Getting in your fall feels
Looking for things to do this fall while the weather hasn’t caught on just yet? Cleveland and the surrounding area offers numerous activities for people of all ages.
In Cleveland, the Apple Festival will take over downtown October 18–19. This annual festival features numerous vendors, a craft show, live music, food, entertainment, children’s activities and more. The Cleveland Apple Festival is a public charity that donates the proceeds from the festival to other non profit organizations in the area.
Not too far from the university lies Apple Valley Orchards – sponsor of the Apple Festival. The family-run orchard is located at 351 Weese Road SE, Cleveland, Tenn. The orchard is open daily (Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m.–5 p.m.) from August through Dec. 23. They sell a wide variety of apples in their store.
The orchard will hold a U‑Pick event on October 25 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., with varieties like Pink Lady, Arkansas Black, and Gold Rush available. When visiting Fridays through Sundays, enjoy a range of seasonal treats and foods, including: vanilla soft serve ice cream, apple cider, cider slush, donuts, hand pies and fritters.
Ocoee Valley Farms, located in Polk County along the Ocoee River, offers a range of fall activities from late September through early November. The main attraction is a large corn maze, along with a pumpkin patch. There are also flower fields, hayrides, and smaller activities like a cow train and corn cannon, though some of these require extra tokens or fees.
Food is available on-site. A small café and snack stand offer items like burgers, cobblers, and ice cream. Admission ranges from about $12 to $18 depending on access to attractions, and pumpkins are sold separately. It’s a good option for a day trip if you're looking to get outside, take fall photos, or do something seasonal with friends.
A little farther away, Mayfield Farm Park in Athens, Tenn. offers plenty of fall activities: pumpkin patches, silo light show, hayrides, mountain slides, hillbilly pig races and apple, pumpkin and candy cannons.
The park is open for its Fall Festival from September 27 to November 2. Regular hours are Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. The farm is closed Monday through Wednesday, except during Fall Break (Oct. 6-10 & Oct. 15-17), when it’s open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
If money is tight, one can enjoy free activities like driving to Ducktown, N.C. with the windows down while looking at the changing colors of the leaves or a hike in Chilhowee to see the fall foliage.
Don’t let autumn slip away taking advantage of these local seasonal activities and treats.
