Falling into winter: How to enjoy the last bit of fall

This week took a quick turn as the temperatures dropped from the warm 70s to the low 50s. It might be the Floridian in me, but I was not ready for winter to come so rapidly. I was hoping fall would stick around for a bit longer, but sweater weather seems to be slipping away. If you haven’t gotten around to fall activities, it might be best to take advantage of the next few weeks before it’s too late.

           Luckily, there are some fall events still happening in the area. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard is a great opportunity to squeeze in your last fall fix. Not only is this a great place for high-quality Instagram pictures, but it also offers several seasonal activities. If you decide to visit, you can take a hayride to the apple orchard. If there are still apples left, you can stop and pick your fair share. Don’t worry if you aren’t a fan of apples though, as they also have all kinds of farm animals on the property that visitors can interact with at the petting corral and farmyard area.

           Not only do they have the typical fall farm activities, but they also offer several shows and unique experiences. There are various performances by the Barnyard Animal Band and Scarecrow Band throughout the day for some added entertainment. They also offer an apple educational experience in their special education barn.

           In true spooky season fashion, they have several Halloween-inspired events. If haunted attractions are more up your alley, then Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is the weekend activity for you. They offer a corn maze and pirate maze, as well as a haunted farmhouse, spook shed and a haunted trail and graveyard. They even offer a special photo opportunity with a skeleton Mickey! Even if you plan to go for the daytime fall festivities, staying late for the additional scares would be the perfect end to October.

           Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard is open all seven days of the week. Fridays and Saturdays are the most expensive, with tickets being $29.95 per person. However, if you have the chance to go during the week, prices drop to $19.95. The pumpkin patch and fall activities are only open through the end of October, so make sure you head out and celebrate the end of fall!

By Kelina Rodgers