By MOLLY HOLT
Staff Writer
Summer is coming to an end, and pumpkin spice flavored everything is beginning to appear again. It’s time to break out the flannels and break into your favorite fall activities! If you’re a freshmen who is new to the area or a senior who thinks you have done all there is to do around here for the season, here are nine fun fall festivities you can try out this season.
1. Visit Demarest Farms
Enjoy some classic fall fun by spending an afternoon at Demarest Farms in Hillsdale picking some apples and pumpkins. Nothing says fall like making some homemade apple pie or carving pumpkins for Halloween. While you’re there, be sure to pick up some homemade apple cider donuts from the farm store. They are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends and 3 to 4:30 p.m. during the week.
2. Go to Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure
Looking for something a little more spooky to kick o the fall festivities? Then Fright Fest at Six Flags may be right up your alley. Beware the zombies and ghouls that lurk around every corner as you experience haunted houses, walk through scare zones, watch frightening performances and scream on rollercoaster rides. Fright Fest is runs from Sept. 23 until Oct. 31. at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson.
3. Visit the New York Botanical Gardens
Take a trip into the city and visit the beautiful New York Botanical Gardens. Although this is a lovely sight at any time of year, the autumn display is the perfect scene to appreciate the naturalistic beauty of fall. Looking for a unique fall Instagram photo-op? Check out the Giant Pumpkin Weekend Oct. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and get a picture with some of the biggest pumpkins from around the country.
4. Catch a Scary Flick
In the mood for a scare? Head down to Teaneck Cinemas and catch a horror movie that will send chills down your spine. There are some new movies set to hit theaters this fall that just may give you that scare you are looking for. If you are anxious to get in the creepy Halloween spirit early, you can catch the remake of “It,” which is already in theaters. A little later in the season some long anticipated sequels will be premiering, including “Saw: Legacy,” “Chucky 7” and “Insidious: Chapter 4.”
5. Attend the Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns
If you’re not looking to be scared this fall, but still want to appreciate the spirit of Halloween, then the Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns may be the perfect fall activity for you. You can see 1,000 illuminated Jack O’Lanterns carved by artists from the tri- state area. There are also 3-D pumpkin sculptures and live carving demonstrations to see the artists in action. This display will light up your fall night with fun.
6. Enter the Horseman’s Hollow
Fall is the perfect time for haunting stories and legends. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, take a trip up to Philipsburg Manor to dive into the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Adventure into the Horseman’s Hollow and follow haunted trails and mazes as you relive the chilling tale of the Headless Horseman. This haunting experience is available for 15 nights in October and sells out quickly, so get your tickets soon.
7. Witness the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Join in the tradition of attending the 13th Annual Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. This is a good “middle of the road” fall activity. It’s a fun, creative display of hand carved Jack O’Lanterns located in the historic Hudson Valley. This gives it an eerie atmosphere without being too scary for those who don’t think being spooked is a fun time. The displays are amazing in both size and creativity. This year’s display includes a 20-foot rotating pumpkin carousel and a pumpkin sculpture of the Statue of Liberty. It is a tremendous, colorful sight that is perfect for an exciting fall night.
8. Treat Yourself to some Festive Sweets
One of the most exciting parts of fall is the delicious treats that start popping up as the season rolls around.
Of course, there are pumpkin spice lattes to satisfy your fall cravings, but if you are looking for something a little less mainstream, a local staple has the treat for you. Stop by Bischoff’s Ice Cream on Cedar Lane in Teaneck, and try their pumpkin fudge ice cream. It is the perfect treat for the those fall sweet cravings.
9. Escape Room
Take on the exciting task of attempting to figure out an escape room. This is a fun activity for any time of the year, but it is a particularly cool activity to partake in as the Halloween season approaches. This is the perfect fall night out for anyone looking to stay local, as there is an escape room right in Hackensack. “The Other Side” is perfect for those looking for a scary, ghoul- filled experience. This room has two options: the horror option for those looking for a scare and the detective option for anyone just looking for a good mystery.
