Oct./Nov. 2006
Fall Festivities
A Harvest of Activities to Suit All Ages
by Austin L. Ray
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| Scarecrows in the Garden |
As the leaves begin to turn and the oppressive heat dies down, plenty of entertaining events begin to crop up in Greater Atlanta. With events that are family-oriented, for kids only or strictly for adults, you’ll have no excuse for staying home this fall.
Family Fare
Scarecrows in the Garden/Goblins in the Garden
An annual October event, Scarecrows in the Garden features more than 50 locally created scarecrow designs at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This beautiful display, on view Sept. 30-Oct. 31, is perfect for early evening perusal as temperatures begin to cool. On Oct. 29, the Botanical Garden invites its more youthful patrons to dress up in their finest costumes and participate in fun and treats for Goblins in the Garden.
404-876-5859 or visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
Cagle’s Dairy Farm
Not only does this dairy farm feature MAiZE, a 10-acre corn field maze chock full of twists and turns to delight people of all ages, but every Saturday in October, Fall Harvest tours will teach city kids, and their parents, how food is produced on farms across the nation. Don’t miss the tractor races!
770-345-5591 or visit www.caglesdairy.com.
Stone Mountain Park’s 4th Annual Pumpkin Festival
Throughout weekends in October, enjoy all things pumpkin at Stone Mountain Park, with pumpkin pie eating contests, pumpkin sculpting, and an exuberant series of challenges known as Pumpkinpalooza. Be sure to hop aboard the Pumpkin Express!
770-498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.
Oakhurst Art & Music Festival
While live music sets the mood, over 75 artists will take up shop at Harmony Park in Atlanta’s Oakhurst neighborhood on Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A myriad of activities is interspersed throughout, catering to both young and old.
404-371-9583 or visit www.decaturga.com.
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| Stone Mountain Park's Annual Pumpkin Festival |
Spooky Stuff
Roswell Ghost Tour
Although offered year-round, the Roswell Ghost Tour is perfectly suited for the month of ghouls and goblins. Not recommended for small children, this two-hour walking ghost-story tour of Roswell is sure to keep you up at night. 770-649-9922 or visit www.roswellghosttour.com.
Netherworld
Rated as one of the top ten haunted houses in America by the AOL City Guide, Netherworld will celebrate its 10th year during a grand opening on Sept. 22. Mentioned in both Nickelodeon magazine and The Wall Street Journal, Netherworld’s live actors and special effects are not to be missed.
404-608-2484 or visit www.fearworld.com.
Beverage Bonanzas
The Great Decatur Beer Tasting Festival
On Oct. 21 on the square in Decatur, hundreds of locally brewed and international beers will be featured for tasting. Along with live music and food, the $30 admission includes a special tasting glass, and proceeds benefit projects throughout the community. Come early, as only 5,000 are admitted. Sorry, no children are allowed.
404-371-9583 or visit www.decaturga.com.
Fest of Ale
On cool Thursday evenings in October, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a fine destination for those looking to imbibe a delicious spirit. Each week features live music and specialty beers, and for the romantically inclined, a candlelit walk.
404-876-5859 or visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
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