Fall is my happy place in Lima and Allen County, Ohio. With warm days, cool evenings, and vibrant colors, it's easy to get lost in the magic. But with so much to do – from Oktoberfest and German food to s'mores and cozy nights by the fire – it's a season that can easily slip by.
I have one specific memory as a kid, walking home from school and the leaves were beautiful oranges and yellows, crunching under my feet. I remember walking into our house and my mom had a crockpot of my favorite soup, “Autumn Soup” cooking. You know those core memories that just hit you out of nowhere? That’s one of my favorites!
The Johnny Appleseed Metro Parks Apple Festival was a yearly tradition for our family. We'd enjoy hayrides, demonstrations, and all things apple-related. One year, my brother had a memorable experience at the apple-eating contest. He lost a tooth and ran around the festival in a frenzy. I don't think he's eaten an apple since!
Enjoying all that fall has to offer is easy to do in Allen County! From festivals to trick-or-treats, Visit Greater Lima’s Community Calendar has everything you need to enjoy the autumn season!
Check it out now and make core memories for the years to come!
Autumn Soup (my mom’s recipe)
Cook a pound of hamburger, and drain grease
In a crockpot combine:
Cubed potatoes ( I usually do a 5 lb bag so I have lots and lots of leftovers)
A bag of carrots, cut into rounds
One chopped white onion
The pound of cooked hamburger
3-4 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cans of diced tomatoes
Fill the crockpot with water to cover just the top of the ingredients
Italian seasoning (I add it with love, so probably 1 tbsp, or to your taste)
Salt & pepper to taste
Cook all day on low in the crockpot and enjoy! The next day leftovers are the best!