On this first day of October, it's really starting to feel like fall. We were lucky to have yet another gorgeous Inland Northwest Indian Summer, and while the weather isn't totally going to crap yet (we'll have mid-70s this weekend), it's more than okay to fully embrace all that is autumn: corn mazes, cozy layers, apple cider, pumpkin-flavored everything, Oktoberfest beers and, of course, the month-long lead up to Halloween. To to get into the spirit of it all, here's a rundown of some regional events happening through October that epitomize fall.
Colville Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Take a scenic drive north of the city to explore 12 acres of corn mazes and pumpkin patches, where you can find the perfect pumpkin pre-picked or still on the vine. Open daily (hours vary by day) through Oct. 31. $5/ages 5-12; $7/adults. Located at 73 Oakshott Rd., Colville, Wash. colvillecornmaze.com (509-684-6751)
Incredible Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
This maze is also well worth the short journey across the Washington-Idaho state line, as the Hauser, Idaho, maze covers more than 12 acres, and also boasts attractions like a corn cannon, pumpkin patch, a zombie paintball bus, and the "Field of Screams" haunted maze. The maze is open Fri-Sun, with special hours on the days leading up to Halloween. Prices vary depending on what events you want to check out, but find all the details at incrediblecornmaze.com. Located at 3405 N. Beck Rd., Hauser, Idaho. (855-855-6293)
Beck's Harvest House Fall Harvest Festival
Although end-of-summer harvest celebrations up on Green Bluff have been going on for weeks, the Bluff is always a favorite place to visit when the colors change from green to golds, browns and red. The annual fall festival events at Beck's include a five-acre corn maze ($8/person; Sat-Sun from 10 am-5 pm), pumpkin patches, apple cider, fresh pumpkin donuts and other sweet fall treats, and fresh fall produce. Stay updated on Harvest Festival events on the Harvest House Facebook page. Located at 9918 E. Greenbluff Rd., Colbert, Wash.
Scarywood
Silverwood's annual haunted theme park is not for the faint-of-heart, but for those who like to be scared, it's something to make tradition. The North Idaho theme park sheds its sunny, summer feel for a dark and evil atmosphere from Oct. 3-Nov. 1, and is open on Thur-Sat nights. Tickets are a little steep ($21-$40), but for the spookiness in store, we expect you'll get your money's worth. Find the details at scarywoodhaunt.com.
Nightmare on Fourth Street
This annual haunted house hosted by the Post Falls Lions Club has some new scares in store for 2014. It's also a fundraiser for the local food bank, offering discounted entry with two nonperishable food donations. This year's dates are Fri-Sat, Oct. 3-25, and Oct. 31, from 6 pm-midnight, and the week of Halloween, Oct. 26-30, from 6-10 pm. Find more details on the event's Facebook page. The haunted house is located at the corner of Fourth Ave. and Post St.
