Nothing says autumn like pumpkins, haunted houses, and ghost tales. Fortunately, Isle of Palms offers all of that and more!
Kick off the season with a visit to the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens Pumpkin Patch, open throughout October, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Friday and Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission includes a tractor tour, an eight-acre corn maze, petting zoo jump pillows, and much more.
For Isle of Palms residents and visitors, fall gets off to a running start with the IOP Connector Run, with a start time of 8 a.m. on Oct. 7. The challenging road race takes participants across the IOP connector from Isle of Palms to Mount Pleasant in a choice of a 10K or 5K run or walk. All experience levels and ages are welcome. The post-race, family-friendly festival includes live music, a kids' play area, cash prizes, and free beer for those 21 and over. Proceeds go to fight child abuse in the Lowcountry.
Of course, for some people, October means ghosts and goblins. If that’s the case for you, make plans to attend Ghostly Tide Tales from 6-7 p.m. on Oct. 14 at Front Beach. Just follow the beach access path beside the Sea Cabins, that is if you are brave enough. Listen to hair-raising stories while sitting around a campfire.
Another chilling event is Boone Hall Fright Nights, held over several nights in September and October. But be forewarned: Fright Nights is not for the faint of heart. Get your tickets early as Fright Nights often is a sell-out. It’s a scream!
Another surefire way to celebrate the season is to pick up fresh produce at the weekly Isle of Palms Farmers Market, held every third Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. on 28th Avenue. In addition to fresh produce, the Oct. 19 market features food vendors, live music, and more.
Make plans for an Isle of Palms stay at the end of the month, and participate in the Halloween Golf Cart Parade & Carnival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 29. Whether you want to put on a costume and join the parade, or be a spectator, it’s a frighteningly good time. This year’s event includes a drive-thru Haunted House, costume parade, inflatables, food vendors, and Trick or Treat bags for all the kids. The parade line-up begins at 10:30 a.m., and it rolls along 27th Avenue at 11 a.m.
Is there a better place than the Isle of Palms to vacation this October?