posted October 27, 2006
As October comes to a close, so do some of the area's seasonal attractions. This weekend will be the last chance to experience Rock City's Roctoberfest, the Enchanted MAiZE, the Spooky Maze and Ruby Falls’ Haunted Cavern.
Late October also offers some of the Southeast's most inspiring scenery as the fall colors adorn the mountains and valley below. Be on Lookout to take part in the fun.
Rock City Gardens celebrates its German heritage at Rocktoberfest this Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon – 6 p.m. Enjoy music from "The Gootmon Sauerkraut Band" from Charlotte, N.C., at 12:30, 2, 3:30, 4 and 5 p.m. Plus, learn brewing basics in the Beer 101 Workshops with David Sharpe, head brewer from Big River Grille and Brewing Works. Beer 101 Workshops are at 1:30 and 3 p.m. Try a Bratwurst and German Sauerkraut, or stroll down the Buddenstrasse (Avenue of the Booths). In 1932, Garnet Carter and his wife Frieda Utermoelen (of German descent) opened their private garden estate, Rock City Gardens, to the public. From alp horn playing, to yodeling and even a singing saw, all the gusto and fun of a Bavarian beer hall is just a short drive away. Rocktoberfest performances are no extra charge with regular Rock City admission.
Get lost in Rock City's Enchanted MAiZE located at the foot of Lookout Mountain
at Blowing Springs Farm. Open at 9 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon on Sunday, Oct. 29. The MAiZE stays open until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, with a chance for you to visit Spooky Acres and the Shadow House opening at dark. You won’t want to miss a weekend of Halloween fun with trick-or-treating in the barn, face painting and costume contests for kids and dogs.
The Halloween Costume Contest for kids begins Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. Prizes for 1st - 4th place will be given out for children ages 0-12. The Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Contest later that same day begins at 4 p.m. Bring your dog for a chance to win prizes for 1st - 4th place. A $10 entry fee enters your dog into the contest and provides entrance to the maze, all while benefiting the Walker County Animal Shelter.
Stay late and visit the Shadow House at Spooky Acres – new this year. Cost of admission is only $2 extra after 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (opens at dark). Once a vibrant working farm, this mysterious property has lain vacant for many years since a series of strange, highly speculated events led to the disappearance of the entire Shadow family. Come brave these haunted halls and cornfield maze where shadows dwell and the field of screams awaits.
If you still haven’t had your fill of scares, then drive on over to Ruby Falls for this year’s Haunted Cavern. It opens at 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday until the end of October and on Halloween night. Can’t make it this weekend? There will also be an encore presentation on Saturday, Nov. 4. This is your last chance to see what Chattanooga has been talking about. The Haunted Cavern takes place at the research facilities of Cerberus Industries. The site appears to be a standard corporate tour when something goes horribly wrong. Now it is up to you to survive the disturbing mutations, navigate through the parking lot of terror and then attempt to escape from a “hellevator” that leads to a cave 260 feet underground. The Haunted Cavern is not recommended for ages 10 years and under.
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