Fall is arguably the best time of the year for fun activities that get the entire family out of the house. The weather is not too hot or overly chilly and aside from maybe this year, you can normally expect pretty clear skies. The colorful leaves make beautiful backdrops for pictures and there are bright pops of warm tones everywhere in pumpkins, mums and late-blooming flowers. Pumpkin carving, haunted houses, hay rides, corn mazes, and events that are perfect for the mild weather are welcoming festivities that provide ample opportunities for much-needed family time for many. Quite possibly the best part about this is all of these beloved autumn traditions can be enjoyed without leaving the Tri-Valley area. Less time in the car means more time having fun – – so check out these awesome ideas for local fall fun and festivities.
Nightmare in Nashport Trail of Terror
September 28th and 29th and every Friday and Saturday in October from Dark until Midnight
Are you brave enough to make it through a wooded half-mile trail with several structures and many new frightening scenes along the way? You will have a chance to face your fears and prove that you have what it takes on the Trail of Terror. Nightmare on Nashport Trail of Terror is not for the faint of heart and promises to deliver everything that nightmares are made from. Come if you dare! Nightmare in Nashport is celebrating ten years of fears. WYBZ is doing a live broadcast on opening night, September 28 from 8 to 10.
Admission is $15
Location: 7200 Frazeysburg Road, Nashport
More Info: www.nightmareinnashport.com • (740) 704-6644
McDonald’s Greenhouse and Corn Maze
September 15 – October 31
Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday 12 pm to 6 pm, Thursdays in October 4 pm to 7 pm, Fridays in October 9 am to Noon and 4 pm to 7 pm. Field Trips and Groups by Appointment
McDonald’s Greenhouse is an attraction like no other with new offerings added each year! Find your way through the Peanut’s themed 5 acre corn maze, or enjoy the newly added tike inspired soybean maze for shorter guests. Preteens love the Gaga dodgeball pit and kids of all ages can enjoy a little friendly competition on the pedal tractor track. Classic activities like the hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkin, the petting zoo, giant shelled corn box, agricultural exhibits, Jumping Pillow and the Enchanted Forest are all still here as well. Mums, pumpkins, and fresh apple cider are all available for purchase on the grounds. Large groups and field trips are welcome as well with a reservation.
Admission is $7 ages 2 and up – September 15-16; 22-23: Grandparents get free admission with a paying child
Location: State Route 93, just 2.5 miles north of the Adamsville exit #157
More Info: www.mcdonaldsgreenhouse.com • 740-452-4858
PV’s Pumpkin Patch
September 22 – October 28 from 11 am to 7 pm
There is so much fun to be had for all ages at PV’s Pumpkin Patch. Bring the family for an afternoon full of activities that will keep them entertained for hours including wagon and barrel rides, zipline (maximum weight 100 lbs), jumping pad, corn maze, corn box, ninja warrior line, tire land, weaver’s playset, PV’s clubhouse, hop-a-long, pumpkin slingshot ($1 for 3 mini pumpkins), and more! Some activities are only available on the weekends (wagon and barrel rides, zipline). Food concessions provided by Suzy’s Snack Shack every weekend. Character Express will also be available on certain weekends. Mums, pumpkins and a gift shop will also be open every day throughout the season. Follow PV’s Pumpkin Patch on Facebook for changes to schedules and entertainment and an announcement about the upcoming Trick-or-Treat event.
Admission is $5 Per Person 2 and Up on Weekends, $5 Kids 2 and Up – Adults Get in Free on Weekdays
Location: 9860 Vickers Hill Road, Frazeysburg
More Info: www.pvpumpkinpatch.com • (740) 828-6126
Country Crossroads Education of Yesterday 14th Annual Farm Show
October 20-21 from 9 am to 5 pm
A two-day event featuring tractors, trucks, fire trucks, cars, working antique farm and construction equipment will all be on display. Bring your family and friends to DISCOVER Country Crossroads. It is Country Crossroad’s mission to preserve old machinery and teach the younger generation about how things were done in the past. The Dresden Fire Department will be at the event on Saturday at 11 in the morning and the Co Mills Hills Band will be performing on Sunday at 1:30. There is something for everyone and all ages at this annual show! Train rides and digger tickets cost $1 each.
Admission is FREE – Parking by donation
Location: 3685 Cass Irish Ridge Rd, Dresden
More Info: www.facebook.com/EducationofYesterday • (740) 754-6248
Harvest Arts and Crafts Fair
October 6 from 10 am to 4:30 pm
Over 20 crafters and artists will have tables full of their offerings arranged throughout the spacious lawn of Historic Prospect Place. Shop from Crystal Parks, DCR Creations, Casey Arts, Simply Homespun, Pink Cow Candles just to name a few. Vendors are still being accepted through October 1st. The mansion will also be open during the craft fair for self-guided tours. The event will be open rain or shine so be sure to come out and support local history and the arts. Any donations will go towards the ongoing preservation of the mansion.
Admission is FREE – Donations always welcome
Location: Historic Prospect Place – 12150 Main Street, Trinway
More Info: www.gwacenter.org
1st Annual G.W. Adams Masquerade Ball
October 27 from 6 pm to 2 am
A masquerade ball to celebrate G.W. Adams, the mansion’s original owner’s, 219th Birthday! Come in your best costume and support the preservation of one of the area’s most iconic historic buildings. You and your company will enjoy an evening of hors-d’oeuvres, drinks, and dessert while dancing the night away in the glorious third-floor ballroom. Guests can expect music, a costume contest, raffles, and live entertainment. Email scheduling.prospectplace@gmail.com to schedule/confirm your reservation. (Ages 18+)
Admission is $45 per person (reserved seating)
Location: Historic Prospect Place – 12150 Main Street, Trinway
More Info: www.gwacenter.org
Prospect Place Trick or Treat: Extended Self Guided Tours
October 28 from 4 pm to 7 pm
Stop by Historic Prospect place for their own Trick-or-Treat event.
Admission is FREE – Donations always welcome
Location: Historic Prospect Place – 12150 Main Street, Trinway
More Info: www.gwacenter.org