It was a fine line between summer weather and fall weather come mid-September, so now that October is upon us we truly are “in the heart of it: Fall”. But that just means we can put on our cutest fall weather clothing and boots or our spookiest costumes and finally indulge in all things that are eerily good.
Farm Fall Festivals
You can have a completely fall-filled weekend every October weekend with how many harvest festivals are around at local farms! Head to the South Hills to Trax Farms for their weekend Fall Festival for hayrides, pumpkin picking in the pumpkin patch, corn maze, and more. Head to the North Hills to Soergel’s Orchards and (apple) pick your own adventure with games, activities, tractor rides, pumpkin and apple picking, food, and more. If you simply want to get out and pick a pumpkin the North Hills’ Shenot’s Farm & Market is the low-key pumpkin patch picking option.
Scary Good Times
If your ideal October is all Halloween-centered then you’ll want to visit the ScareHouse. Formerly located in Etna, a few years ago the ScareHouse moved out to the Pittsburgh Mills Mall where it’s still ranked as one of “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” by Travel Channel. Another fright-filled option includes Kennywood Fright Nights (aka Phantom Fall Fest) (…which unfortunately became a little too realistically scary in recent days…). For those seeking to focus on the truly haunted check out Haunted Pittsburgh Tours and their City County Building Ghost Tour. And for one night only (on October 22) the Carrie Furnace will become the Scary Furnace as it plays ghost host to the Scary Furnace Halloween Party featuring a mini beer festival with the Beers of the Burgh and Brew Gentlemen by day, a dance party by night, and a ghost tour.
Fall Foliage Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
If you’re seeking a low-key option for your weekends then a simple drive is a great way to feel the chilly fall breeze, check out the changing trees, and add a little pumpkin spice to your days. Check out the PA DCNR’s social media and website for a regularly updated Fall Foliage map for where to catch peak season colors along with their self-guided “Laurel Highlands Discover Fall Scenic Driving Tour” routes. Motorcycle lovers should check out VisitPA’s “8 Foliage-Packed Motorcycle Routes in PA” for inspiration. Or just head to any local green space and indulge in some multi-colored time just sitting or hiking and soaking up these chilly days – Moraine State Park, McConnells Mill State Park, Raccoon Creek State Park, North Park, South Park, Boyce Park, and Point State Park all offer great seasonal views.
“Let’s Go Beer Drinking Beer Drinking”
Celebrating fall just wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to all the delicious fall-themed brews that are ready for harvesting this time of year. Pretty much every local brewery brews something special in celebration of pumpkins, harvests, or the chilly weather. Let MadeinPGH’s round-up from last year and fall favorites list offer some sips of inspiration – many places brew the same seasonals and host the same events each year so just visit their websites to learn ‘22’s brews news.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.