Ah, Fall. That refreshing time of year when the air becomes crisper, temperatures begin to drop, the leaves transition into warm and cozy shades of red and orange, and – I feel like I’m forgetting something – oh, yes, Halloween. Apple picking and warm apple cider are perfectly fine autumnal activities and, don’t get me wrong, Thanksgiving does have its merits; but the real star of Fall is Halloween.
What is more quintessential to the Fall season than horror, hauntings, and terrific apparitions; cue “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. If you’re looking for a wickedly fun outing this autumn, then Terror Town outside of Williamsburg in Clermont County is the place to be.
Each year, Halloween lovers flock to Terror Town to immerse themselves within the ghostly town of Bravado, mirrored after an old west settlement. Though Bravado may initially have been a holy place, townspeople thought it had “always been built on death and decay” and were proven right as “The Cultists” arrived to drag the town toward a living hell (“The Story of Bravado”). Townspeople who refused conversion went missing only to be returned as tortured zombies that now wander the streets looking for new townspeople to convert.
And if that isn’t spooky enough for you, some say that a prophet arrived to open a portal to hell itself and warn of Bravado’s eventual descent. Brave visitors can learn more about the haunting of Bravado and other ghastly ghost stories on Terror Town’s website, allhallowsevellc.com, including the backstory on the proprietors of the haunted experience which ironically is rooted in benevolent charities.
While the fully immersive haunts may not be for everyone, there are varying levels of immersion within Terror Town; color coded wristbands will determine which level of hell you’ll venture through as you follow the trail through town. If you’re in need of a break from the horror, or if you’re a wimp when it comes to all things scary like me, there will be saloons and stores available to rest your weary souls. You can get a taste for the macabre in the shops and at “The Black Market” providing fiendishly delicious chocolate skulls and other distressing treats and occult souvenirs. The town will also feature a movie theatre showing cult classic horror films for those who would rather watch horrific tales unfold than be a part of them.
Tickets to this event are already on sale. To avoid the fright of missing out it is recommended you sell your soul for tickets sooner rather than later. The Terror Town experience will run every Friday and Saturday evening September 1 through November 4. Due to the level of immersion and the content of the live action role playing taking place, Terror Town is strongly recommended for those 18 and older with the minimum age being 16.
Say Halloween horror and gore aren’t your thing, or you have young kiddos, there are still plenty of other activities that are more family oriented in Clermont County. Owensville will be hosting the 44th annual Pumpkin Run Nationals. Not into cardio? No problem. The only things running here will be the vintage cars showcased at this largest vintage car expo in southern Ohio.
Each year thousands upon thousands of visitors descend on Owensville the first weekend in October to participate and view the variety of vintage and restored vehicles. The street vintage car club that created the Pumpkin Run Nationals, Fastiques Rod & Custom, an affiliate to the National Street Rod Association, was founded in 1973 and to keep with tradition, all vehicle entries to the car show cannot be younger than 1974.
There will be food vendors and a swap meet for guests to enjoy as they peruse the eclectic collection of vehicles on display. Interested in entering? Check out their website, still taking submissions, at pumpkinrunnationals.com. Each car in the showcase is entered to win a grand prize. This year’s winner will drive off the Clermont Fairgrounds in style as the grand prize will be none other than a 1934 Ford Coupe. How chic.
As always, all proceeds from the event will go to several local and national charities including the local Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Prior years have seen upwards of 1.2 million dollars in donations. Talk about a great time with great cars for a great cause.
There is more family fun to be had in Loveland at Blooms & Berries Farm Market for their annual Fall on the Farm running September 17through Halloween. Fall on the Farm will feature two different corn mazes spread out over 5 acres featuring classic Blooms & Berries items, hayrides galore, a pumpkin patch that will be sure to have perfect pumpkins for carving, and baked goods and sweet treats including their famous Carmel Apple Cider Float that is seriously drool worthy. Throughout its six-week run, there will be half off Toddler Tuesdays and half off Grandparent Thursdays.
Want to enjoy the farm fun without the little ones? Check out their Sips and Sunflowers sunset picnic; this event is for those 21 and older and will feature live music from The Dunby Four and access to hayrides and the corn mazes. During the weekends, guests 21 and older will also have access to the picturesque Beer Garden.
Regardless of your taste in Fall festivities, Clermont County has the event perfect for you and the family.
