Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Please

Colorful leaves and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will soon be surrounding our area as the crisp air welcomes the new season. While we are all familiar with the usual trick-or-treat nights in our neighborhoods, consider the bounty of adventures awaiting your family this season. Here are a few to get you started on your way.

• We’ve heard it said that autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower and for many, a panoramic view of the season is always a favorite. This year, consider hopping aboard the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Train in Nelsonville. Enjoy a 22-mile round trip ride along the Hocking River and Appalachian foothills at 1:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays plus 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a great opportunity to start a new tradition with your family. More information can be found at www.hvsry.org or simply call (740)249-1452 to get your tickets.

• The 41^st Young’s Jersey Dairy Fall Farm Pumpkin Festival in Yellow Springs will be on October 7 and 8 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Though you can always stay busy with batting cages, putt putt golf, a petting zoo and much more, this is indeed their biggest festival of the year. Humongous Gus, the 800-pound pumpkin, will be on hand for photo opportunities and families can watch cow milking, tour the cheesemaking facility, join in on a hayride, participate in pumpkin bowling, and even get lost in the corn maze. There is a restaurant onsite but don’t forget to save room for the pumpkin cinnamon sugar donut holes…the true definition of pumpkin spice and everything nice. Check it all out at www.youngsdairy.com or contact them at (937)325.0629 for more details.

• If you’re like Charlie Brown and still searching for the great pumpkin, consider the Circleville Pumpkin Show from October 18-21 were over 100,000 pounds of pumpkins and gourds are on display and single pumpkins often weigh over 1000 pounds. Add that to the numerous parades, food, arts/crafts, amusement park rides, live entertainment, games, and more filling 8 city blocks and you’ll have a day worth remembering. Don’t forget to check out the world’s largest pumpkin pie and stay for the pumpkin carving that will make you want to take your skills to the next level. Call (740)474-7000 for more details or plan your day by visiting www.pumpkinshow.com.

• Furry friends are invited to Dressed to the K-Nines on October 27 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Oak Grove Park in Centerville. Owners and pets are encouraged to join in the costume fun and walk the red carpet in style together. Don’t forget to bring your own paparazzi and hot dogs will be available for purchase. Only 50 pets may actually participate in the contest so be sure to get register early at https://apm.activecommunities.com/cwpd/activity_search/dressed-to-the-k-nines/5555 or call the Centerville-Washington Park District at (937)433.5155 for additional information.

• Take a time travel adventure to a 16^th Century English village complete with arts and crafts, games, food, shows and much more throughout the 30 acres of fun at the Renaissance Festival. Join them the weekend of October 28and 29 for a special event that will include trick or treating around the village, pumpkin decorating and costume contests for children and adults alike. It’s a day promised to be like no other that will have you shouting “huzzah” as you celebrate an era long gone by. Hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm. Get additional details at www.renfestival.com or by calling (513)897-7000.

No hibernating yet! It’s time to join with your family and enjoy all the fall season has to offer. You’re just one adventure away from creating new traditions as you explore the variety of fall fun available all throughout Ohio. And don’t forget to enjoy your own backyard this autumn as you dive into the freshly raked leaf piles alongside your kids or go on a pumpkin decorating scavenger hunt before getting creative with the family. The best part of memories really is making them.