Indianapolis is full of things to do for fall, from apple picking to a paranormal catacombs tour. Photo courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.
MADDY KLINE | STAFF REPORTER | mgkline@butler.edu
Fall has returned to the Midwest again. It’s time to break out the sweaters, boots, warm drinks and scary movies. Whether the cold temperatures make you want to curl up under a mountain of blankets and watch movies or speed off to the nearest apple orchard, there are fall activities for everyone to do in Indianapolis.
Your Instagram feed most likely gets bombarded with photos from this orchard each time October rolls around. Tuttle Orchard, located in Greenfield, Indiana, is just a 30 minute drive from campus and has almost everything you could want from a fall excursion. Apple picking, corn mazes, hayrides, farm animals and a pumpkin patch are just a few of the activities the orchard offers. Be sure to stock up on all their sweets and treats for the drive home, especially the apple and pumpkin donuts.
This drive-in theatre, only 20 minutes from campus, is a fun and quirky change from a classic movie theatre. Open Friday through Sunday, Tibbs is the perfect place to escape homework for a few hours. Tickets are $11 per person and include two films. While you don’t have to worry as much about smuggling snacks into this theatre, it’s still equipped with a full concession stand if you need anything. This upcoming weekend the theatre will be playing “Halloween”, “Venom”, “The Hate U Give”, “Bad Times at the El Royale”, “Night School”, “Goosebumps 2” and “A Star is Born”. Be sure to check out their website to find out the times and screen numbers of the films.
Catacombs Paranormal Tour under City Market
City Market is an Indianapolis staple where you can eat, drink or shop, all from local vendors. But did you know that right underneath City Market are 20,000-square-feet of passageways that were built in the 1800s? Known as the City Market Catacombs, and there are tours almost daily. But, since it is spooky season, there are also a variety of ghost tours, as it is a popular site for paranormal investigators. These haunted tours typically cost around $10 per person. If a ghost tour is a little too scary, there are also regular historical tours throughout the year, averaging at about $12 per person. Whichever tour you choose be sure to get tickets in advance as spots fill up quickly.
Newfields has a wide variety of things to do, and it would be ambitious to try them all in one day. Luckily, Butler students have free access to all of the exhibits. Within the museum, there are permanent and rotating collections, as well as classes such as yoga and making recycled art. Be sure to check out the garden and the Lilly House to get a great view of the changing leaves.
If your idea of fall is curling up with a great new book, Half Price Books is where to go. This giant bookstore has both new and used copies of thousands of books. There are a few locations, but the biggest and most well-known is on 82nd St., about 25 minutes away from campus.
Day of the Dead at Eiteljorg Museum
On Oct. 27, there will be an all-day celebration of the Day of the Dead at the Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis. It’s free admission, and there will be performances, music, art, ofrendas and more. The museum is pairing with the Nopa Cultural, a Latino arts and culture group, to put on the annual event.
Haunted Houses
Some people thrive on being scared when October rolls around. Indy can easily satisfy this craving with a variety of haunted attractions to drag your unwilling friends to. Hannah Haunted Acres and Necropolis are Indianapolis favorites that are both around 20 minutes away from campus. Indy Scream Park is another popular Indiana haunted house with five separate attractions. Tickets are around $30 per person, but the many different haunted attractions included make it worth it to any adrenaline junkie.
Fall and Halloween are synonymous with the film “Hocus Pocus.” This classic 90s comedy is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and participating AMC theatres are bringing it to the big screen from Oct. 26 to 31. Theatres include Castleton Square, Washington Square, Traders Point and Perry Crossing.
Be sure to check out any, or all, of these events before the weather turns too cold.
