For over 25 years this time of year, Historic Walnut Street from National Street to John Q. Hammons Parkway has been blocked off and filled with tents and booths. This two-day event from September 15^th and 16^th included vendors, live entertainment, and more. Vendors filtered in from all over the Ozarks and included handmade candles, jewelry, wood items, and other crafts. During the two-day venture, I was able to go on both days and experience what is raved as Cider Days. 

My favorite day I went to was Sunday, where I was able to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells. I went with my mom, and we made sure to each booth and stop. The booths lined both sides of the street from National Street to John Q. Hammons Parkway. Each booth was unique in what they sold.  

The first stop my mom and I made was Gardeners Orchard and Bakery from Brighton, Missouri. Gardeners Orchard and Bakery specialty has been their apple cider donuts. They sell out fast due to the high demand. My mom and I split one of the cake donuts that were covered in the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar. There was a small taste of apple cider, but not too strong. 

For our second destination, we stopped at the Copper Canyon Coffee Roasters trailer to caffeine-up our walk. I tried their Cider Day Cold Brew, a house made cold brew with apple cider added in. I enjoyed the unique flavor of the cold brew along with the tart and fruity flavor of the apple cider. 

After our snack and drink for the afternoon, we began to roam the booths and explore all the different crafts and goodies there were to see.  

A booth I stopped at was Designs by Mindy, handmade earthy style leather wrap bracelets and other jewelry based out of Republic, Missouri. Mindy Kelley, the owner and creator, started this business with love for jewelry, but also works a full-time job besides this one.  

One of my mom’s favorites was A-Paca-Dreams, a lady with a local farm of 11 Alpacas in which she turns their fur into fun products. Among the products she had were nesting balls for birds, blankets, and fun gnomes that doubled as drink toppers! 

If you missed this year’s Cider Days, no worries! The event looks to return for its 26th year next year. If you are still looking for fun fall events to do with your friends or family visiting for the weekend there are plenty of events in the Ozarks.   

October 6^th through the 8^th, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds will be hosting Ozark Fall Farmfest with free admission, free parking, and a host of vendors! Also, the same weekend, the 6th through the 8th, is the 49th annual Ozark Craft Fair at Finley River Farms. 

Dotted throughout the rest of the Ozarks are many corn mazes and pumpkin patches. Make sure to adventure this fall and learn all this area has to offer to help your fall spirit!