Fall Festivities

Whether you’re grabbing pumpkins at Howell’s, getting scared at Sleepy Hollow, or sipping on a pumpkin cream chai from Starbucks, fall has something for everyone to enjoy.

Apple picking is a perfect way to get into the fall spirit. You can visit places like Iowa Orchard in Urbandale or Center Grove Orchard in Story City to pick your apples and enjoy the crisp fall weather.

Pumpkin patches are another must-do for fall. Some places even let you pick apples and pumpkins, so it’s like a two-for-one deal. Howell Greenhouse in Cumming and DeMoss Pumpkin Farm in Ames are awesome spots to check out. Morgan Engebritson, a sophomore, said, “I go to Howell’s pumpkin patch with my boyfriend, and we love picking pumpkins to carve.” It’s a great idea for a fun fall date.

If you’re into something a little more spooky, haunted houses are a total fall vibe. These places are full of creepy themes, dark hallways, and lots of jump scares. Local farms often turn into haunted attractions in the fall. Popular spots include The Slaughterhouse in Des Moines, Linn’s Haunted House, and Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park. Junior Kayne VanDis said, “I went to Sleepy Hollow with my friends and loved it. We also watched the horror movie Halloween afterward.”

And if haunted houses or pumpkin patches aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the fall season by grabbing a seasonal drink from Starbucks, McDonald’s, or your favorite local coffee shop. Senior Avery Greimann said, “I love getting the pumpkin cream chai from Starbucks when fall rolls around.” So, whether you’re picking pumpkins, getting spooked, or just enjoying a pumpkin spice latte, fall has something for everyone. Get out there and make the most of this awesome season.