Fall is the time for crisp air, warm drinks, and leaves changing. From carving pumpkins to exploring haunted houses, this time of year gives plenty of ways to celebrate. It is the perfect time to get spooked with friends at a haunted house or spend some quality time at an apple orchard with your family. Whether you are looking back on old fall memories or trying out new traditions, there are plenty of ways this season brings communities together and sparks excitement.
One of the best ways to get back in the fall spirit is to decorate your home. Transform your space into either a spooky Halloween vibe or a cozy autumn atmosphere. Many people enjoy adding pumpkin spice scented candles, plaid throw blankets, and pumpkins on the porch. On the other hand, others like to go all out with scary decorations such as fake cobwebs, glowing skeletons, or creepy blow-ups in their front yard. Freshman, Dakota Morton was asked if he decorates for Halloween, and he replied, “I decorate for Halloween and usually put up the decorations during late September or early October.” Even if you do not want to spend a lot of time putting up fall or Halloween decor, simply adding a fall-scented candle or placing a few fake spiders around the house can bring joy and excitement for the season ahead.
Fall can not be complete without carving at least one pumpkin. It is a very common fall activity for people to carve pumpkins and put them on their front porch during the month of October. The process begins by picking out the perfect pumpkin, whether it is from a store or a pumpkin patch, before cutting it open and scooping all the slimy seeds out. Next, choose carvings or designs that you like and begin cutting. Some people buy the carving kits at their local store, while others just use whatever cutting tools they have at home. Most people just stick to the traditional triangle eyes, upside-down triangle nose, and crooked, smiling mouth. While those are popular choices, experimenting with different patterns and styles can add a creative and unique touch. No matter what it looks like, it is a fun tradition and is still worth placing on the porch with a candle inside for everyone to see.
When the weather gets cooler and October approaches, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes open. These spots are popular hangouts and great places for taking pictures. Visitors can enjoy picking their perfect pumpkin, finding their way through a giant corn maze, or picking fresh apples. Freshman, Scarlette Mayhill was asked what her favorite fall activity is, and she replied, “My favorite fall activity is going to corn mazes or going on hayrides with my friends.” Many of the orchards provide seasonal sweet treats like apple cider and caramel apples, hayrides, and fun activities like playgrounds. Kendall Family Farm Adventures is a popular family-owned farm located in Greentown, IN. Kendallfamilyfarm.com includes the Adventure Corn Maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, live animals, pedal kart track, mini golf, playground, gift shop, and kitchen concessions. Kendall Farms offers a variety of activities, so there is something fun for everyone. The farm is open Friday from 5-9 pm, Saturday from 11-9 pm, and Sunday from 12-6 pm, making it a great spot to visit with friends or family.
Have you ever walked into a haunted house and regretted it right after you walked in? Haunted houses can be scary, but fun, especially the Grissom Maze of Terror. The maze has people wanting to walk out before they even go in. When visitors are standing in line, there are clowns and zombies waiting to scare you. Scarlette was asked if she had ever been to a fall festival or haunted house. Mayhill responded, “I have been to a haunted house, but I didn’t enjoy it because I got scared and cried.” If getting spooked sounds fun, the opening day for Grissom Maze of Terror is October 4, and the hours are Friday from 7-12 pm and Saturday from 6-12 pm.
Fall festivals are also a big hit during the fall season. At a fall festival, visitors might hear live music, smell tasty food from the food trucks, ride a hayride, or try to find their way through a corn maze. Fall festivals are also a great way to spend your time, whether you are enjoying a caramel apple or trying to find the biggest pumpkin. At the 5th annual Oktoberfest, visitors can find live music, car shows, pig wrestling, corn hole tournaments, vendors, and more. Bring some friends or family to the Oktoberfest on October 4 to Royal Center for no cost and a great time.
Overall, fall is the best season of the year, made up of many fun activities and traditions. Go visit Kendall Family Farm Adventures, Grissom Maze of Terror, or Oktoberfest to create great memories with your friends or family.
