Five fun fall festivities to fall for
Mary Mahan, Staff Writer
Freshly plucked pumpkins from a patch.
Source: unsplash.com
Fall is arguably the most popular time of year. Sure, summers are nice, school is out and the beaches are warm, but there’s just something about the leaves changing and the temperature dropping that really excites something in those that have the opportunity and privilege to experience Fall. Unlike summertime, school is usually still in session when October comes around.
Here are a few Fall activities to experience and try out when you need a break from all the school work:
1. Explore an apple orchard
Apples ready to be picked.
Source: unsplash.com
Going to an apple orchard with friends is something that won’t be easily forgotten. “Self-Pick” apple orchards allow customers to pay a small fee to walk among the apple trees and pick the apples that are desired, whether they all be from the same tree or trees from opposite ends of the orchard. After the apples are picked the uses are endless: make caramel/candy apples, give some to grandma to make an apple pie, donate them to a local church, or if your feeling destructive, hit them with a baseball bat. The options are endless. Here are few to try near North Greenville:
- Sky Top Orchard: Known for their homemade apple donuts.
- Fishers Orchard: They have peaches too!
2. Go to a pumpkin patch
Harley Watkins (Junior, Broadcast Media) and Savannah Hovis (Junior, Broadcast Media) at Mini Miracle Farm’s pumpkin patch.
Souce: Clayton Caldwell (Senior, Broadcast Media)
The timeless fall classic. Grab some friends and family and head to the nearest, or the biggest, or the one in your neighbor’s backyard, pumpkin patch. Next, hunt down the largest, orangest, roundest pumpkin you can find (or afford)! When the pumpkins have been chosen/purchased, and the photo ops are up to expectations, it’s time to start carving! Pick out a fun design, trace it out, and get to carving. Make it a competition, see who can make the most elaborate design, or who can make the most classic jack-o-lantern. Here are few to try near North Greenville:
- Mini Miracles Farm in Taylors
- Beechwood Farms is also in Taylors
3. Visit the state fair
State fair at night.
Source: unsplash.com
Fairs are great for all ages; they have something for everyone. Take a ride on the ferris wheel, or get dropped from a free fall tower. Eat some locally grown produce or dig into a fresh funnel cake. Get lost in a mirror maze or win a prize at a game booth. So many things to do, it might be smart to plan to go for a whole day, or two! Visit here to see all the fairs happening in South Carolina.
4. Attend a church “judgment house”
A judgment house depiction of hell.
Source: pixabay.com
Judgment houses or, hell houses are haunting attractions typically run by churches that show situations that could happen in real-life that cause you to question the consequences of sin and the torments of hell. Actors portray situations like substance/relationship abuse, drunk driving, school shootings, and the like. A guide leads small groups from one room to the next, each room depicting a particular scene from the story. Hell houses are inspired to bring people to Christ and accept salvation with most ending with a glimpse of our perceived heaven. They are great places to take youth groups (or just a group of friends)! Here are few to try near North Greenville:
- Calvary Baptist Church: Rock Hill, S.C.
- City View First Baptist Church: Greenville, S.C.
- Covenant Baptist Church, Anderson, S.C.
5. Get outside
Table rock in the fall.
Souce: pixabay.com
Fall is a beautiful time of year to be outside. Get outside and go for a hike at Table Rock or try out Jones Gap. String up an Eno and enjoy the view. Invite over friends and family for a bonfire. Make some s’mores and hot cocoa and talk under the stars. Go stargazing in the backyard or take a short drive up to Bald Rock. Or for something a bit more unconventional, take some friends to a drive-in theatre, Tiger Drive-In and The 25 Auto Drive-In are great! Head over to Anderson and get lost in the corn maze at Denver Downs!
