Fall is officially here and there is so much to see! I put together a list of the most popular places to visit during this time of year!
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, located in Gretna, Neb. is one of the more known fall attractions in Nebraska. Its fun atmosphere, various attractions, and seemingly endless food options make it a great place to visit with friends or family. Vala’s has added to their fun this year with a edition to the egg themed area, Freya’s Egg Spinners. It’s a fun ride that is sure to leave you feeling scrambled. In the mood for a sweet treat? Purchase a bucket of Vala’s famous cookies from the Cookie Coop or stop by The Pie Barn to pick up a fresh piece of pie made from home-grown ingredients! Valas really captures the fall spirit and gets people coming back each year.
Looking for something unique? Check out Junkstock, located in Waterloo, Neb. With its live music, quirky finds, and unique food vendors, there’s no shortage of things to see. Junkstock has many photo opportunities set around the grounds that are perfect for taking pictures to remember your time. There are over 20 food trucks and carnival style options available so you can stay full while shopping around. This year there was a variety of new local booths. Along with additional food options those being: Johnny Rico’s Brooklyn Pizza, Omaha Cheesecake Co., and Kona Ice just to name a few. This year was especially perfect because of the fall weather, but if you missed fall Junkstock, be sure to stop by in the spring!
Maybe you enjoy a more farm-based atmosphere? Nelson’s Produce Farm might just be your thing. Nelson’s Produce throughout the fall season has many opportunities to pick your own produce. From sunflowers, to pumpkins, and occasionally various fruits. You also have the chance to pet and feed some farm animals! The mini cows and ponies are super fun to check out. Nelson’s farm has also recently added a barn filled with products from local companies. There’s farm fresh jams, honey and other fun treats! I recommend one of their farm-made slushies created from their very own ingredients!
Downtown Ashland is something you shouldn’t miss. It has a small town feeling that you just can’t get in the big city. Fariner’s bakery and coffee shop has the best fresh coffee and while you’re at it, grab a pastry to go with, I promise you won’t regret it! Their fall themed drinks are the perfect thing to get you in the mood for fall. I highly recommend the brown sugar latte. Down main street, there are lots of small local shops that you can take a look at, as well as their most popular, Salt Creek Mercantile. Salt Creek Mercantile supplies a variety of modern home decor and has a super cute fall display in front of their store.
Want a night full of thrills? Scary Acres is the ultimate place for haunted houses and good scares. Scary Acres is located off of Giles Rd and has 3 major attractions, Masters Castle, House on the Hill, and Haunted Woods. They also have full concessions and plenty of merchandise available for purchase so you can remember your time there. If you’re worried about it being too scary, bring a group of friends! Most people say it’s not as bad as it sounds and end up going again the next year.
Go to any of these five places and I guarantee you’ll have a memorable season. It doesn’t feel like fall unless I go to Vala’s at least once!
