It’s Officially the Best Time of the Year

It’s Officially the Best Time of the  Year

It’s finally fall—the weather is finally cooling down, the leaves are starting to change to beautiful hues of red and orange, the sun is setting earlier and the sky is growing gloomy. During this time of year, you can either get cozy on your couch with a nice book or a movie, or you can venture out into the world and experience the beautiful colors that Mother Nature creates during this time of the year. For this blog post, I am going to give great recommendations for all parts of the autumn season—from great movies to watch, to fun things you (and your family) will be able to enjoy in Erie, PA and neighboring cities such as Pittsburgh and Buffalo. 

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Fun Things to Do in Erie:

1. Pumpkin Launching—Sassoon’s Pumpkin Patch, located in Girard, this pumpkin patch has everything from corn mazes, to hay rides, a pumpkin sling shot  and even more. This pumpkin patch will be open until October 30th. 
2. Pumpkintown Fun—Mason Farms Market has a lot to offer during this time of the year. They are known for their haunted house, corn maze and pumpkin slide. Pumpkintown will be open 7 days a week and will be closed after October 31st.  
3. “Here’s Johnny!”—Join horror movie fanatics at the Eerie Horror Film Festival. This festival takes place at the Warner Theater here in Erie. They will be celebrating their 15th year. Films include submissions and movies that have been previously released in the theaters. 
4. Get in that Spooky Spirit—Join other ghost story fanatics at the Brewerie at Union Station for a Haunted History Tour. They have tours on Wednesday (Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 & Nov 3) and Friday (Oct 21 & 28)—to make a reservation call (814) 454-2200
5. Choo Choo!—Grab your family and ride the Oil City and Titusville Railroad. Starting October 1st through the 16th, you can enjoy the sights through Oil Creek Valley. The trip is 3 hours round trip, but it is 100% worth it. Grab your tickets now, as they sell out quickly. 

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Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh:

1. Japanese Inspirations—Starting October 19th, Phipps Conservatory will be  debuting their new flower show. They will have a 17-foot ryu (dragon) that is usually seen in Japanese festivals, floating lanterns, and you can add your very own wish and or dream to a tree that honors the Tanabata. This show will last 3 weeks. 
2. Cider, Cider, and more Cider—The autumn season was made to consume cider. Located in Lawrenceville, you will find Arsenal Cider House. They have 10 different ciders on tap to try, along with a few selections of wine. Or you can try out Threadbare Cider House in the North Side. They have many ciders to offer along with cider cocktails. All of their apples are locally sourced and they have a wide array of dry to sweet. 
3. Steelers & Penguins—Another great thing about the fall season is the overlapping of some of the greatest sporting events. Head on downtown and catch a game at Heinz Field and watch the Steelers play, and/or head over to the PPG Paints Arena and watch the Penguins play.  
4. Bonfires in a Flannel—Take your family down to Trax Farms Market. This farm has been there for 150 years and they have so much to offer everyone, from families with kids to young adults looking for a cool date night idea. You can sample beer and even take home some. There are hayrides, a corn maze and of course, a bonfire. 
5. Embrace the Zombie Apocalypse—Join other horror movie aficionados at the Carnegie Science Center and watch the 1970’s Dawn of the Dead 3D. Other classics include The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Evil Dead II, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. For a full lineup, check out: carnegiesciencecenter.org/rangos-giant-cinema/

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Fun things to Do in Buffalo: 

1. Yummy Apples—what is the fall season for, if not for picking apples. New  York State is known for their array of local orchards and farms where you can pick your own, fresh apples. Some orchards include: Becker Farm, Blackman Homestead Far, Murphy Orchards, and Sanger Farms and Bakery. Grab the whole family and head out for a fun-filled day.
2. American Horror Story: Asylum—Rolling Hills Asylum hosts haunted ghost tours will take you into the basement, and many rooms throughout this haunted asylum. There have been ghost reporting in every room of the house, with the shock therapy room being the most popular. Rolling Hills has been featured on the TV shows Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and more. Be prepared to see something wild.  
3. Fall Fest 2019—Join family and friends at the Peek’n Peak Fall Fest 2019. Events will take place on October 12th & 13th and the next weekend of October 19th & 20th. They will have pumpkin cannons, a kid zone with a petting zoo, an exotic car show, and even a Sunday brunch. Enjoy the cool New York fall air and have a wonderful time. 
4. Buffalo Bills—Not a Pittsburgh Steelers fan? Why not head on up to Buffalo to experience a Bills game at home. They will have home games at New Era Field on October 22nd, 29th and November 12th. While you are there, why not enjoy a tailgate with family, friends and other fans. 
5. No Such Thing as Too Much Pumpkin—Plan a visit to the Wheatfield Pumpkin Farm and take a stroll through the pumpkin patch. Enjoy your time at their petting zoo, walking their corn maze, and drinking some delicious apple cider. On Friday’s and Saturday’s, you and your family will also be able to enjoy haunted hayrides. 

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Halloween Movies  

1. Hocus Pocus
2. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
3. Beetlejuice
4. The Addams Family
5. Friday the 13th
6. Scream
7. Young Frankenstein
8. Halloween (1978) 
9. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
10. Corpse Bride

Movies Made just for the Fall

1. When Harry Met Sally
2. Rushmore
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox
4. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
5. October Sky
6. Dan in Real Life
7. Remember the Titans
8. Dead Poets Society
9. The Wizard of Oz
10. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

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