Making the Most of the Fall Season

Fall is just around the corner here in East Tennessee. We have changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and pumpkin flavored everything to look forward to. If you are looking for something to do over the coming weeks and want to make the most of your fall, there are several ideas to make the most of the beauty of the season. No matter the budget or time constraints, there is something for everyone.

Have a smaller budget or not too much time? Take a couple of hours one afternoon and visit a local park, forest, or the Great Smoky Mountains and look at the fall foliage. You can enjoy the sites from the comfort of the car, or you can take a hike with friends. It’s free and a great way to spend the afternoon alone or with friends. Plus, all that beautiful scenery would make for some great photos. Peak viewing times are projected to be around mid-October or early November.

Looking for something to do with kids? How about a fun afternoon spent apple picking? For a small fee, most orchards will allow families to come in and select a large amount of their favorite apples. Think of all the recipes and after-school snacks that can be created, not to mention the important family bonding time. Kids will learn the importance of working together to collect the apples and see the literal fruits of their labor when you take them home. Most orchards are usually beginning to open around early September, and are ypically open most of the week and weekends.

Have a slightly bigger budget and a bunch of friends looking for something to do? There are a variety of pumpkin patches and corn mazes around the area to choose from. Many of these businesses and attractions will be opening over the coming weeks. It should be noted that most are only open on weekends, and the price for admission is typically anywhere between $10 to $15. There’s a huge variety of locations in the area, so there should be something for everyone; if you have smaller kids there are often rides for the little ones. The pumpkin patch can be a blast for the older kids and adults. Corn mazes are usually set up for participants at different “skill” levels, such as traditional, tricky, or challenging.

For those seeking a fright this fall season, there are plenty of options for you, too. Get a good scare at the Knoxville Haunted Ghost Tours. They offer a tour around the city by a professional Paranormal Historian. There are several tours to choose from, and participants get access to live music and food. Tours are typically $35- $40 per person, with prices ranging on the type of tour selected. Frightmare will also be up and running with a selection of haunted events for you to choose from. The attraction is usually open from late September through November. Prices range from $24 – $36 per person depending on the type of event selected.

Whatever you decide to do this fall, make the most of the season with the people you love and make memories to last a lifetime. Fall is an exciting time in East Tennessee, and new events are always underway. Keep your eyes peeled for the next fall adventure!