Ideas for Fall Fun Beyond Football
Our communities love football, but the 2020 season promises to be anything but normal. Games are moving forward this fall at the high school, college (for certain conferences, including the ACC and SEC) and pro levels, but as we’ve learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, plans can change quickly. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to have some fun alternatives to look forward to in case the action on the gridiron is disrupted.
If you and your family head out for a fall adventure, be sure to do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing, washing hands often and wearing a mask in public, especially if a local mask mandate is in force. Also, be sure to check each organization or event’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Hit the (canal) trail
Built in 1845 to serve a growing Augusta’s industrial and transportation needs, the 13-mile Augusta Canal is the centerpiece of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. Cooler weather makes fall an ideal time to visit the canal, where activities abound. You can run, walk, hike or bike on the trails or historic towpath, canoe or kayak in the canal, take a boat tour, fish, look for wildlife, or learn about the waterway’s history at the Augusta Canal Discovery Center at Enterprise Mill.
Create an heirloom jack-o-lantern
Put a fresh (and reusable) twist on the tradition of pumpkin carving by creating a terra cotta jack-o-lantern at Augusta’s Tire City Potters. No pottery experience? No problem. A potter will guide you through every step of making and decorating your ceramic keepsake. An appointment is required. One-hour time slots are available in September and October.
Get into a spooky spirit
Learn how Augustans of the past continue to shape the city today by visiting their final resting places with a guide steeped in local history during the 14th annual Walk with the Spirits hosted by Historic Augusta, Inc. Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, the tour takes participants to Summerville and Fitten Street cemeteries. Tickets are required and can be purchased online.
Have an a-maize-ing adventure
Few things are as synonymous with fall as picking the perfect future jack-o-lantern from a pumpkin patch or navigating a corn maze. At The Maize at Steed’s Dairy in Grovetown, Georgia, you can do both. Twist and turn your way through an enormous corn maze, find a pumpkin to take home and enjoy a variety of other family friendly activities. The dairy is open for fall fun from Sept. 26 to Nov. 15.
