Contrary to popular belief in Gamecock country, the trifecta of watching, playing, and coaching football are not the only ways to enjoy fall in the Midlands. Tried-and-true autumnal activities are sprinkled across the region, many of which shed light on the otherwise uncelebrated luxury of local farms. These excursions are accented by an array of unique seasonal experiences for all ages and interests during the season.

Clinton Sease Farm

382 Olde Farm Road, Lexington

Sept. 20 – Nov. 3

For the past two decades, the owners of Clinton Sease Farm in Lexington have transformed their family-run operation into a corn maze and pumpkin patch at the onset of autumn. Families from across the Midlands flock to the farm to experience timeless adventure, traditional fall-themed treats, wagon rides, and the opportunity to pluck a pumpkin straight from the vine. This year’s corn maze theme, “Home of the Free,” is a picture of patriotism: an aerial view of the 8-acre landscaping masterpiece depicts a bald eagle flying atop a backdrop of stars and stripes. General admission includes entry into the corn maze, all playground activities, an obstacle course, unlimited wagon rides, and entry into the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are sold separately.

Fall at The FARM 1780

1127 Corley Mill Road, Lexington

Sept. 27 – Oct. 11

Lexington is also home to The FARM 1780, where autumnal activities are aplenty. Their signature Harvest Dinner features an elevated farm-to-table dining experience with hyperlocally sourced root vegetables and fresh game. The Harvest Festival includes a you-pick pumpkin patch, children’s play area, barnyard bounce house, pumpkin putt-putt, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, and a petting zoo. Farm fresh lunch options consist of chicken sausages, brats, and hot dogs — all of which can be polished off with handmade pumpkin beignets.

Fall events at The FARM wrap up on Friday, Oct. 11 with Pumpkin Camp, an immersive excursion designed for elementary and middle school students to enjoy an educational and activity-filled day on a working farm. The Pumpkin Camp itinerary includes pumpkin picking, carving, and/or painting; fishing, baiting, tying knots, and casting; a lesson in fire building and s’mores roasting; and other seasonal activities.

Dark Castle Haunted Attraction

2076 Highway Church Road, Elgin

Sept. 27 – Nov. 2

Anyone looking to sprinkle a few spooks into their autumn agenda need look no further than Dark Castle Haunted Attraction in Elgin. This hauntingly massive operation offers scare  seekers a chance to pick their poison or choose to triple the thrills. Each ticket includes admission into Dark Castle’s indoor haunted house, outdoor trail, and zombie survival scenario. This year’s theme, Burning Down the House, promises to bring the heat — and horror — courtesy of a cast of several dozen volunteers whose commitment to all things creepy has earned Dark Castle numerous awards from The Scare Factor, a national haunted house review crew.

Boo at the Zoo

Riverbanks Zoo, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia

Oct. 18 – 30

Boo at the Zoo is the wildest trick-or-treating experience in town. For the last week and a half in October, more than 3,000 animals and their caretakers at Columbia’s very own 50-year-old zoo welcome visitors into a haunted habitat filled with painted pumpkins, festive activities, delightfully spooky decor, and, of course, a trail of trick-or-treating stations/booths. Costumes are encouraged, as are ticket purchases made in advance!