By TRESA ERICKSON
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With the cool breezes and changing colors of fall come many fun outings. From the East Coast to the West Coast, big towns to small, there are a variety of activities and attractions that take place in the fall. Here is general list of some fall outings you might find near you.
Cemetery Tours
With the fall in temperatures and Halloween right around the corner, many cemeteries offer tours of the grounds. Some may be on foot, some by bus and some by trolley. The tours are usually guided and some may even feature theatrical presentations at gravesites of prominent citizens. Actors may take great pains to provide an accurate portrayal of the citizen they have been assigned.
Corn Mazes
With the fall harvest often comes corn mazes. Some are more complex than others and may provide clues at various junctures to help visitors find their way out. Corn mazes may be part of an orchard’s offerings or an annual feature at a nearby farm.
Fairs & Festivals
Fall is the perfect time for fairs and festivals. The weather is nicer, making for greater attendance numbers. Fall festival themes may run the gamut from harvest fruit and vegetables to historical figures to Halloween. Offerings may range from the typical rides and games to food, contests, live entertainment and more.
Fall Foliage Tours
Whether by foot, bike, car, bus or train, hundreds of people take time out of their busy schedules every year to take in the nation’s changing color palette. The myriad of reds, yellows, purples, oranges and browns is just too breathtaking not to see. Tours may be guided or self-guided, long or short.
Haunted Houses
Halloween does not come until the end of October, but to get folks in the mood for the holiday, haunted houses may spring up a few weeks before then. Special effects will vary from house to house, community to community, but spectators are sure to get a fright!
Hayrides
Like corn mazes, hayrides may be part of an orchard’s offerings or an attraction of their own. Some park districts, for example, may offer hayrides in conjunction with a mini campout. Families attending could receive a long hayride around the park, followed by hot dogs, marshmallows and ghost stories around the campfire.
Nature Walks
Many towns have nature centers that offer a variety of hands-on displays and animal exhibits indoors, along with nature walks throughout the seasons. Walks may be guided or self-guided. Either way, fall is a great time to take a nature walk and explore the local habitat. Not only are the leaves changing, making for a beautiful backdrop, but wildlife are out and about, preparing for the cold weather to come.
Orchards
Many orchards do not open until the fall when the pickings are ripe. While some just offer u-pick produce, others provide the complete package, with restaurants, playgrounds, rides, games, corn mazes, petting zoos and more! Visitors may pick apples and then have a mug of hot cider and a slice of warm apple pie from the onsite bakery.
These are just some of the typical fall attractions and activities you might find near you. Be open to the possibilities. You never know what else you might uncover from trolley tours to art shows to theatrical productions.
Thoughts?
Share your thoughts on fun activities for the upcoming fall weather here.
