Haunted house scares, candied treats and costume party tricks all have their seasonal spot. But really appreciating fall in all of its brisk glory might call for going outdoors, perusing a pumpkin patch or getting lost in a corn maze.
All hours are for October, except where noted.
STOCKBRIDGE
Yule Forest
This family-owned and operated farm not only raises pumpkins, but Christmas trees, blueberries and more. Although its pumpkin patch is the star of the show, the experience is more than an exercise in Halloween. It’s drenched in education as visitors experience what it’s like to live day-to-day on a working farm. Guests take away knowledge about everything from the ecosystem to recycling. After watching a film about pumpkins, it’s off to see the real thing where folks can buy a pumpkin right out of the patch. Oodles of activities are included with farm admission. Highlights include a hayride through the forest where more than 300 wooden cartoon characters await. A animatronic farmer and chicken chat to each other, and kids hang with real animals in the petting zoo and replica pioneer village. In the latter, rabbits hop about. Step inside the science center for a look at reptiles, butterflies, bugs and spiders. For an additional $2, kids can find their way out of a wooden maze, get crazy in an obstacle course, play in the fun house, climb aboard a pirate ship and bounce on the pumpkin jumping pillow. The extra charge also includes a small pumpkin. If all that activity works up an appetite, concessions are available for sale. On weekends, train rides ($2) and horseback riding ($5) are offered.
4-7 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $5. 3565 Highway 155 N., Stockbridge. 770-954-9356, www.aboutyule.com .
MCDONOUGH
Southern Belle Farm
Originally a dairy farm, Southern Belle has been in the Carter family for three decades. These days it’s a beef cattle and educational farm. Interactivity rules the roost, especially in the 7-acre corn maze, which boasts a one-of-a-kind design. A bird’s-eye view of the maze reveals an image of Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox along with a tomahawk and the words “Thanks Bobby” cut into the field. As the sun goes down, the Carters suggest bringing a flashlight along for the trek, because ghosts and goblins might be on this year’s Halloween payroll. A visit includes a hayride throughout the 200-acre farm with views of the cotton field, berry patches and barnyard animals. Pigs race in the nearby Oinker Stadium. Wannabe farmers also get access to pumpkin painting, a corn cannon, jumping pillow, pedal carts, tunnel slide and more. MiMi’s Kitchen offers countrified edibles such as funnel cakes, boiled peanuts and fried dill pickles. The special Bluegrass & Bonfire concert takes place 5 p.m. October 23. The Fall Festival, which begins at 4 p.m. October 30, stars Doodle The Clown, who will be painting faces and judging the costume contest.
10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays. 1-6 p.m. Sundays. Through Nov. 14. $12; $10 ages 65 and older; ages 2 and younger free. 1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough. 770-288-2582, www.southernbellefarm.com .
DAWSONVILLE
Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Those looking for outdoor fall action get 20 acres of it here. It’s free to get in and check out the new Great Goat Trek. A herd of goat mill around and climb ramps as high as 15 feet above the ground. The tractor display, and Kiddie Corner with its soybean maze and hay bales are free, too. Guests can shop for pumpkins, fall decorations and food. Other attractions require a fee. Pay $1 to blast three ears of corn out of the corn cannon. Venture into the maze made up of 12-foot cornstalks and wind through a design cut in the image of a giant butterfly. A tractor-drawn hayride rambles over the grounds and winds up at a bonfire where guests can roast marshmallows. Those looking for spookier sensations can brave the Haunted Trail, which includes access to the corn maze. The Haunted Trail is available beginning at dusk on Friday and Saturday nights, and guests aren’t allowed to bring flashlights.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Maze: $9; ages 3 and younger free. Hay ride and bonfire: $5. Haunted Trail and maze: $12. Maze, hayride and bonfire combo: $12. Haunted Trail, maze hayride and bonfire combo: $15. 4525 Highway 53 E., Dawsonville. 770-772-6223, www.uncleshucks.com .
Other pumpkin patch and corn maze attractions:
Cagle’s Family Farm
362 Stringer Road, Canton
770-345-5591, www.caglesfamilyfarm.com
Hours: 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Fridays. 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Saturdays. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays.
The centerpiece of fall activities at Cagle’s is its maze made up of 3 miles of paths. Those 3 and older can experience the maze and the massive jumping pillow for $10. Hitch a lift on the hayride to the bonfire for $7. Take a scary step into the Haunted Barn ($12). Combination tickets range from $15 to $28.
The Kinsey Family Farm
7170 Jot-em Down Road, Gainesville
770-887-6028, www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
The farm’s fall harvest allows guests to shop from a selection of apples, gourds, corn stalks and more. Of course, pumpkins are in abundance and range in color from orange to green. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, hayrides are available ($2 ages 3 and older). Guests can fire apples from a cannon, and get three shots for $1. Pony up 50 cents and feed the fish in the pond from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays.
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