Fall in the Field at Renningers Mount Dora
We’re sharing our trip to the Fall in the Field event at Renningers in Mount Dora today!
If there’s one thing I appreciate about my family, it’s that we’re (almost) all planners. We know at the beginning of the year what events or special occasions we’re expected to attend.
That’s not to say things don’t come up or the schedule doesn’t get changed throughout the year.
Especially, during hurricane season.
For the most part, though, we can pencil in festive adventures months in advance which makes carving out time to be with each other while trying to balance a busy calendar so much easier.
As we’re frequently reminded, “If you don’t control your calendar, your calendar controls you.”
Truthfully, between all of us being sick, cleaning up from Hurricane Idalia, and trying to balance life with all the activities the littles are in now that school is back in session, I was worried we wouldn’t be able to make it to Fall in the Field this year.
Thankfully, my Mom insisted we go and I’m so glad she did because we had such a great time!
Pumpkins and Gourds…
If you’re new to the area or just curious, Fall in the Field is an annual event usually held on the first Saturday and Sunday in October.
The event is usually well attended, but I have to say, this year it was PACKED!
There were so many people picking out heirloom pumpkins and gourds that you could hardly get down the aisles.
Plus, the Pumpkin King made an appearance so you know everyone had their phones out and ready 😉
It’s always amazing to see the festive Fall displays each vendor creates.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many pumpkins, squash, gourds, and cornstalks in one place before.
They had all sorts of varieties from heirlooms to gooseneck to warties.
Some of the pumpkins were so big, you couldn’t even pick them up without help! These white pumpkins were massive.
It was also fun to see gooseneck squash in real life because I’ve only seen them in magazines. These filled an antique dry sink which I thought was so creative.
They also had these little Jack O’ Lantern-style pumpkins for the first time this year. I couldn’t tell if they were moldy or made to be that way or what but they were a big hit!
On a side note, my Mom bought the plaid pillow you see in this picture to use at Loblolly.
Dried Cornstalks, Wreaths, and Dried Grasses at Fall in the Field…
Fall in the Field also had a ton of dried goodies from cornstalks to wreaths to garlands and grasses. As you can see here, the cornstalks were almost as tall as the roof of the outdoor barn area!
This cornstalk wreath was one of my favorite things at Fall in the Field. It was so beautiful!
Another favorite was this beautiful dried flower display.
You can definitely tell dried flowers and grasses are popular to decorate with this time of year because they were everywhere at Fall in the Field.
I loved this bouquet with just a simple pop of pink in it.
Even though the bundles were all different they would add a pretty layer of texture to everything from vignettes to tablescapes to mantels.
Dried Gourds…
In addition to pumpkins and cornstalk goodies, they also had a section for dried gourds in all shapes and sizes.
I had no idea there was a wartie gourd variety but the texture was really neat. They would also be fun to decorate with!
Vintage Finds and Goodies…
It was hard to take good pictures because the outdoor barn and pavilion area were packed with people. But I managed to grab this pretty coastal meets farmhouse ironstone display…
and this chippy desk…
I loved how they displayed all the dried grasses and pods on this ladder…
and used chippy dresser drawers to showcase more pumpkins and wreaths…
There were berry garlands everywhere! From antique metal carts…
to dripping off ladders…
snuggled up with wartie pumpkins…
and in an old wash bin too.
While we didn’t bring home any pumpkins, cornstalks, or dried grass bundles my mom found lots of ornaments and goodies for both Loblolly and Bliss Barracks. It was definitely a successful trip!
We also gathered lots of Halloween inspiration for our upcoming Spooky Soiree at Bliss Barracks and talked to fellow Floridians who had weathered Hurricane Idalia.
Most of them were also cleaning up yard debris, dealing with leaks, roof and tree repairs, and drying out from flooding and storm surges.
Everyone was in a great mood though and glad to be out and about again.
Tips for Shopping Outdoor Events like Fall in the Field…
*This post was updated October 2023
If you plan to attend a festival or an outdoor event like Fall in the Field with vendors, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the weather before you go and be sure to stay well hydrated while you’re shopping.
- Pack healthy snacks as you never know what food options will be available.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you’ll likely be walking a lot.
- Sun protection is key so don’t forget to apply sunscreen.
- Remember to pack tissues, hand sanitizer, flushable wipes, and moist towelettes as sometimes portable potties are your only bathroom option.
- Make sure you travel with a market tote, bag, or wagon that will be comfortable yet sturdy enough to hold your treasures.
- Be sure to pack newspaper, tissue paper, and bubble wrap for small items and blankets to protect larger items.
- Keep in mind, that cash is king! While there might be several vendors that accept credit cards, for the most part, they still prefer cash.
This time of year is such a busy one for us and we know it is for so many of you too!
Sometimes it can feel like there are a hundred different things competing for our attention at any given moment. That’s why planning in advance for seasonal festivals, and outdoor events like Fall in the Field is so important.
Don’t miss all the fun Fall has to offer because you’re too busy to pencil in your favorite activities from apple picking to watching the leaves change to attending craft festivals.
There will never be a better time to make memories than right now!
Other Fall-Inspired Posts to Enjoy:
- Country French Fall Home Tour
- Country French Fall Porch Tour
- 5 Steps to Creating an Easy Fall Mantel
- How to Personalize Pumpkins with Paint
- Fall Monthly Bucket List Ideas
Many blessings,
CoCo
Hmmm, I’ve been laid up with a bum knee since May, so I have missed all the great shows and fleas—this was an excellent show. Love your platter and so many diverse things to choose from, I would have spent my savings. Thanks for the post, since I haven’t been able to participate in this type of event..!
Oh Sandi, so sorry to hear about your knee! I know it’s definitely tough when you can’t get out especially this time of year. I’m glad you’re at home taking care of yourself and I’m sending you big hugs, thoughts and prayers you’ll be on the mend soon. We’ll be headed back for the big extravaganza in November so I’ll have more to share soon 🙂 Take care and get well soon, CoCo
Love reading about your junking adventures with your mom! You’re a luck lady.
Thank you so much Vee! We have a great time together and it’s always fun to find treasures whether we come home with one goodie or a car full of things. Sending you big hugs for a fabulous weekend, CoCo
What an event and so much beautiful nature. The cornstalk wreath is gorgeous. Hmm I may have make one next year.
I’m so relieved you’re all safe. You have a great family
You would have loved all the little nods to nature, Cindy, it was a dream. The cornstalks and wreaths made me wish we were going to be here for Thanksgiving. I could have loaded up the car and I know you could have put such a creative spin on those pieces too! Hugs, CoCo PS: Thank you again for checking on us and for all your kind thoughts and prayers. They mean the world!
Oh this does look like a fun day! I love all of your finds…especially the beautiful bed cover and shams!
Thank you Linda! We had a great time. The big extravaganza will be in November so we’re already saving up and making room for new treasures. Hugs, CoCo
Oh man…it’s so hard not to be jealous HAHAHA. Loved taking the virtual tour. It seems we always grieve for a piece left behind too. BTW – that headboard is gorgeous! Much love!
I know you feel ladies! I always swear the minute I get to Renningers I’m going to buy whatever my heart loves and then I realize there’s no way to get it home unless we rent a u-haul and I’m all bummed 🙂 Thankfully, there’s plenty of smalls to haul home too. Love and hugs, CoCo
Firstly, I am so glad you and yours are safe and well and escaped the worse of the storm, secondly, I have NEVER seen so many different types of pumpkins in my life, had no idea they exsisted and am amazed, would just love to browse around that little lot :)) I am also happy to read that the vendors like cash, I am abit fed up with people not wanting cash here in the UK, it really narks me…..am I getting old…well yep but what can a person do about that, haha.
Also can I thank you for your lovely comments on my blog, it means so much to have you pop over and leave a few words, it really does.
Stay safe.xx
It was so sweet of you to leave comments and to check in on us regarding the storm, Janette. I seriously can’t thank you enough. One of my cousins has another tree removal team coming out today so little by little we can see that she’s making progress. It’s really been amazing to see people pitching in and helping each other! I know what you mean about the pumpkins. I had only seen several of those varieties in magazines because it’s just too hot to grow them in Florida so it was really neat to see them in real life. I would have loaded up the car with all sorts of goodies. Hope your day is filled with all goodo things, CoCo
I personally love natural elements and have been known to raid my yard for a Thanksgiving centerpiece at the last minute….Gorgeous photos!
Oh my gosh, Sandi, that is my dream! I would lose it in the best possible way if I went outside and had something other than palmettos, sticky pine, or large oak trees to choose from. My Mom has a big magnolia tree in her front yard and I think I’ve convinced her to take a page from your book and create an early Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving centerpiece. Fingers crossed ours comes out as pretty as yours! Big hugs, CoCo
Wow! What stunning displays! I am so glad you attended the market and thank you for sharing the photos with us. I loved seeing the variety of gourds and pumpkins. I had no idea there were so many varieties! Thank you also for going to support your fellow Floridians during this difficult time. You are the kindest and most thoughtful soul CoCo.
My goodness, I would have left there needing a trailer to haul all of the goodies! Such beautiful colors and unique finds. Except those wartie gourds. I just can’t with those. I think it’s my Trypophobia. Eeeew! Looking forward to seeing where you display your ironstone! It’s beautiful!
Oh my, I’m putting this on my calendar for next year! I’ll be going to the Extravaganza in November! I love seeing all your beautiful pictures of pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks and all things Fall! Thanks for sharing! Here’s to a happy Fall! Blessings, Donna
What a super fun place to go visit!!! It looks so packed with fall goodies and an amazing place to find decorating inspiration!!! Thanks so much for coming by the Home Imagined party, CoCo!!! We truly appreciate the support!! So glad you and your home are safe from the hurricane.
We could totally shop this place together, Rachel, you would LOVE it! I can’t get over all the stuff they have and it’s great because the vendors always bring their best every season. If you’re ever in Florida and close to the Mount Dora area they have an event called “The Extravaganza” every November, January, and February and it’s massive. We look forward to it every year and I know you would have the best time! Hope you’ve had an amazing week, CoCo
CoCo,
I wish I could have been there. I loved everything. It looks so amazing and I’m going to share a link on Sunday.
You would have loved this place, Rachel! They had so many amazing pumpkins and all sorts of dried garlands and antique goodies too. It was totally your kind of place! Hugs and thanks so much for sharing, CoCo
Hi CoCo! Rich and I were there on Saturday morning! We loved it, and all those pumpkins and gourds were so amazing! What day did you all go? Next year I’m going to email you to see if you’re going! Let me know if you’ll be at the Extravaganza in November! Blessings, Donna
That looks like a really neat annual event. I can’t believe the variety!
I am just so jealous! LOL, what a glorious place to visit for the fall. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures with us. We will live through you vicariously.