Fall Activities Around TFC
Fall officially began on September 22 this year, and there are many ways to celebrate the season. If you live on campus or near Toccoa Falls College, there is no shortage of activities available. Apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a local Harvest Festival can be enjoyed during the month of October.
If picking your own produce sounds like an activity you would enjoy, then look no further than Long Creek, SC. Only a 30 minute drive from Toccoa, Long Creek is home to many orchards including Gnat Hill Orchard, Blue Haven Orchard, and Bryson’s Apple Orchard. At Bryson’s, you are given the option of a bag or a bucket, a large apple picker, and you are sent into their vast orchard to find the perfect apples to take home. They have over a dozen varieties to choose from including Gala, Honey Crisp, and Fuji. The orchards can be quite a maze, but each tree is labeled with the type of apple, making the selection process easier. The shop located on the property also includes fresh apple butter, apple cider, and locally harvested honey.
Pumpkin patches are a great way to enjoy a beautiful fall day as well. There are two local patches in particular that have a wide range of activities for all ages. The first is Jaemor Farms. Located 25 miles from the campus, Jaemor has been operating as a pumpkin patch each fall for over a decade. As the name states, they are a working farm with fresh produce and goods for sale. They also have a large pumpkin patch where visitors can choose their pumpkins to take home. Their corn maze is truly the centerpiece of the experience, though many prefer the apple cannons and pick-your-own daisy fields. Another great option for a pumpkin patch is Denver Downs in Anderson, SC. This family-owned farm offers hayrides, pig races, zip line, ropes course, and more! On Friday and Saturday evenings, they have “Barnyard Bonfires” where people are encouraged to listen to live music while snuggled around a bonfire roasting marshmallows. S’more kits are available for purchase.
Toccoa will be hosting the annual Harvest Festival the last weekend in October. This event features ensembles from Toccoa Falls College choirs and orchestra as well as other community groups. There are booths displaying work from local craftsmen and artists to peruse while walking down Main Street. There will also be several food trucks and tents set up by local restaurants. Other activities include face painting, a petting zoo, and horse and buggy rides. This event is free to attend and also has free parking.
If fall is your favorite time of the year, you are in luck. There are many great ways to enjoy all this area has to offer, and most are just a short drive away. Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte, throw on a sweater, and discover what adventures await just outside your door.