By Ella Ogburn, Staff Writer

On the Outer Banks, the weather doesn’t always align with the seasons, so you may not feel the festive energy on a 75-degree October day. But there are so many activities to get you in the fall mood. Whether you like pumpkin patches, ghost stories or seasonal history, there is a fall activity for you!

Grandy Greenhouse

Grandy Greenhouse is a classic for many Outer Banks residents. During each harvest time visit, memories flood back and fill your mind: apple cider, fresh hay bales and crisp apples galore. Hayrides and hay mazes are a staple for fall. Ride over to the pumpkin patch, where you have your choice of pumpkin, no matter how large or small. Hayrides are $10 per person. Grandy Greenhouse is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends. To keep making harvest memories, head over to Grandy Greenhouse.

Island Farm Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 1-22)

Island Farm is a “living history site” on Roanoke Island. The grounds are open April through November for regular events. But in the month of October, Island Farm runs its Annual Island Farm Pumpkin Patch. The event takes place throughout the Saturdays in October. Admission is $10 for an array of fun: pony rides, doll making, a straw maze and the grand “Pumpkin Chunkin.” Popcorn, cider and fresh produce are also available for purchase. Join Island Farm for fall festivities.

OBX Ghost Tours: (Oct. 1-Nov. 12)

Growing up on the Outer Banks and residing near Blackbeard’s final resting place, you hear many tales of terror. But OBX Ghost Tours will give you a new insight to these spooky stories like you’ve never heard before. The walking tour in downtown Manteo is available for all ages on Wednesdays and Saturdays through Nov. 12. You will be able to use ghost detectors on the beaches of the Outer Banks and explore Manteo. Admission is $12 for ages 13 and up. Ghost tours are a great way to get into a festive mood for fall.

Wicked Woods: (Oct. 8-29)

Wanchese Wicked Woods is a true test of terror. With a $20 admission fee and an age minimum of 13, Wicked Woods is available Fridays and Saturdays in October. The “haunted” trail is open from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Each year has a new theme that will bring new fears to conquer. Take on the Wicked Woods of Wanchese this year to see if you can handle the terrifying trek.

The Great Cucurbit Competition: October 15

The Great Cucurbit Competition will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 15 at Island Farm. This unique competition is full of cucurbits: pumpkins, gourds, squash, and cucumbers. Who can grow the best pumpkin based on size, quality and bizarreness? What vegetables will be crowned king and queen? Make your way to the Island Farm Great Cucurbit Competition to find out.

Night of 1587 Pumpkins: October 29 

The Night of 1587 Pumpkins is an event at the Elizabethan Gardens running from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 29. 1,587 jack-o-lanterns will be lit to commemorate the English colonists who came to Roanoke in 1587. The night is full of trick-or-treating, contests and lots of pumpkins. The Night of 1587 Pumpkins is on the path to become a new tradition at the Elizabethan Gardens. Pumpkins are provided by the community for carving, and will be added to a path in the gardens. You are also able to bring a pre-carved pumpkin to put on display. Admission is $8 for youth and $12 for adults. Get your pumpkin-carving skills ready for the Night of 1587 Pumpkins.

Trunk or Treat: Oct. 31

Trunk or Treat in Avon will take place on Oct. 31 at Koru Village. This event, enjoyable for all ages, is free: just bring yourself and a fun costume. Candy will be passed out “trunk to trunk”, ensuring plenty of candy is gathered by partygoers. You can expect to get candy, see funky costumes and have a good time. This Halloween celebration is a great way to end off October.

Sophomore Ella Ogburn can be reached at [email protected].