The temperature drops, leaving a teeth-chattering chill in the air. The leaves float from their home off the branch of a tree, softly swaying in the air until they find their way to the ground where they will lay to rest. Even Starbucks follows nature’s lead in the transition to a new season by rolling out its autumn menu. As the cozy fall season unveils itself, so do its exclusive activities. For a limited time only, people have the opportunity to celebrate fall in various ways: pumpkin carving, apple picking, tailgates, corn mazes and more. For me, this comfy time called for something special: a day spent pumpkin picking and another filled with a night of heart-pounding terror.
Priddy Farms
Located in Bartlett, Tennessee, Priddy Farms is a seasonal wonderland. Not only does it function as a pumpkin patch, but it also has an on-site petting zoo, barn and put-put course. The entrance to the farm is slightly hidden, so there is a chance that you will make a wrong turn into a random driveway like I did. It’s best that you use a GPS to get there. When you walk in, you are greeted by the resident chocolate labrador, Cocoa who leads you to the check-in booth. The booth neatly displays the various activities as well as the treats you can snack on while you are there. For only five dollars, I purchased a ticket for the hayride to the patch that allowed me to pick out one pumpkin. While waiting for the tractor to make its return, you are able to take a stroll around the grounds. Watch out for the free-range chickens because they are everywhere and do as they please. During your walk, you will come face-to-face with other animals such as a llama, cows, a peacock, a very loud duck, donkeys, pigs and the most adorable baby goats. Once the tractor pulls up, you load up on to the hay wagon and a farmhand takes you to the patch. Here, the hunt is on to find the perfect pumpkin, so choose wisely and take your time. For me, I used the pumpkin patch as an opportunity for an impromptu photoshoot; it makes for the perfect fall backdrop for your Instagram feed. Back from the pumpkin patch with a miniature pumpkin in hand, you can spend the rest of your stay walking around soaking in the harvest horizon. Before you leave, I suggest you snap a few pictures with the livestock and be sure to give Cocoa a good belly rub on the way back to your car.
Cedar Hill Farm
For many Mississippians, Cedar Hill Farm is a staple for fall. Cedar Hill Farm is a 120-acre working farm located in Hernando, Mississippi. The vast landscape of the farm has allowed the owners to venture into businesses outside of agriculture and livestock: the business of fright. Cedar Hill Farm’s Haunted Farm began on Oct. 4. If you find yourself brave enough to face the fright, your night of horror begins by choosing one of the seven ticket packages available online. I chose to purchase the Haunted Combo package which gave me access to the live performances, a fire pit and one-time use tickets to three of the five nighttime attractions: the Haunted Hayride, Trail of Terror and Flashlight Corn Maze. Other package options, like the Total Terror package, allow you full access to all the spooky sights the farm has to offer. After purchasing your ticket, you will find yourself on the winding, narrow streets of Hernando to get to the venue. Be sure to pay close attention to your directions or you may miss the entrance like I did. Once you are on the property, you are faced with the beast that is parking. Fingers crossed you enjoy off-roading because you will be traveling on a dust-caked pathway, only to end up parking on top of a hill as there are no marked parking spaces (don’t forget that emergency brake). If you purchase your tickets online, you can skip the line and go straight in. Now, let the scaring begin.
Past the ticket booth, you are met with the scene of families gathered around bonfires roasting marshmallows, children playing on swing sets and scare actors dressed in chilling costumes waiting to scare unsuspecting visitors who have turned their backs. Since the Trail of Terror is one of the most popular attractions, I headed there first. While in line for the attractions, prepare yourself to be spooked; think of it as a warm-up for what is about to come. On the dimly lit trail, hold on tight to a friend. If you are scared easily like me, go ahead and push that friend in front of you as you pass through the horrifying scenes. Be sure to steal a quick glance over your shoulder every so often because you are likely being closely followed. And when you hear the roar of the chainsaw, run; be careful not to lose a shoe. A few quick sprints later, you will find yourself in a bus. Guess you are going for a ride. You will be completely in the dark only being able to rely on your touch. The door will slam shut; this was your only way out. Better hope the bus driver will let you off — if the driver is feeling gracious. If you are able to make it out, start running. In fact, don’t stop running until you are all the way out of the trail. While the adrenaline is still coursing through you, go ahead and hop in line for the haunted hayride. Use your time in this line to scope out more actors and take pictures. And who knows? On the hayride, you may even be lucky enough to get a special guest. My hayride crasher was none other than Michael Meyers himself. The hayride will take you on a tour with many spooky scenes where actors are not afraid to hop onto the tractor and give you a scare. Oh so friendly clowns will sinisterly laugh in your face while others will silently hang onto the side of the tractor waiting for you to turn around and scream. Safe and sound and no longer screaming, if time permits, grab a bite to eat, relax or even follow my lead and play on the playground. At the end of the night, you will come out more exhilarated and just the right amount of terrified, eagerly anticipating next year’s festivities, where the shadows may linger a little longer than you would think.