The brisk breeze tickles your nose, and the warm September air has left, leaving the cool, spooky fog of October. Welcoming October into the year may be a sad time for people because summer is officially over, but this month should be an exciting one for all. October’s festivities bring life to the month and there are tons of things you can do.
Apple/Pumpkin picking: There is something about picking your own fruit that really makes autumn fun. With your friends or with your significant other, some-type-of-fruit picking is always a great fall activity, not to mention you can eat it or make a Jack-O-Lantern out of it when you get home.
Weird New Jersey: “Your travel guide to New Jersey’s local legends at and best kept secrets.” Weird New Jersey has archives of all different haunted and abandoned places throughout New Jersey, as well as their back stories. Using Weird NJ, go on a driving tour of all the creepy places located within New Jersey. Of course, you can do this any time of the year, but doing it during Halloween season makes it a much more haunting and thrilling experience. There are even a bunch of spooky locations here in Monroe Township that Weird New Jersey has in its archive, like the Stone Museum and Crematory Hill. Even if you scare easily, there are spots that are less creepy and more interesting. This is definitely a must for October. You can find more at weirdnj.com.
“I started reading [Weird New Jersey’s] magazine when I was a kid and when I got into high school, my friends and I just decided to take a trip one night to some of the sketchy areas mentioned. I’ve never been so scared in my life, but I absolutely loved it and now my friends and I do it every year,” says senior Thomas Urbanik
Fright Fest: Six Flags is one of the most thrilling amusement parks in the nation, and having one in Jackson, New Jersey is a total plus for October. Starting in late September, the sun goes down and the frights come out during a nightly event at Six Flags called Fright Fest. This is a must for anyone who loves a good scare. As the sun sets, there is a concert known as “Dead Man’s Party,” which introduces the night of frights. It’s also a warning that if you scare easily, to leave because the ghouls and goblins are about to come out. When it ends, every inch of the park becomes a place of terror, including the rides.
“Literally nothing is worse than thinking you’re safe from being scared on a ride and then having a worker dressed like a terrifyingly insane little girl sit down next you. When I tried to ask the attraction worker for a different seat, my neighbor laughed maniacally and I don’t think I’ve ever ran so fast,” says senior Michaela McLaughlin.
There are trails, which are very famous during Fright Fest, throughout the park where you walk through and try not to poop your pants when the clown with a chainsaw comes chasing after you. Each trail is rated by scariness, saving those easily frightened from potential heart attack.
All around, Fright Fest is a great attraction for everyone who wants to get in the Halloween Spirit, and makes the amusement park all the more thrilling.
Hay rides/Corn mazes: Hay rides are always fun and family friendly, (unless it says specifically that its haunted) and can be a great way to not only have a good time, but have a wonderful view of nature. Most hayrides are available at places where you go pumpkin picking, such as Terhune Orchards and Stult’s Farm. There are also corn mazes throughout Middlesex county, which can bring a spooky feeling even if there are no workers there to scare you. A famous family corn maze is located at Etsch Farms, where they also have movie nights and lots of delicious baked goods perfect for Fall.
Halloween: What October is known for and possibly one of the most famous holidays in America. Getting ready for Halloween is really fun, too. Putting up decorations, carving Jack-O-Lanterns, and choosing the right costume is crucial for this holiday. Halloween brings tons of parties, candy and great movies, which make it even more wonderful.
Whether it’s dressing up or getting scared out of your mind, this month has the best festivities for everyone in the family.
What do you think is the best part about October?