There's something about the Halloween season that can soften the hardest-hearted apathetes into apple-picking and pumpkin-carving mush. Here is our guide to where and when you can find some of these cutesy — but downright fun — to-dos.
Campbell's Farm:
Missouri N and Carob Road
Clever, Mo. 65631
417-743-2208
http://www.campbellsmazedaze.com
Campbell's annual Maze Daze runs through Nov. 1 and is the place to hit if you want your fall fun to clobber you all at once. They have corn mazes (one family-friendly, one haunted), hayrides, bonfires and pumpkins. Lots and lots of pumpkins. You can pick one from their selection that has already been plucked from the field, or you can make like Charlie Brown and pick your own great pumpkin.
Hotel of Terror:
334 N. Main Ave
Springfield, Mo. 65806
417-863-9640
http://www.hotelofterror.com
Just when we thought those "Dateline" black light hotel exposés were terrifying, we have something even scarier to contend with. Downtown's Hotel of Terror has been sending people shrieking into the night for the last 30 years. Twenty-five “live” ghouls are ready to pop out at any point, in addition to many more air creatures. Advance up all four flights and then make a harrowing (and oh so delightful) escape down their 96-foot slide. Doors open nightly at 7 p.m.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Moonlight Tour:
6424 W. Farm Road 182
Republic, Mo. 65738
417-732-2662 ext. 227
http://www.nps.org/wicr
There aren’t too many things more interesting, more humbling and more spooky than an old Civil War battlefield. On Saturday, Sept. 12 get a taste of history and enjoy a little fright at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Moonlight Tour. Wilson’s Creek was the site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi and the scene of the first death of a Union general, Nathaniel Lyon. Buses from the visitor’s center to the tour site leave every 15 minutes starting at 6:45 p.m. and ending at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 but for another $6, you can enjoy the Chili Supper preceding the event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Be warned: the tour gets pretty detailed and graphic about the battle so don’t expect the Disney version.
Oktoberfest:
3158 Missouri 265
Branson, Mo.
http://www.lindwedelwinegarden/Oktoberfest
Prost! Lindwedel Wine Garden will be hosting an Oktoberfest celebration on all the weekends in October (except Saturday, Oct. 10, when it will be closed) featuring local micro-brew tastings and live music. The wine garden overlooks the rolling hills of the Ozarks and is a great setting to knock a couple back in the name of cultural outreach.
Frederickson Farms Pumpkins
303 N. Grimes
Carl Junction, Mo.
417-649-6141
Pumpkins should be purchased in twos – not for aesthetic purposes, but for trial and error. Invariably that first one winds up with its eyes all wonky or a missing tooth thanks to a slip of the knife (and an extra slurp of spiked cider). Plan ahead and buy multiples at Frederickson Farms. In addition to your standard orange pumpkin, they have a giant variety of gourds and mums to aid in the beautification of your stoop, porch, dorm room, tent, teepee, what have you.
Blue Heron Orchard
32974 220th St.
Canton, Mo. 63435
573-655-4291
http://www.blueheronorchard.com
Pumpkins? Check. Beer? Check. Haunted houses? Check. Civil War battlefields? Check. What’s missing? Ahhh, apples. Unfortunately the havoc-wreaking ice storms of recent winters have wiped out a lot of fruit trees so pick-your-own apples are a little harder to come by than usual. So we have you making a bit of a hike for this one. But hey, it’s fall, it’s beautiful and it’ll be fun to make a day of it. Apple season starts in late summer so by this time of year, things are going fast. Be sure to check out the Jonafree, Golden and Red Delicious and Blushing Golden. But if you like the rare, memorable winesap – tart, tangy, juicy, firm and red as Merlot – you're in luck. They stick around 'til close to the end of October. Blue Heron still has this variety to pick (and others already picked) in addition to their homemade ciders, syrups and vinegars.
