‘Tis the season for pumpkin picking and trick-or-treating.
This year, as the leaves begin to fall and the weather begins to change, events and programs are geared at getting people into the spirit of fall and Halloween in Murray, Paris, Tenn., Paris, Ky. and Paducah, Ky.
Whether students are looking for date ideas or a great way to get out of the house and spend time with friends, here are some options for fall fun.
See a spooky show
Playhouse in the Park, located in Chestnut Park will present its Halloween show, “Wait Until Dark.”
The suspenseful show is a game of cat and mouse between three con men and a married couple.
The show will run for two weekends beginning Oct. 16. The performances will be at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Enjoy the outdoors
For a little outdoor fun, Wurth Farms LLC in Paducah will host its “October Days” this month. The events include pumpkin patches, hay rides, balloon animals, a petting zoo, live music, a straw maze and inflatables.
Students looking for a way to spruce up the dorm room or apartment for the season could pick pumpkins and make jack-o-lanterns or create a fall wreath with gourds or corn cobs.
Located at 1720 Friendship Road, Wurth Farms is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday.
Venture through a maze
Students looking to get a little fresh air and a break from studying from midterms or school in general may enjoy Julie’s Pumpkins in Paris.
Julie’s Pumpkins is a family-owned farm and country store. It offers hot dog and marshmallow roasts on the weekends as well as hayrides through its pumpkin patch and a corn maze.
It is located at 1069 Ruddles Mill Road and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pick a sweet treat
Another option for getting outdoors and enjoying the fall weather is Reed Valley Orchard located 239 Lail Lane in Paris, Ky. Grab a bucket and get picking.
The orchard offers apple picking, berry picking, a country store and historic nature trail. The orchard has a variety of baked goods and a honey exhibit.
The orchard owners say the nature trail is a historic step back in time. According to local lore, Jesse James and his brother once camped on the trail as they were traveling through the area.
Explore a haunted house
Those who are looking for a little more gutsy (literally) experience this fall, can visit Talon Falls in Melber, Ky.
The haunted park is located on a 50-acre farm, and it’s filled with terrifying attractions including the Talon Falls Screampark, the Dead End Haunted House, the Sinister Circus in 3D and Twisted Tales.
The park is open 6:30-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 6:30-9 p.m. on Sunday.
Daring and fearless students could even apply to be a part of the “scream team” at Talon Falls.
Whether it be a creepy doll or the human butcher, the park is always in need of people willing to spook guests at its exhibits.
Story by Madison Wepfer, Staff writer