Written by Trisha Ries
The leaves will soon be turning to their beautiful red, brown, and orange hues. The smell of pumpkin spice and cinnamon will be in the air. Football will be on every television set or being played at the local high school stadium, and everyone will be adorned in their favorite hoodie by the fire pit. It’s almost fall, and fall is my favorite time of the year!
If you’re anything like me, you want to do all things fall. I would like to share some of my favorite things to do during the season that are family friendly, or just for you and your adult friends.
Pumpkin picking is of the utmost importance during the fall season, and one of the best places to go is Stolzfus Gourd & Pumpkin Farm in Manheim. The farm is huge and they have everything you would need to decorate your house in all things fall. Bring the kiddos to pick out pumpkins, then enjoy a night of carving and story-telling with the family.
Looking for something a little more exciting, check out Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market in Hellam. Just a short distance over the river, Flinchbaugh’s offers farm tours, a corn maze, and even party rentals. You can’t beat the fun you and your family will have, not to mention all of the varieties of apples you can take home. Yum!
Corn Cob Acres & Field of Screams is a special local attraction in Mountville that offers family friendly activities for kids during the day, but will transform into your worst nightmare at night. Coupons can usually be found at Rutter’s and Turkey Hill for both venues. Be sure to check out their websites for special events and themed nights; corncobacres.com and fieldofscreams.com.
An event you surely don’t want to miss is the 29th annual Bridge Bust on October 7th. The event is rain or shine, and spans the entire Veterans Memorial Bridge (between Columbia and Wrightsville). Parking nearby can be scarce, but shuttles are available at no charge (donations are appreciated) on both sides of the bridge. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children 6-12, and free for children under 6. The Bridge Bust is an awesome time, and you can find anything from antiques, local arts and crafts, delectable cheesecake on a stick (trust me, it’s as amazing as it sounds), games for children, and even local winery stands for the adults. You probably want to bring cash with you, but portable ATM machines are usually available on the bridge and some of the local antique shops.
In the event you just don’t want to adult the following week, Marietta’s annual Fall Pub Crawl will be held on October 14th from 3:00 to 9:00. Live music and drink specials will be available at some of the local establishments, so be sure to keep your eye out for advertisements in the Flyafter5 magazines (available for free at Pig Iron Brewery and McCleary’s Public House), or the specific venue’s Facebook page and website.
If you’re into the paranormal, check out some of the local haunts like Railroad House Inn, Bubes Brewery, Shank’s Tavern, or create your own little ghost tour of our little historic town. Just make sure you bring along Scooby and the rest of the gang for quick debunking. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Last but not least, make your own fun. Whether it’s an activity suggested here, a craft you enjoy doing, or just drinking a mug of warm cider; get out and enjoy the beautiful fall season. You won’t regret it.