There's no better time for a road trip than in the fall. There's something about the cooler temperatures and changing seasons that call us to the open road in search of something new and adventurous. To help satisfy that autumnal wanderlust, Charm has put together a list of a few interesting things to do and places to see that celebrate the season. From spooky fun to a celebration of times past, there is something for everyone.
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Graceful Ghost is shown above.
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Knights joust at Texas Renaissance Festival.
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The 35th annual Texas Renaissance Festival, Plantersville
Celebrating its Emerald Anniversary this year, the Texas Renaissance Festival opens Oct. 10 and runs through Nov. 29, with a new adventure every weekend. With more than 200 performances over eight themed weekends, the 53-acre village provides more than a day's worth of fun.
Festival-goers can step back in time to browse more than 300 shops, take pictures with wandering performers, watch as knights in shining armor joust for their honor, get their fortunes told and eat drink and be merry.
Acts include comedians, gypsy dancers, musicians, jugglers, belly dancers and more. Demonstrations include glassblowing, blacksmithing, minting, metal forging, broom-making, candle-making, swordsmanship and a demonstration of the Guttenberg press. Artisans and craftsmen offer everything from glasswork to metalwork to chain maille clothing.
When: Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 10 to Nov. 29, and the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Where: 21778 FM 1774, Plantersville
Cost: Tickets at the gate are $23 for adults and $13 for children ages 5-12. Children 4 and under are free. Discount tickets are available at HEB, Market Basket, Randalls or at texrenfest.com.
For more information, go to texrenfest.com.
Terror on the Bayou, Jefferson
In its eighth year, Terror on the Bayou offers two frightful events sure to chill the bones of even the most jaded visitor.
The legendary Runaway Fright Train will feature Freaky Fairy Tales in which your childhood stories come alive with a scary twist. The scenes and actors encountered along the track will keep you at the edge of your seat and give you a laugh now and then, too. The first run of each night is family-oriented for ages 2 to 92 for howling good fun, while the later runs are geared toward patrons that want the ultimate Halloween experience full of spine-tingling terror.
The Spooktacular Creepy Screamin' Corn Maze is more than an acre of frights, which includes the Haunted Cemetery and the infamous 100-foot underground Tunnel of Doom. Once within the maze, you can't escape the monsters, ghouls and dangers lurking in the foggy mist — evil clowns, rats, spiders, snakes, skeletons, ghouls and a toxic wasteland.
As with the Runaway Fright Train, a family-friendly version of the corn maze is scheduled for earlier in the evening, at 6 p.m.
When: The frights begin at 7 p.m., every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from Oct. 9 to 31.
Where: Both attractions take place one mile from Jefferson at 1602 State Highway 49 east.
Cost: Tickets range from $11 to $16 for the Runaway Fright Train and $10 or $11 for the evening Screamin' Corn Maze. Combination tickets are available at a discounted rate, ranging from $17 to $23.
An even tamer daytime corn maze is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for daytime walks are $5 each (cash only).
Tickets: The easiest way to order tickets is at jeffersonrailway.com. Tickets are also available at the event site during event hours. Every train sells out, so get your tickets early.
Graceful Ghost, Jefferson
Although the name may sound frightening, a tour aboard The Graceful Ghost is anything but. A replica of an 1880s steamboat, the Graceful Ghost is a steam-driven vessel with a working paddle wheel and wood-fired boiler.
The two-tiered boat cruises along the tranquil and beautiful Caddo Lake, which is made up of 35,000 acres of swamp, bayous, sloughs and cypress trees. Along the route, guests will view the diverse plants and wildlife that call the lake home.
With moss-covered cypress trees lining the banks, the tour will transport all on board to a bygone era where steamboats were common on the waters.
Chartered cruises are available, including weddings, receptions, retreats, sunset cruises, photo shoots and more.
Where: The Graceful Ghost boards at Shady Marina on Cypress Drive in Uncertain.
When: 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Cost: Adult tickets are $20, seniors 62 and up are $16 and children 15 and under are $1 for each year of age. A minimum of five tickets must be sold for the tour to run.
For more information, go to gracefulghost.com or call (903) 789.2238.
PEANUTS - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express, Texas State Railroad, Palestine
Join Snoopy for a train excursion modeled after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."
Once on board the train, passengers will listen to a live reading of the classic story while traveling to a pumpkin patch, where a special guest awaits. Upon arrival at the pumpkin patch, passengers will be greeted by none other than Snoopy himself, who will be on hand to pose for photos. During the one-hour layover, passengers are invited to pick a pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch, decorate the pumpkin at the decoration station, and trick-or-treat on "Trick or Treat Street."
Other activities include a hayride, video viewing, petting zoo, live musical entertainment, bouncy house, coloring station and apple bobbing.
Hamburgers, hotdogs and snacks will be sold at the Pumpkin Patch or guests may bring a picnic lunch.
When: The train departs the Palestine Depot on October 4, 9, 10, 11, 30 and 31. Friday and Sunday the train departs at 11 a.m. and on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Where: Palestine Depot, Park Road 70, U.S. Highway 84 east
Cost: Tickets are $19 for children (ages 2-11) and $36.50 for adults in coach and open-air seating. For climate controlled seating, tickets are $21 for children (ages 2-11) and $39.50 for adults. Children 2 and under ride free.
Tickets: Call the reservation office at 1-888-987-2461 or book online at TexasStateRR.com.
