Spooky Season or Not: The Most Enjoyable Activities for October
By Fifi Fraga
It’s the beginning of October and officially “spooky season.” It’s my favorite time of year. There are many fun things to do to unwind and enjoy the gorgeous fall weather or to scare yourself into the Halloween spirit. Autumn has been my favorite season ever since I moved up North. I have personally experienced a few of the activities I am about to list and some more than once. Never miss an opportunity to enjoy a fall activity!
1. Linvilla Orchards
Not only can you go apple picking in the beautiful crisp autumn air here (which I actually have not done yet this season), but you can also shop for Halloween decorations and enjoy freshly baked fall treats like pumpkin bread and apple pie. Another dessert I came across was a pumpkin cheesecake crumble. To be perfectly honest, I did not think it would be as good as it was, because it seemed such a peculiar hybrid of three desserts. Once I took a bite, it was the most festive delicious treat I have ever tried. And, make sure to try Linvilla’s hot apple cider and apple cider donuts! The last time I went, they had open a beer garden with adorable outdoor seating and relaxing music. There are also farm animals to look at, feed, and pet, which has to be one of my favorite aspects of the fall spot. The atmosphere is wholesome and family-oriented so you will always leave in a better mood than when you arrived!
2. “Terror Behind the Walls” Haunted Attraction at Eastern State Penitentiary
Infamous for being one of the most haunted sites in America, this is one of the most fun haunted houses I have ever been to. There are a total of six attractions you are taken through within the cell blocks of an old abandoned prison. These include “The Infirmary,” with crazy doctors and nurses “tending” to patients dying to escape, as well as “The Lockdown” where you are greeted by zombie inmates and prison guards, “The Machine Shop,” “The Blood Yard,” “Break Out,” and “Quarantine.” This spot is a blast to visit with a bunch of friends and the best part about it (for the chickens), is that you have the option whether or not to wear a glow stick around your neck, which tells the actors in each attraction if they are allowed to touch and grab you. If you do choose to wear, you risk being completely taken by one of the actors and separated from your group (oooo scary).
3. Hike at Valley Forge Park
Take in the autumn air! The weather is the perfect temperature this time of year, you can appreciate the leaves changing color, and can enjoy the quiet atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of whatever might be stressing you out. Plus, you get in a good workout while enjoying historical sites from the American Revolution. Speaking of history, you can also go to the Renaissance Fair (about two hours away) where you can experience reenactments of joust matches and enjoy turkey legs, bread bowls, and more apple cider! They also have cute shops to buy teas, Halloween decorations, plants, and other knick-knacks. If you are looking for something spooky, they also have a medieval torture museum. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and very much on the fall theme.
Whether you are aiming for spooky or not so spooky, there are so many ways to enjoy the fall season. I’ve mentioned just a few of my favorites but am definitely looking forward to experiencing what else is out there. If you haven’t been to any of these places they are definitely worth checking out, especially because each brings a different October experience to the table so one of them is bound to be enjoyable for whatever your fall needs include!
