7 Ways to Celebrate Fall in NWA
More than just a transition from hot weather to freezing weather, the fall season is a time meant to be enjoyed and fully taken advantage of!
Below we have a list of ways to celebrate the autumn in NWA.
So, pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa (or an unnamed spiced latte), open your calendar apps and let’s begin!
1. Take a Train
While taking a ride on this railroad may not have you pass GO! or collect $200, it will take you past beautifully vibrant fall countryside scenery. Taking this train will give you ample opportunity to collect hundreds of pictures, hours of rest and relaxation, and memories that live rent-free in your mind.
There are a couple of Arkansas and Missouri Railroad (AM) rides fall enjoyers might fancy.
If you take the Springdale to Van Buren ride, you get a 3 hour layover in Van Buren – a place steeped in American History.
Experience the Ozark Mountain ranges with the Van Buren to Winslow ride.
Both take you through the 1700 mile Winslow tunnel.
Since one ride ends where another begins, you can even take both!
These rides are only available from Oct-Nov. Check the AM website for available booking dates.
2. Pick a Pumpkin
Rightly celebrate the most “gourd-geous” time of the year and pick a pumpkin for carving and turning into delicious seasonal dishes and desserts.
NWA has some of the nicest pumpkin patches grown locally from family-owned farms. Check out any one from our list and enjoy acres of pumpkin land, multiple photo ops, and additional fun-filled activities they’ve got goin’ on over there.
3. Mountain Movie-watchin’
Ditch your couch for a few nights or trade in your streaming service for a movie experience under the stars. What better way to enjoy the season than surrounded by the fresh chill of autumn air?
Fayetteville is bringing it back outdoors where, for $5, guests can catch a classic flick on a mountain with candy, popcorn, and more. Cottage Circle on Mount Sequoyah is the setting for this nostalgic trip back to simpler times.
4. Do a Haunted House
Northwest Arkansas is home to some thrilling haunted houses and spooky attractions that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re into jump scares, creepy mazes, or immersive horror experiences, Fall brings plenty of scares! Grab your friends, brace yourselves, and get ready for a night of screams and fun at these top haunted houses in NWA!
5. Trek a Trail
For the more adventurous and outdoorsy, why not go on a hike or bike ride and experience some of the most amazing trails in NWA?
There’s a ton of variety and range of difficulty making it good for all sorts of hikers who either want a challenge or something they can enjoy with their partners, kids, and pets!
Do you like streams, mountain faces, fall foliage, wildlife, and crisp autumn weather? Well, what are you waiting for? Grab a warm jacket, a walking stick, and get a move on!
6. Bella Vista Fear Trail
This self-guided driving tour lets you admire the creative, creepy setups of local homeowners as they get into the Halloween spirit. Gather your friends and family, drive through Bella Vista in the evenings, and enjoy the haunting displays that will make your night unforgettable!
7. Watch the Leaves Fall
Whether on foot, in a train, on a bike or on a horse, we highly recommend taking a moment just to see the foliage.
Like a dress, NWA clothes itself beautifully in the golden, warm hues of autumn. It’s worth stopping and starting at!
Even if you’re not one for trekking, there are places you can just sit, chill, and camp under the orange treeline. Otherwise, go for a drive on one of the byways and experience fall as you pass by.
