On a sliding scale between a tall and venti pumpkin spice latte (commonly referred to as PSL), how excited are you about fall?
Us DiGgers are more on the venti side of things to say the least. Armed and ready with a PSL in our hands and scarf-draped necks, we have curated the perfect fall bucket list so that you, our devoted DiG readers, can enjoy every last drop and leaf fall of the season. To top it off, we awarded each item with its very own PSL factor designating what makes each bucket list item unequivocally fall.
1. BUFORD CORN MAZE
A trip to the Buford Corn Maze could quite possibly knock off every fall bucket list item on your list in one visit, if it weren’t for all the other amazing autumnal offerings in Gwinnett. From all things corn including a corn maze, combine slide, corn box, popcorn jumping pillow and hayride, the Buford Corn Maze is the perfect place to kick off the fall season.
PSL Factor: In addition to all things corn, the Buford Corn Maze also has pony rides, a haunted forest, animal viewing….and lots and lots of pumpkins!
2. NETHERWORLD
Spooky doesn’t even begin to describe one of the most highly acclaimed haunted houses in the world that is located right here in Gwinnett. Netherworld, known for its over-the-top special effects, unique make-up, elaborate costuming, skilled stunt actors and unusual themes, has established itself as an Atlanta Halloween tradition. Because one haunted house just isn’t scary enough, there are two ‘haunts’ to chose from—Night of the Gorgon and Cold Blooded.
PSL Factor: Not only is Netherworld one of the scariest haunted houses in Georgia and the Southeast, but it has also been recognized as one of the top haunted houses in the nation.
3. LAWRENCEVILLE GHOST TOURS
In the mood for a scare? Not being startled, but a chill-downyour-spine, to-the-core scare? Take the Lawrenceville Ghost Tour, where you will hear stories about the spookiest place in Gwinnett. While Lawrenceville is the oldest city in metro Atlanta, for many years it was a sleepy suburban Southern town. With the growth and development of the metro area, much of historic downtown Lawrenceville was renovated at the turn of the century. These renovations awakened the sleeping ghosts, and sparked increased reports of paranormal activity, thus setting the stage for Lawrenceville Ghost Tours.
PSL Factor: Lawrenceville’s historic square perfectly lends itself to a scary stroll, featuring the chance to step inside the old jail and perhaps experience paranormal activity for yourself.
4. TREK OR TREAT IN SUWANEE
The City of Suwanee’s annual Trek or Treat on October 27 offers families an afternoon filled with spook-tacular events and festivities for children, who are strongly encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume. This free admission, kid-friendly event is geared toward youngsters ages 10 and under. Featuring fall-themed games, contests, music and inflatables, you’re in for a ghoulishly good time!
PSL Factor: Set amongst trees draped with colorful fall leaves, Suwanee’s Sims Lake Park offers the perfect setting for little ghosts and ghouls to trick or treat.
5. STONE MOUNTAIN PARK PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Take in all the splendor of autumn as you experience all your favorite park attractions and special fall entertainment. Soar to the summit on Skyride and journey around the mountain on Scenic Railroad. Enjoy special character meet & greets with Spookly the Square Pumpkin, storytelling with Mother Goose, pie eating contests with Peter Peter, tea party games with the Mad Hatter, a dance party and so much more!
PSL Factor: This year’s event is a little BRIGHTER with the addition of a family-friendly nighttime experience featuring massive glowing pumpkin displays, fairy tale meet & greets, a glow-along party parade, costume contests, glow-in-the-dark mini golf and lots of other twilight fun!
6. FALL LEAF VIEWING
While you are at Stone Mountain, we suggest taking a hike up the mountain for some of the best views of the changing leaves of the season. But, with the county stretching from views of the scenic foothills of the North Georgia Mountains to beautiful views of Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee, there are plenty of places to view nature’s ode to fall in Gwinnett.
PSL Factor: Each year, the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources posts “Leaf Watch” updates to keep visitors informed on the fall color season.
7. DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL
Held each year on the last weekend of September, the Duluth Fall Festival includes a parade, a concert, 5k road race, plenty of food, entertainment and over 400 arts and crafts booths.
PSL Factor: In addition to enjoying a weekend full of fall family activities, you can attend knowing you are supporting a good cause
as all proceeds from the festival are used towards improving and beautifying historic downtown Duluth.
8. GWINNETT COUNTY FAIR
The Gwinnett County Fair offers fun, food and music for the whole family. Located in Lawrenceville at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, kids of all ages can enjoy carnival rides, games, free concerts, live stock shows, arts and crafts, delicious fair eats and more.
PSL Factor: Cotton candy, candied apples, ferris wheels and tilt-awhirls…need we say more?! Nothing says fall like a good ‘olefashioned fair!
9. DRINK A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE, OF COURSE!
Whether you prefer your PSL from acclaimed places such as Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, or local joints such as Boulder Creek Coffee and the Grayson Coffee House, don’t let fall pass you by without grabbing a cup of the much-coveted fall treat!
PSL Factor: It wouldn’t be fall without sipping on a pumpkin spice latte!