One of the things I love about East Tennessee is that we get to experience all four seasons, unlike Southern California, where it rarely rains and is usually dry, hot, sunny and windy. Also, we typically do not have extreme weather like our friends along the coastline, although Hurricane Helene proved that the Appalachian region is still susceptible to destructive weather patterns. My heart goes out to those still suffering from the catastrophic damages in the area. May you find the resources and support you need to get through this difficult time.

My favorite season is fall, not only for the cool weather and brilliant fall foliage filled with striking colors of golds, yellows, oranges and maroons but also because it reminds me to let go of what is no longer serving me. I admire nature as it so effortlessly sheds parts of itself, trusting the process of letting go, evolving and transforming into something new. In some ways, fall feels empty and lonely through nature’s surrender to the weather change, through the unsettling ear-prickling nights of the wind howling and of the dreary and haunting feeling so often associated with the season.

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However, fall is also a time of community, a time to gather with friends and visit a pumpkin patch or roast marshmallows at a bonfire while telling ghost stories. It is for the brave souls, willing to risk their lives, or at least their witts, at a haunted house or a ghost tour. To make the most of the season I have compiled a short list of nearby attractions to get you in the spirit of fall, but also in the spirit of friendship.

Stickley Farm

The fall festival runs through October 31st. General admission is $15 which “includes a hayride, jump pillow, outdoor mini golf, tube slide, inflatables, corn mazes, petting zoo and more!” There is also a Haunted Funhouse at the Farm on Fridays and Saturdays that starts at dark. In addition, an escape room is held at the Milk House Manor which sounds terrifying.

Paradise Acres

Paradise Acres is a family fun farm located in Johnson City. It has many attractions including gem mining, a flower maze, outdoor laser tag and a pumpkin patch. The flower maze is only $5 a person and is filled with “wildflowers, sunflowers and butterflies.” The Gem mining is the newest attraction on the farm and you can pan for treasures such as Shark’s teeth, arrowheads and Onyx. Also new this year is a Koi pond.

Laurel’s Pumpkin Barn

Laurel’s Pumpkin Barn grows over “60 different varieties of pumpkins, squash, gourds and Indian corn.” It has been in business for ten years and is located at 303 Laurels Rd. Johnson City, Tennessee. The barn is open daily through Oct. 31st to fulfill your seasonal vegetable needs. It has become a staple in the community as many reviewers rave about the pumpkin photo ops and the vast selection of products.

Acoustic Autumn

If you’re looking for a good free time nearby, Acoustic Autumns offers free concerts featuring local musicians on Thursday evenings in October at Founders Park. Oct. 10th is ETSU Pride Night. The concerts run from 6:00 to 7:30 pm and are “funded solely from community support.” It is part of Johnson City’s Main Street program to help “foster a vibrant community through events and programs.” Some other events throughout the year are listed on Downtown Johnson City’s website.

Appalachian Ghost Walks

While the company offers several tours, a tour specific to ETSU is called “The Haunted Historic ETSU Ghostwalk,” which departs at Carnegie Hotel. The website claims ETSU “has long been considered by researchers to be one of the most haunted college campuses.” The stories include Sherrod Library, Cooper Hall and a haunted women’s dorm. The tours begin nightly at 8:30 pm. A minimum of two people is required, and the price decreases as the size of the party increases.

Haunted Forest Elizabethton

If you want thrills, chills and to be scared out of your mind, The Haunted Forest Elizabethton is the place to be. It has four amusements: An outdoor trail, a hayride led by Beetlejuice, a zombie outbreak game and two escape rooms. Be sure to check the current schedule in light of Hurricane Helene and the heavy flooding in Elizabethton. The forest is open through Nov. 2nd on Fridays and Saturdays, “bringing its last victim up at 11 pm.”

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