Fun for Fall

By Michelle Martin

The crisp chill in the air, rich aroma of fresh-baked apple pie, and flurry of festivals and other activities remind us that fall is here. We've compiled a "ghostly guide" of farm attractions, haunted trails, pumpkin carvings, and local festivals to help your family have a "frightfully fun" time together this fall!

Alpharetta Scarecrow Harvest
October 4, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Alpharetta's downtown streets will be lined with 100 scarecrows to celebrate fall! Free family entertainment will include live music from High Cotton, cornhole games, inflatables, face painting, historical demonstrations and story-telling. Hayrides to the Future Farmers of America log cabin will be offered beginning at 11:00 a.m. Be sure to check out the special fall items at the Alpharetta Farmers Market, too. Old Roswell & Old Canton streets, Historic Downtown Alpharetta. 678-297-6078, Alpharetta.Ga.Us

Crabapple Fest
October 4, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Shop for antiques and art pieces from hundreds of juried vendors at this huge annual fall festival, presented by the City of Milton and the Crabapple Community Association. The festival also will include a live music stage featuring local and touring acts; children's area; beer garden; and food trucks and vendors. Free parking and shuttle service are available at Crabapple Crossing Elementary School and Crabapple Baptist Church. Mayfield and Broadwell roads, Milton. 678-242-2530, CityOfMilton.Ga.us

Halloween Hikes at Chattahoochee Nature Center
October 17-18 & 24-25, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
CNC's lighted trails provide a fun alternative to traditional Halloween activities. Guided night hikes will offer visitors a magical experience with Woodland costumed characters who will share stories about their lives. Other activities will include a bonfire, world music by Scott Douglas, face painting, and Halloween crafts. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055,
ChattNatureCenter.org

It's The Great Pumpkin Carve
October 18, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Avoid the mess of carving a pumpkin at home and come out for a community pumpkin-carving event. The City of Roswell Recreation and Parks Dept. will provide the pumpkins, carving kits and patterns, as well as music and refreshments! All Ages. Pre-registration is required. East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com

Halloween Fun House
October 24, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
Children ages 8 and under are invited to a free Halloween Fun House, featuring carnival games, inflatables, face painting, hayrides, and more. Concessions will be available for purchase. East Roswell Recreation Center, 9000 Fouts Road, Roswell. 770-594-6134, RoswellGov.com

Mother-Son Halloween Dance
October 25, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Mothers and sons, get your Halloween costumes and come out for a spooky holiday dance! This special Mother-Son Halloween Dance will feature music and dancing, games, prizes, refreshments, pictures, and lots of fun! Costumes are not required. All ages are welcome. Each guest must register. Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. RoswellGov.com

Johns Creek Arts Festival
October 25, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
October 26, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Bring the family to Johns Creek's annual two-day arts festival, featuring works from more than 100 artisans, a children's play area, and live entertainment from local artists. Dress your pet for the pet parade and contest for "Best Costume," "Cutest Critter," and "Best of Show." Fields of the Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Dr., Johns Creek. JohnsCreekArtsFestival.com

Jr. Spooky Mill
October 24, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Spooky Mill activities in Heritage Village will be offered during the daytime and will be specially designed for children ages 3-6. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek. 678-366-3511, AutreyMill.org

Spooky Mill
October 24-25, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Enjoy two evenings of Trick-or-Treating in the Heritage Village, featuring a haunted house, maze, carnival games, and more! Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center, 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek. 678-366-3511, AutreyMill.org

Spooktacular Family Hallowscream Festival
October 25, 4:00-9:00 p.m.
Wills Park will transform into "Nightmare on Wills Street" at dark! Activities will include hayrides, inflatables, and face painting. Concessions will be available for purchase. Wills Park Recreation Center, 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta. 678-297-6143, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

House on Horror Hill
Thursday-Saturday, October 9-November 1
The North Fulton Jaycees are ready to scare you with the oldest and longest-running haunted house in Georgia! Sights and sounds will combine to send shivers down your spine! The house opens after dark; if you can't find it, just listen for the screams of fright! Call or visit the website for ticket information. 1650 Alpharetta Highway, Alpharetta. 404-786-2665, GaHouseOnHorrorHill.com