Saturday, September 17, 2022

Halloween & Fall 2022: Fall Foliage, Haunted Houses, Events, Seasonal Eats, Farms, Ghost Tours, Halloween Decorations/Trick or Treating, Activities, and More in Reno Nevada

Fall Foliage @ Crystal Peak Park in Verdi
Pine-O-Mine @ Apple Hill

One thing I love most about Reno is its holiday spirit and festive nature towards the changing seasons.

There are endless events and experiences in and around Reno that always give locals and visitors something exciting to look forward to, many of which become traditions that lend themselves to precious moments & memories.

Take advantage of spectacular fall scenery and ideal crisp weather, all with the best events, destinations, experiences, and eats. 

Find plenty to do in town or travel short distances to reach more action. 

Hope you have the best fall yet.

Peace, Love, and Kindness,
Katherine



Notes
***I will update this guide often as I get more information.  
If you find something is missing from my lists or would like to recommend any places, events, and experiences, please don't hesitate to let me know.  
You can message me on Instagram
*Snatch up tickets for events as soon as possible as they sell out fast.
*Arrive early to events for good parking and minimal wait times.


Weather
It's possible for snow to arrive as early as the end of October.  I always check Accuweather ahead of time to avoid hazardous road conditions and to dress accordingly.  If you're looking for more tips, you can check out my WINTER GUIDE.


Included in this Guide 
*Where to get fall treats
*What farms to visit
*Spooky places for small thrill seekers
*Fall Events
*Creepy escape rooms
*Where to see fall folliage
*Family Friendly Halloween Movies
*Where to get Costumes
*Decorated Homes in Reno

The Chocolate Shoppe in Gardnerville

Fall Bucket List 

-jump into a pile of fall leaves
-look for fall foliage
-do a fall craft
-watch a Halloween movie
-pick your own pumpkins & apples
-drink an apple milkshake made with apples straight from an orchard 
-make a scarecrow/have a contest
-have a fall photo session
-take a road trip out of town
-listen to Halloween music
-light up scented fall candles all over your house
-read Halloween books
-have a staycation
-tarot/palm reading
-learn an instrument 

You gotta check out Mountain Music Parlor
-eat delicious fall goods (apple pie, apple donuts, caramel apples, apple blossoms anyone?)
-picnic in the perfect weather
-take to the trails while enjoying fall foliage
-carve jack-o-lanterns with the family
-improve your photography skills
-have a fall family/couple/solo photoshoot
-camp outdoors or in your backyard (before the weather gets too cold)
-make s'mores and sip hot cocoa
-bake fall/Halloween treats (add movie)
-Take on a haunted house (See Dark Corner & The Final Hour haunted houses listed in events below)
-watch a Halloween movie at a farm
-ride bikes in fall glory
-ride a train
-dress up in a costume/fall
-trick or treat
-visit a farm
-decorate your house
-drive around town looking at the best decorated houses
-host your own Halloween Party
-search for Halloween craft workshops around town
-conquer a haunted house
-go around town eating all things seasonal and delicious from local eateries
-try a creepy escape room, but be aware that you'll likely get addicted to them
-share all of this magic with friends and family

Bishop Pumpkin Farm.  A must visit...


Fall Foodie Guide Coming soon!


Order Some Halloween Treats From Mix Bakeshop

1117 California Ave, Reno, NV 89509



Halloween cookie kits and pies will run out so placing your order ahead of time is best.

-Halloween Cookie Decorating Kits

-Halloween Ready Made Cookie Boxes

-Jack Skellington Jumbleberry Pie

-Halloween Cupcakes

-Seasonal Pies - Pecan, Pumpkin, Apple, Pumpkin Streusel 

Mix Bakeshop has wonderful pies and so many to choose from.  They have seasonal pies on top of their usual suspects.  They also come in smaller cutie pie sizes that make sampling each one a piece of cake (or pie). Pre-order ahead of time to beat the crowds.  Their sugar cookies are so delicious.

Batch Cupcakery is a local bakery favorite that makes one of the best pumpkin cupcakes.  This shop uses all natural ingredients and caters to different dietary needs: paleo, vegan, keto.

Great Basin Co-op is another place you can get seasonal goods. They cater to different dietary needs as well.  Their pumpkin cupcakes are also extremely delicious.

Don't get me started with Perenn Bakery.  They do pastries and food on another level, and if you follow them on Instagram, they'll do you a favor and keep you updated with their seasonal creations. 

The Chocolate Shoppe

Halloween Themed Chocolates & Other Treats

*The Chocolate Shoppe in Gardnerville (50 minutes away form South Reno) has the widest selection of holiday-themed chocolates.  They can whip up custom baskets that fit your budget and have them sent out by mail. 

*Bouchee Confections and Tandem Chocolates are craft chocolate shops in Reno that make beautiful and extraordinary treats.  

*Dorinda's has a wide array of everyone's favorite treats and makes delicious pumpkin truffles that I love eating as is and also added into their rolled ice cream.  One in the ice cream and one on top.  Drizzle with caramel. You'll thank me later. My favorite location is the one at The Village at Rancharra, which is one of my favorite places to hang at.  

View in front of Dorinda's at the Village at Rancharra

Tip: Add any of their chocolates from their case to make yourself a special ice cream concoction. 

*Sierra Nevada Chocolate Co.  makes everything in house and has a fun selection of truffles, brittles, caramels and also sells delicious caramel apples.  If you're pressed for time on gifts, they also have helium balloons for sale.  Espresso bar in house.  

If you're a serious party person during the holidays, they rent out chocolate fountains.  

*Fuzziwig's in Scheel's at the Outlets at Legends, Sparks, makes the widest varieties of caramel apples and they're all really yummy. 


Year-Round Farmer's Market

Riverside Farmer's Market is dedicated to nourishing the community with seasonal local produce, made from scratch goods, entertainment, all natural products, educational activities for children, and the most welcoming atmosphere and community.  

This market is my medicine and a welcome addition to any day.  

They're gearing up for their transition fall, so be on the lookout for the most amazing seasonal goods/products/crafts.  Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates.  

Subscribe to their newsletter on their website to learn more about the rad businesses that make this market one of the best in town. 

Visit a Farm

Reno


(Click title to access my post of Andelin Farm)

8100 Pyramid Way
Sparks, NV 89436


Pumpkin Patch Adventure Farm:
September 28th-October 29th
Wednesdays-Saturdays
10am-6pm


Symbols of Nevada Corn Maze:
September 28th-October 29th
Wednesdays-Saturdays
10am-10pm
BONUS NIGHTS November 5th and 6th


Zombie Paintball and Corn Creepers:
Starts Friday September 30th
until October 29th
Thursday-Saturday
7pm-10pm
BONUS NIGHTS November 5th and 6th

Andelin Farm is a must during fall and is run by a fun and friendly family that treats their guests like family.  

Pay a flat fee to enter and enjoy all of the many activities included in admission. 

Pay extra for pony rides, gem mining, zombie paintball, corn creepers (popular haunted corn maze), fire pits, & corn maze.  

Families with kids love the seasonal pass that lets them in all season long.  Take comfort in knowing the whole farm is enclosed with a gate and that the whole family can have a safe and fun time meandering the grounds safely.

Some Activities on the Farm:
-pet farm animals
-food trucks (hot dogs, mini donuts, apple cider custard slushies).
-food/craft vendors
-Hamster Wheel (human sized)
-U-pick pumpkins (so many beautiful varieties)
-lassoing
-Pumpkin Shooters (slingshot corn kernels)
-water pump duck races
-barrel rides
-hay rides
-photo cutouts
-slides
-zip line
-gift shop with pantry items and souvenirs
-zombie paintball and corn creepers at night (reserve early as spots always run out)

Notes:
-Andelin Farm usually gives out discounts (15% this year, ended) to email subscribers early in the season.  Visit their website to subscribe.
-Rent out a fire pit for nights (limited quantity available).
-Andelin Farm has a fun corn maze that changes in theme each year
-Don't pass up their apple slushie.  People wait so long for these at Apple Hill and Bishop Pumpkin Farm.  Their hot dogs and mini donuts are also yummy.  Take home some pantry goods as souvenirs from their market in the barn.




October 1-31, 2022

4701 Mill Street,
Reno, NV 89502

Ferrari Farms has its own charm and while on the smaller side, brings lots of action each year.  Admission is free.  Pay per activity. 

Some Activities on the Farm:
-Pumpkin picking (about 40 varieties)
-Photo opportunities
-Trunk or Treat (TBA, very small)
-Scenic hayride (short and sweet)
-Band Cover Show held at night in the barn (follow Holland Project for updates)
-Watch a movie and make s'mores outdoors under the stars next to a fire pit  
-Navigate a corn maze (zombie version available at night)
-Face paint
-Food Vendors
-Carnival rides (super slide, funhouse, train ride, spinning cars):  I suggest buying the wristband for unlimited use if you want to let your kids have at it.  I always get this and always as the kids thoroughly enjoy all of the attractions.
Notes
*Parking lot is not paved so you can probably expect for your car to get dusty.
*This Year, The Holland Project will be organizing a lineup of bands
*Always check hour to hour weather to dress accordingly

Fun House at Ferrari Farms

 
Farms Out of Town

Wheatland (2 hours from Reno on the 80W freeway towards Sacramento)



If you're looking for the ultimate farm experience with fun entertainment, great hot food, beautiful grounds, and delicious apple goods, Bishop Pumpkin Farm is the place to be. 

Free admission.  Pay per activity.  I highly suggest their ticket bundle.  Tickets never expire.

On weekend nights, enjoy fireworks and Halloween movies at their whimsical pumpkin patch laid with huge pumpkins and winding vines.

Ride a tractor to the biggest U-Pick pumpkin patch in the country, at 90 acres, and find the right pumpkin for yourself.

Tips:
-Weekends in October are the busiest.  Plan on arriving early or come on a weekday to beat the crowds.
-Halloween movies only play during the busiest times in October during weekends
-They take cards here, but it's always good to have cash on hand.
-ATMs available
-Must be at least 45lbs for zipline 
-Don't forget to check hour-to-hour weather to dress appropriately
-You may bring lawn chairs for the field
-Fire pits are available by reservation only (reserve early)
-Movie screens located in the pumpkin patch next to the train
-Cider Mill and bakery can be found all the way at the back to the left
-Restrooms available with running water
-Hand washing stations everywhere outdoors
-You must purchase a separate ticket at the booth for face paint.  Every other ticket is good for all of the other attractions.
-This farm is perfect for photo shoots
-Take the tractor at the end of the day for U-Pick so you don't have to carry the pumpkins around all day.  
-Pay for all pumpkins at entrance using weighing scales
-The grounds are beautifully landscaped and are fun to walk around
-face painting available 
-I would visit the farm even if I didn't have kids

***Don't forget to bring cash.  ATMs available on grounds next to Pigadeli Square


Other Activities on the Farm:
-Carousel
-Zipline
-Marble Dig
-Coyote Mountain slide
-playground with corn kernel room
-old west mini town with buildings children can enter
-U Pick Sunflower walk
-corn maze
-train ride
-pig races
-pony rides
-face paint
-country store
-wine and beer section
-petting zoo
-old train cars you can go into


-Apple Slushie Float or Slushshakies (cider slush, soft serve, served in a caramel-dipped mug and topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a caramel apple).
-Tri Tip Sandwich and Garlic Fries
-Babe's Cookies
-Apple Dumplings with soft serve from Mrs. B's Bakery 
-Caramel Corn Nuggets and fresh apple cider (from barn up front)
-Pulled pork from Chuckwagon Cafe
-Salted pretzel from Wild Willies Trad'n Post


El Dorado Orchards, Placerville. Train Ride. 

To get to Apple Hill from Reno, you'd take a scenic ride through South Lake Tahoe and the winding El Dorado National Forest on Highway 50.  About 2 hours away without traffic. 

My post on Apple Hill with some useful links and tips.

Apple Hill is an amazing association of over 55 ranchers, including Christmas tree growers, wineries, and a spa, located in Placerville and Camino, CA.

It all started with one man's dream of working the lands and reaping the rewards of being a lifelong farmer and ended up with a collection of ranchers passionate about preserving the history of the lands while providing families with good old-fashioned fun (source).

Throughout the span of 50 years, the Apple Hill Growers Association has worked hard in tailoring the perfect experiences, filled with lots of family fun.  

Note:
 
 Farms in October are super busy.  Going early and/or going on weekdays makes a big difference if you want to avoid lines and traffic.

Follow farms on social media to keep up with their opening dates, coupons, specials, and giveaways. 
Denver Dan's U Pick
Scenic Train Ride @ El Dorado Orchards, Apple Hill
Abel's Apple Acres
My Favorite Treat During Fall

Fun Ghost Town for Kids 
($5/person, 3 and under free)
Watch out for my reel of Ghost Town that I will be posting soon on my Instagram

I ran into a super cute, fun, and charming ghost town in Virginia City, located in the Sawdust Trails store.  The lady at the front, Connie, was so kind and welcoming and I knew we had to check it out.

My 3 kiddos (4,6, and 8 years old) had so much fun that they asked to go through again.  They definitely would benefit from a flat fee for unlimited entries for people like us.  Hahah

The entrance to the ghost town is at the back of the shop and is decorated with fun dressed-up skeletons, spider webs, and sound effects.  

The shop is connected to another section of the store that has a wicked cool shooting gallery.  Don't forget to bring dollars if interested.  


Find gemstone mining, freshly made kettle corn, a BBQ sandwiches next door on your way out.  Ice cream across the street.


Creepy and Spooky Displays at Spirit of Halloween and Home Depot

Spirit of Halloween has so many spooky demo demons that people love activating.  There's also a fun little tunnel that rumbles when passing through, ideal for small thrill seekers.

Home Depot has upped their game this year and has outrageously cool decorations, from huge flying witches to singing Jack Skellingtons.  

Fall Events
There's no shortage of amazing events and experiences to get you into the holiday spirit.  Have fun discovering new places and experiences and revisit your favorites. 

I've been to so many of the events on my list and they're a big part of why I love our city so much.  Experience so many settings, atmospheres, crowds, feelings, traditions, cultures, and so much more through attending these events.

*Events may get canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as smoke, so make sure to keep a close eye on conditions & availability and check in with businesses on social media.

@ Downtown Reno
@ The Village at Rancharra.  So Gorgeous here. 
@ Rail City Casino


-September 7-11 Cowboy Expo @ Churchill County Fairgrounds, Fallon
-September 17 (11am-5pm) Legends of Beer Festival @ The Outlets at Legends, Sparks
-September 17 (4pm-9pm) Rockabilly Rat Rod & Classic Car @ Rail City Casino
-September 17 Oktoberfest (12pm-6pm) @ The Village at Palisades
-September 17 October 30 Beyond Van Gogh @ Reno-Sparks Convention Center
-September 18 (2pm-5pm) Milk & Honey Festival @ The McKinley Arts and Cultural Center
-September 18 (11am-5pm) Annual Fiesta on Wells @ S Wells St.
-September 22-25 Street Vibrations Fall Rally @ Reno, Tahoe, Carson City, and Virginia City
-September 23-25 Monster Jam @ Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center 
-September 24 (10am-2pm) Family Farm Festival @ Kid Zone Museum, Truckee
-September 24 Barn Dance @ Ferrari Farm
-September 25 (9am-4pm) Craftmade @ The Village at Rancharra 
-September 27- October 2 Hairspray Musical @ The Pioneer Center for the Perfoming Arts
-September 28 Andelin Farm Opens 
-September 30 (7pm-10pm) Movie Night: Dirty Dancing @ The Village at Rancharra
-September 30-October 31 (weekends) Junkee's Dark Corner Haunted House @ National Bowling Stadium Downtown

@ National Bowling Stadium, Downtown Reno
- October 1 Main Street Fall Fest - Coffin Races, Scarecrow Building & Marketplace, Gardnerville
-October 1 & 2 Reno Fall Festival @ McKinley Arts & Cultural Center
-October 1 Ferrari Farms Opens
-October 1 Fall Witch Paddleboarding @ Lakeview Commons, Lake Tahoe
-October 1 (9am-3pm) Vintage Market @ Due Sorella/ Two Sister, Carson City
-October 1 & 2 Virginia City Outhouse Races @ Virginia City Main St.
-October 4-8 Fall Festival @ Galena Creek Regional Park


-October 8 (10am-4pm) Fall Bulb Festival @ Wilbur D. May Arboretum, Rancho San Rafael Park
-October 13 & 14 (6pm-9pm) Haunted Hoops @ Urban Roots Teaching Farm
-October 14 (6pm) The Greatest Show Annual Fall Festival @ The Chateau, Incline Village
-October 14 Trunk or Treat @ Carson Mall, Carson City
-October 14, 21, 28, 29 Some Things May Never Happen (Unscripted Comedy Halloween Musical) @ Reno Improv


-October 15 (10am-4pm) Harvest Train @ Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City
-October 15,16,21,22,23. Spooky dusk train - October 15 & 22Pumpkin Patch Train V & T Railroad, Virginia City
-October 21 Annual Halloween Show (bands) by the Holland Project @ Ferrari Farm's Barn, Reno 
-October 22 Reno Zombie Crawl @ Downtown Reno Arch in front of Whitney Peak Hotel
-October 22 & 23 Harvest Festival @ Animal Ark


(Follow Link to see preview of walkthrough on KOLO)




An amazing non profit that provides a huge space for all things art.  Strengthens community through promoting and supporting self growth through the arts. 

-October 27 (4:30-6:30pm) Halloween Trunk or Treat @ Keller Williams Group One


-October 27 (4-7pm) Annual Carson City BOOnanza @ Mills Park, Carson City
-October 28 (7:30pm) & October 30 (2pm) Cirque Du Drag @ The Theater 
-October 29 (10am-12pm members only)(12-5pm general admission) Discovery Museum's 11th Annual Halloween Trick or Treat @ The Discovery Museum
-October 29 Nevada Day Fall Fest @ Arlighton Square, Carson City
-OCTOBER 31 (3 PM – 7 PM) Trick or Treat @ Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe

-Every Saturday and Sunday in October 1,2,8,9,15,16,22,23,29,30 Fall Festival @ Sierra Exotic Animal Park

Farmily Organics Farm Instagram


TBA Events
-October (TBA) Trunk-or-Treat @ The Nevada Humane Society in Reno
-October  (TBA) A Day with Thomas Train, Virginia City 
-October (TBA) Halloweekend @ Homewood, North Lake Tahoe

The town of Genoa is small and charming and their streets close for this event.  They have tons of craft vendors and arguably the older bar in Nevada.

@ The Outlets  at Legends, Sparks
@ The Village at Rancharra. Sign up by email for notifications.
Halloween Show @ Ferrari Farms
Pumpkin Palooza October 22 & 23 Sparks Victorian Square
Animal Ark

Gardnerville

Virginia and Truckee Railroad, Virginia City

Heavenly Village


@ The Village at Rancharra

@ Truckee's Kid Zone Museum

@ GSR Casino


@ Sparks Methodist Church

@ Animal Ark

Pumpkin Patch Train V&T Railroad, Virginia City

Pumpkin Patch Train V&T Railroad, Virginia City

@ Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe

@ National Automobile Museum

Young ones under 21 showcase their art at Holland Project.  On the last day of showing they will end with a reception and carnival.
Ferrari Farm



Other Events Out of Town



Hauntober Events @ Virginia City 

Virginia City has so much history and is the perfect atmosphere for all things Halloween.  Ghost and cemetary tours, paranormal sleepovers & investigations, Halloween trains,  haunted escape rooms, Halloween parades down Main Street, creepy doll making,  All Hallow's Eve Ball, and even a ghost town for littles.

Virginia City is a must visit.  





Do you know about escape rooms?  If not, let's just say that they're my new obsession. I conquered my first escape room a couple of years ago and have been hooked since.  There's nothing more exhilarating, exciting, empowering, entertaining, and cooler than escape rooms.

Escape rooms are rooms you get locked in with other people (friends, family, and/or strangers) to play a game.  Solve a series of puzzles and "escape" your way out. 

Deadline's "Dead Silence" in Reno totally has all of the Halloween vibes you're looking for.  Must book in advance.  Hurry! And don't worry, all levels welcome.  They give you as many or as little clues as you want.  They guide you from another room.

They just opened up a new room called "Freak Show," a circus-themed escape room in a top tent with human cages, carnival games, and more.  No Way! And THANK YOU!


Enjoy Fall Foliage in and Around Reno
Typically the second & third week of October are peak times, but it always depends on the weather.

Check out this fall foliage map to get a good idea of when leaves will hit their peak colors.

***You can download the AllTrails app on your phone and it will bring up the most popular hikes near you.  Also, this app is useful for making sure you stay on trail by showing your current position in relation to the trail map.  It has saved me and my family from getting lost on hikes many times. 


Hope Valley
(1 hr away from Reno toward South Lake Tahoe.  SLT about 26 minutes away)
Visitors Admiring the Scenery

Photographers, artists, and tourists visit Hope Valley annually, attempting to capture its beauty.  Only one hour away from Reno, this stop for fall foliage is a must, with South Lake Tahoe only 26 minutes away and Markleville only 15 minutes away. 

Stay in a charming Wylder Resort cabin nestled among aspen trees and make it a vacation.  To walk their grounds, you will need a reservation.   

Stop by Hope Valley Cafe & Market or a small cute town, Markleeville (15 minutes away from Wylder Resort) for baked goods, food, drinks, and snacks.  While there, ask for some trail suggestions.  

Wylder Resort in Hope Valley
Wylder Resort

Wylder Resort 


Mayberry Park
Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Truckee River, lined with tall golden cottonwood trees in the fall.  This park is dog friendly and has a paved path, porta-potty, two bridges, hiking trails, and leads to Dorostkar Park.


(click title for my post about this park)
(Tours of Mansion start End of May - End of October)
Rentable Pavilion @ Bower's Mansion
Enjoy the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall here at the park while marveling at the beauty of Bower's Mansion.  The park has a massive grass area, playgrounds, and picnic tables with BBQ grills.
Note: No pets allowed



(click title for my post about this park)
One of my favorite parks found on Mt. Rose Highway before hitting Galena Park.  The park is in the forest with a creek running through, two play structures, a grass area, and short and long hiking trails nearby. 


Truckee Riverwalk
Beautiful fall foliage against the water makes for the perfect fall scene.  Plenty of nearby eats along the river.  You can park at Idlewild Park or Barbara Benette Park. 



(click title for my post about this park)

This park is in Verdi past Boomtown Casino and is a hidden gem that has so much beauty, a fishing pond, and a short nature trail. 


(click title for my post about this park)

Grandparents LOVE life in Reno
Enjoy a handful of deciduous trees spread throughout the park's beautiful grounds.



Other Halloween Things


Costumes

In this section I highlight some rad local shops where you can use your creativity to create your own costume.

The Nest in Reno has an amazing collection of vintage clothing. 

Junkee has a wide selection of clothing and accessories.

CC'c Closet in Virginia City rents out Victorian style outfits.


Party America is our local party store that also sells Halloween costumes.


Decorated Homes in Reno
There's no shortage of fun, decorated Halloween homes in Reno.  Play some Halloween hits and sip on some delicious season warm drinks while scoping out Reno's amazing Halloween spirit and the magic will follow.

There's currently a South Reno map being built of where you can find decorated houses and candy, which you can find HERE.  Much love to the person that took the time to set this up. 

Want to see my favorite decorated home ever in Reno (pictured above)? I just posted about it on my Instagram. 


Categorized under "Seasonal/Holidays and Guides"