Dan and I along with Shylo and Brian went to Starved Rock State Park on Sunday, and it was much more green than last year when we hiked (but that was in early November).
In Utica, IL just down the street they were having their annual Columbus Day weekend Burgoo Festival. Lots and lots of stuff goes into Burgoo, which is cooked for 2-3 days. This one was made with beef and vegetables, but the more traditional original burgoos were made with local game, namely squirrels. Ah, western Kentucky, your contributions to the American culinary palate are innumerable.
Anyway, this Burgoo was really good. Plus, the bar we went into for beer wasn't jacking up the price at all (at least, I don't think they were) and we drank Miller Lite at $2/pint. Awesome. Lots of crazy crap for sale, and really great pie baked by the ladies of the Utica Historical Society. I'll be back for more next year.