in 2001, quickly making her way to the city and spending nearly a decade as a key player on one of Chicago’s top teams. With over twenty years in the business and a reputation for rolling up her sleeves, Marissa brings unmatched insight to real estate transactions and an insider’s perspective on Chicago’sever-changingneighborhoods.
What sets Marissa apart? A no-nonsense, hands-on approach, a knack for advocating fiercely for her clients, and a genuine love of building lasting relationships. She’s not just a Chicago market expert—she’s also licensed in Wisconsin and serves the Lake Geneva area, drawing on her lifelong ties to the region.
These days, you’ll find Marissa living (and loving) life in North Center with her husband,twokids,onerambunctiousRhodesianRidgeback.
THINGS TO DO THIS
FALL
FALL BUCKET LIST
CHICAGO
Zoo Fall Fest – Pumpkins & treats
Corn Maze – Richardson Adventure Farm
Apple Picking – County Line Orchard
Arboretum Walks – Morton Arboretum
Pumpkin Spice latte– Foxtrot & Dollop
Movie Night – Music Box Theatre
Ghost Tour – Chicago haunts
Art on the Mart – Riverwalk lights
Fall Festivals In Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Sept 26 – Oct 26 (Fri–Sun)
Free entry; rides ~$4 (discount packs available)
Celebrate fall at the zoo with pumpkins, rides, animal enrichment, and cozy seasonal treats. Bright décor and live entertainment make it a perfect city escape for families.
PRO TIP: Go early to skip ride lines and grab tickets in bundles for better value.
Bengtson’s Farm Fall Fest
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up
GOOSE ISLAND
Sept 18 – Nov 2
Tickets cost $22 (kids 5–11 ≈ $20; 4 & under free)
A massive city pop-up with 10,000 pumpkins, corn maze, photo ops, games, and food trucks. It’s part festival, part playground—perfect for kids during the day and families after dark.
PRO TIP: Visit on a weekday evening —less crowded and easy parking.
Sonny Acres Farm Fall Festival
HOMER GLEN WEST CHICAGO
Sept 5 – Nov 2
Tickets cost $30 (age 2+), all rides included
Classic family farm with animals, rides, pumpkin picking, live shows, and fall treats. Every attraction is included, so you can spend the whole day exploring without extra costs.
PRO TIP: Weekdays are cheaper, quieter, and perfect for younger kids.
Sept 20 – Oct 30
Free entry & parking; rides cost extra
A long-loved family farm with hayrides, pumpkins, a haunted barn, and fall snacks. Kids can meet friendly animals, play games, and enjoy classic carnival fun.
PRO TIP: Arrive early on weekends— parking fills fast and lines grow quick.
LINCOLN PARK
FAMILY COSTUME IDEAS
FUN & COORDINATED FAMILY LOOKS!
IN HONOR OF DESIGN IN HONOR OF DESIGN
WIZARD OF OZ STAR WARS
COUNTRY LIVING
JACKSONVILLE MOM
Fall Festivals In Chicago
Zoo After Dark: BOOs & Brews
Select Thursdays in October
Tickets cost: Varies; typically $30–$40
An adults-only evening featuring seasonal brews, cocktails, a costume contest with prizes, music by DJ Nurotic, and up-close encounters with Animal Ambassadors.
PRO TIP: Arrive early to participate in the costume contest and enjoy the full experience.
Haunted Halloween Ball
Friday, October 31, 2025
Tickets cost: Varies; typically $50–$60
Experience a night of thrills with party-goers at Chicago's biggest Halloween costume party, Haunted Halloween Ball, at the Congress PlazaHotel, one of the most haunted hotels in the world.
PRO TIP: Tickets sell out quickly; purchase in advance to secure your spot.
Haunted House Party at the Shedd
Oct 31, 2025
Tickets cost: Varies; typically $50–$60
A spooky, adults-only event at the Shedd Aquarium featuring themed cocktails, music, and a unique Halloween atmosphere.
PRO TIP: Tickets sell out quickly; purchase in advance to secure your spot.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
October 31, 2025, 6–8 PM
Free to watch
An annual arts parade celebrating local leaders with floats, music, costumes, and live performances on State Street.
PRO TIP: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along State Street.
LINCOLN PARK MUSEUM CAMPUS
LOOP SOUTH LOOP
Fall Date Night
IN CHICAGO
Luella’s Southern Kitchen
4609 N Lincoln Ave, Lincoln Square
Comforting Southern dishes with an upscale twist — perfect for a cozy night. Try the shrimp & grits and finish with a slice of bourbon pecan pie.
2824 W Armitage Ave, Logan Square
Warm lighting, Italian wines, and seasonal Piedmontese cuisine. The tajarin pasta and truffle dishes make this a perfect fall date spot.
2427 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square
A stylish supper-club vibe with shareable plates and inventive cocktails. Try the short rib pasta and a smoked old fashioned for peak autumn comfort.
1000 W. Armitage, Lincoln Park
The Armitage is the kind of pub you thought only existed in stories—real fire, live piano, and timeless warmth. Classic drinks meet Indian-inspired fare in a space that feels richly lived-in. They just don’t make places like this anymore.
BEST LOCATIONS FOR HOLIDAY FAMILY PHOTOS
SHUTTERSTOCK
PEOPLES GAS PAVILION
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
SHUTTERSTOCK
SHUTTERSTOCK
FARMER MARKETS
NEAR CHICAGO
Green City Market
Saturdays, 7 a.m.–1 p.m. (Lincoln Park)
1817 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Logan Square Farmers Market
Sundays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Logan Blvd between Milwaukee Ave & Whipple St
Daley Plaza City Market Maxwell Street Market
Thursdays, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
50 W Washington St (Downtown Loop)
Sundays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
800 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL
MARISSA’S FAVORITE COZY FALL RECIPES
Honey’s* Meatballs
2lb of ground veal
½ cup parsley
¾ cup Romano
1 TB garlic
½ cup bread crumbs
3-4 eggs
Salt and Pepper
Mix all the ingredients and let them sit for a couple of minutes.
Ball them up, brown both sides Out In the sauce for 20 mins and serve
Balsamic Fig Chicken
1 whole chicken (about 5 pounds)
1
½ teaspoons Herbamare
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large sweet onion, chopped
8 fresh figs
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
½ cup water
Rinse chicken and place it in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Season with Herbamare and freshly ground black pepper, then let rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450°F. Stuff the cavity with chopped onion and scatter remaining onion and figs around the chicken.
Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and maple syrup; pour over the chicken. Add rosemary sprigs and about ½ cup of water to the pan.
Roast at 450°F for 15–20 minutes, then reduce heat to 325°F. Continue roasting 1–1½ hours, until juices run clear and a thermometer in the thigh reads 165°F.
Pumpkin Cake
1 box yellow cake mix
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ginger
¼ tsp cloves
2 eggs
¾ cup water
1 cup solid-pack pumpkin (no spices)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a Bundt, loaf, or sheet pan with Crisco. Mix all ingredients and pour into pan.
Bake 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for a few minutes, then remove and cool completely before frosting.
Topping (optional)
Whip ½ pint cream with ¾ cup brown sugar, adding sugar gradually. Chill and serve cold with cake.
Frosting (optional)
Beat together 8 oz cream cheese, 1 stick butter, 1 lb powdered sugar, and 1 Tbsp vanilla (all at room temp) until smooth and creamy.
Serve chilled or at room temperature — even better the next day
Superman Soup
4 cups of water or chicken broth
2 1./4 cups of Pastina
1-2 Pats of butter
Salt to taste
Romano cheese to taste
Bring water or Chicken broth to a boil and add the Pastina. Slow boil until the pasta is cooked. Add the Salt and butter to taste.
*My mom (Honey) used to call this “Superman Soup” for my nephews — they were convinced it would make them grow strong like Superman.
ENJOY.
There's nowhere else I'd rather live and work. This city offers an incredible quality of life, and I'm grateful to help people find their place in it.
If you're thinking about making a move in Chicago, or you know someone who is, I'd love to connect. Whether you're exploring your options or ready to take the next step, I'm here to offer insight and guidance.
SINCERELY,
©2025