Written by: Rylee Evans, staff writer
Fall is one of my favorite seasons: from the cool, crisp air and colorful falling leaves to cozy sweaters and warm drinks.
For some, fall can mean hunting season, football season, pumpkin spice everything or just another season. I, personally, could not be more excited for fall to come around because it means enjoying the cooler weather with several festive activities. There are so many ways to celebrate the season.
Go to a Haunted House or Forest.
What better way to get into the spooky season than to get spooked yourself with a group of friends! Ruby Fall’s Dread Hollow was named the #1 fan-voted haunt in the nation on ScurryFace.com in 2018 and Top 10 Must-See Haunt in Tennessee by TheScareFactor.com fans in 2017 and 2018. The haunted house contains three horrifying haunts and four escape rooms.
Get Lost in a Corn Maze or Pumpkin Patch.
Get some friends together and take on the fun challenge of a corn maze. Autumn Acres in Crossville, TN offers several fun fall activities for all ages. The fall attraction has three corn mazes, a ten-acre pumpkin patch, wagon rides, bonfires, 20-ft tunnel slides and an animal farm.
Visit the Wooden’s Apple House.
Whether you are coming for an apple fritter or the hand-picked apples, the Wooden’s Apple House is a fall must-do. The Apple House includes a farm market, pie shop, orchard cafe, and gift shop. Because it is conveniently located at the top of Dayton Mtn, you can stop by after class or on the weekend.
If you are looking to go out of town, Ellijay, Georgia’s Red Apple Barn allows you to pick your own apples, pumpkins, and flowers. The Red Apple Barn has wagon rides, farm tours, and a farm market.
Eat a Caramel Apple.
Autumn is apple season, so invite some friends over to make some caramel apples. Set up a dipping bar with granola, crushed peanuts, white chocolate chips, etc. You could even set up a hot chocolate bar to wash it down.
Visit a Fall Festival.
Fall festivals are a fan favorite. Dayton is having a PumpkinFest October 26-27 on Main Street that you can’t miss! Enjoy arts and crafts, food vendors, costume contests, trick-or-treating, and much more.
Carve or Decorate a Pumpkin.
Need I say more? Everyone should carve or decorate a pumpkin during the fall season. Go to the local farmer’s market, a pumpkin patch, or even Walmart to purchase your pumpkin and be creative!
Dress up for Halloween.
You are never too old to dress up for Halloween. If you are crafty or have friends that could help you, make your own costume for a more unique experience.
For example, when I was in elementary school, my dad and his best friend dressed me up as Mcdonald’s french fries. I thought it was the best costume ever. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and have some fun!
Run in the Muddy Pumpkin Run.
The Women’s Care Center hosts the annual Muddy Pumpkin Run on October 26. You will have the chance to run, wade and climb over obstacles all while carrying a pumpkin and getting very muddy.
Watch a football game.
Fall is tailgating season! Go support your favorite college or high school team.
Build a Bonfire.
Enjoy the cool nights before they are too cold. Sing songs, tell stories and make s’mores with your friends or family.
On October 8, Bryan College is hosting BC Blaze which will have a huge bonfire with yard games, music and s’mores.
Go on a Hike.
Take in the beautiful scenery as the leaves change colors. Fall Creek Falls has a beautiful park with cascades, gorges, waterfalls, streams and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber. There are several hiking trails for everyone.
Locally, you can visit Laurel-Snow Falls, also known as, Pocket Wilderness for an outdoor adventure. Pocket includes gorges, waterfalls, and several hiking trails.
*Note: this article expresses the ideas and opinions of the author or are not a reflection of the views of the Triangle and Bryan College as a whole.
Rylee Evans is a sophomore communications major with a digital media option and a biblical studies minor at Bryan College. She is from Pikeville, Tenn. and graduated from Bledsoe County High School. Rylee is on the women’s soccer team, and she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, hunting and fishing.
