photos by Jane Schneider
Cedar Hill Farm
Through November 2 Hernando, MS Ride a tractor to the pumpkin patch or meet farm animals at the petting zoo; pony rides also available. Friday & Saturday nights: Haunted Hayride and Trail of Terror. Cost: $9/11+, $10/ages 3-10 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, noon-5 p.m.• Gocedarhillfarm.com
Donnell Century Farm
October 5- November 2 3720 U.S. 70, Jackson, TN Highlights include a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, jumping pillow, and mazes. New this year: Pig Races. Cost: $8/general admission, $10/admission + jumping pillow. Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, noon-5:30 p.m. Donnellcenturyfarm.com
Green Acres Farm
Through November 27 158 Medina Hwy., Milan More than 100 varieties of pre-picked pumpkins, straw bales, and gourds makes this farm a winner. Cost: Free Hours: Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. greenacresfarmmilantn.com
Jones Orchard and Market
October 2-November 3 6880 Singleton, Millington Wagon rides to the pumpkin patch or frightful fun at the Festival of Fear. This farm also features two corn mazes haunted by scary and silly mummies. Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 6-10 p.m., Fridays, 6-11 p.m., Saturday, noon-11 p.m., Sunday, noon-10 p.m. Price: $6/adult, Free/ages 5 & under w/adult admissionJonesorchard.com
The Mid-South Maze
Through November 2 Agricenter Get lost in an 8-acre corn maze, shoot corn cannons, or take a haunted hayride. Cost: Corn maze: $7/adults, $5/ages 6-12, free/under 5 w/adult admission. Haunted maze/$10 (Friday/Saturday nights only), haunted hayride/$5. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 4-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-10 p.m., Sunday, noon-8 p.m. • Midsouthmaze.com
Priddy Farms Pumpkins and Trees
Through October 31 4595 N. Germantown Rd., Hayrides to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Ride the barrel train, moon bounce, or bring old clothes to build a scarecrow. Evening campfires for roasting hot dogs and s’mores (bring your own). Cost: $4/hayride per family, $3+/pumpkins, $3/build a scarecrow, $1/train ride, $3/moon bounce Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday, 10 a.m.-7, Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Priddyfarms.net
Scarecrows at Lichterman
Through November 22 Lichterman Nature Center Eclectic and traditional scarecrows abound during this celebration. Created by volunteers; vote for your favorite. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $6/adults, $4.50/ages 3-12, free/under 3. Free Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m.Memphismuseums.org
Tom’s Farm
Through Halloween; by reservation in November 1665 Murrell Rd., Rossville Wagon rides to pick-your-own pumpkin patch, or wander in a corn maze. Purchase corn stalks and other fall decorations. Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost: $8/ride & pumpkin, $7/haunted corn maze (Friday/Saturday), $6/corn maze
Ghouls lurking at the cemetery.
Ghouls lurking at the cemetery.
Fun and Frights at Spooky Nights
Shelby Farms embraces the Halloween spirit with a new October event
Spooky Nights begins this month at Shelby Farms and promises spooktacular fun. Every Friday and Saturday night in October, from 7 to 10 p.m., families can learn about night animals on the Nocturnal Hike, take the Headless Horseman hayride, play Zombie laser tag, and paint pumpkins. It’s the brainchild of events manager Natalie Wilson, who brought together a talented team of artisans to create the month-long event.
Spooky Trails centerpiece is the Haunted Trail (ages 12+), a .6-mile bridle path transformed into a ghoulish fright fest. Screenwriter/filmmaker/Zombie Walk mastermind Duane Craig has crafted the storyline that unfolds as visitors venture down the trail. He draws his inspiration from horror films of the ‘70s and ‘80s but kept details under wraps. Bringing each scene to life will be a troop of volunteer actors (more than 100, we’re told) from the Indy Acting Studio, Lisa Lax Studio, and the University of Memphis. Suffice to say, zombies, evil clowns, and little dead things will be lurking.
The Haunted Trails creative team includes (l to r) Ian and Lexi Pretznow, Andy Gilbert, Duane Craig, & John Paul Graham.
The Haunted Trails creative team includes (l to r) Ian and Lexi Pretznow, Andy Gilbert, Duane Craig, & John Paul Graham.
The park also tapped the Kilgore Crew, whose haunted house near the Wolfchase Mall has become legendary, last year attracting 1,500+ visitors. Lexi and Ian Pretznow, along with their friend and pneumatics pro, Andy Gilbert, take Halloween mischief seriously. “This is our dream,” says Lexi. “The home haunt is elaborate, but this will be a bigger scale. It’s fun to take it to the next level.” Rounding out the troupe is sculptor John Paul Graham, an art teacher and graduate student whose gargoyles and statuary will decorate the grounds.
In addition, a host of park staff members and volunteers have done their part to sort out electrical issues, build staging, and ready the park for its October debut. Happy haunting! — Jane Schneider
Discount coupons at shelbyfarmspark.org. Pay at the entrance for the Haunted Trail ($10/person) or Nocturnal Hike ($10/family). Pay for other activities on location: zombie laser tag ($5/per game), hayride ($5/person), & pumpkin painting ($3/per pumpkin).