Halloween bucket list

Illustration by: Ashley Fairbourne

Autumn in New York: decent, I suppose. Autumn in Utah: hauntingly magical. This time of year

offers a myriad of activities all within a short-enough-to-be-fun car’s ride away, learn what’s happening so you don’t miss out.

There is so much to do, especially in October, it’s hard to keep track of it all. From haunted houses to hayrides, to pumpkin patches, to corn mazes, I recommend getting an early start.

Haunted houses are probably the most popular attraction this time of year, and there’s plenty to choose from. Yes, they’re scary, but they’re also the perfect excuse to hold that new special someone close.

They aren’t always cheap, so it’s important to choose wisely. It’s my birthday month, and to celebrate I usually go to a haunted house, so I’m sort of an expert. Below, only three are listed but there are tons, for others, I suggest you take to Google.

Nightmare on 13th is one of the best haunted houses in the area.

This place will scare the crap out of you, but that’s the point. I have left there bruised because as I was running from Samara I fell down, but I also got to hold hands with a cute boy, so I considered that night a win. Open: Oct. 1st – Nov. 1st. Mon- Thu: 7:30-10:00; Friday/Saturday: 7:30-Midnight. Located at 300 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City

The Haunted Forest is another good time. I was so afraid, I ran into a tree. In this instance I was also running from Samara, I hate her.

The Haunted Forest is indoors and outdoors, and provides several different “scenes” and though it’s cold outside, you stay warm from moving around so much. I’m pretty sure a different boy wrapped me in his arms a few times whilst going through the forest, this night too, was a win. Open the month of October; Weekdays: 7:30-10:00; Weekends: 7:30-Midnight; Closed Sundays. Located at 6000 W 6400 N, American Fork

At Cornbelly’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest at Thanksgiving Point, there is a haunted corn maze. It doesn’t sound scary until you realize that the people scaring you pop out of the corn and you don’t know your way out. I got in trouble for running through restricted areas because twin girls who resembled Samara looked at me. The only boy I went with was gay, but he still held my hand, so again, it was a win.

Starting on October 10th, the attraction is open Friday’s Saturday’s and Monday’s, however, dates are subject to change. Located at 3003 North Thanksgiving Way, Lehi.

If you’re not into haunted houses, I won’t blame. Though I got some legit hand-holding sessions, none of those flings lasted. There are a variety of pumpkin patches to visit and pick your perfect pumpkin to carve. The two most popular pumpkin patches are Hee Haw Farms in Pleasant Grove, and Cornbelly’s at Thanksgiving Point.

I feel like fall is the time every friend of mine takes a romantic ride on the Sundance Chairlift. Sundance offers rides on nights near the full moon (Oct. 9-11; 8:30-11:00pm) and a Halloween Lift Ride.

The Halloween Lift Ride will show Halloween-themed scenes throughout the Sundance property and will be taking place from October 23-November 1. Weekdays: 7:00- 10:00; Weekends 7:00-11:00. I have never been fortunate enough to be asked to accompany a dashing young fellow on the lift, but everyone and their mom say it’s great.

There are several other activities happening in the Valley this month, and for the rest of the season. The best place to find out about local festivities and events would be http://www.utahvalleyfestivals. com/fall.

Everything that is coming up is listed there. Don’t forget to get you fair share of pumpkin pie this season, there’s no better time of year to indulge in such a delicacy.