farragutpress

Fall is the perfect backdrop

Family fun, corn mazes, spooky haunts and more

October 1, 2025 by Rachel Totten, Correspondent

With fall now in full swing, it’s time to get out and enjoy all the season has to offer. Fortunately, East Tennessee provides the perfect backdrop for the season, with a slew of autumnal activities for individuals of all ages.

Below, we’ve highlighted just a few of the prime attractions right here in our local area.

Blackburn Farm

405 Blackburn Lane, Lenoir City

Blackburn Farm was established in 2023 by Liz and Brian Christiansen on a picturesque property in the heart of Lenoir City, fulfilling the couple’s longtime dream.

“We’ve talked about doing a pumpkin patch ever since we first got married, which

was 30 years ago,” said Liz, noting that the couple, originally from Upstate New York, lived all over the country before settling in East Tennessee. “As soon as we moved to the area 18 years ago, we knew this was where we were going to start it.”

And after finding the Blackburn Lane property at an auction about four years ago, the rest is history.

“We bought 5 acres, then bought 5 more from the guy that bought it next to us,” Liz said.

This allows Blackburn Farm to offer a variety

of fall-themed activities for the whole family. From the traditional corn maze and hay rides to hay bale swings, slides, corn pits and even a human hamster wheel, Liz said the property has it all.

“We have pretty much everything that a pumpkin patch would have,” she said, adding the farm also plans to purchase an

additional 5 acres. “So we’ll be expanding activities every year.”

This year, for example, Blackburn Farm will have zip lines, a giant bounce pad, pumpkin bowling and basketball hoops made from large grain bins. Many of these activities will take place along the Clinch River.

“That’s one of the things that make us really unique,” Liz said of the farm’s riverfront property.

Blackburn Farm also offers a boutique gift shop, further elevating the overall experience.

“My whole goal was to have a boutique-type pumpkin patch… I wanted it to be like Magnolia Farms meets pumpkin patch, so it’s just really cute,” Liz said. “What we’re famous for, though,

is our apple cider slushie with a hot cinnamon-sugar donut on top. People come just for that.”

Blackburn Farm will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Thursday, Oct. 1. The season will last through Tuesday, Nov. 1. For more information, visit blackburnfarm.net.

Dead Man’s Farm

13100 W. Lee Highway, Philadelphia

Founded in 2009, Dead Man’s Farm originally opened in Lenoir City with just one haunted house and only a small group of volunteers. The attraction, now located in Philadelphia, has since grown exponentially, earning numerous accolades over the years.

“Each year we grew, adding new experiences, like concessions, escape games and entertainment, until it became clear we needed more space,” explained Sarah Linginfelter, who owns the property with husband Jeff. “After our 10th season, we purchased a larger farm in Philadelphia, which we call Nightfall Acres. That’s where Dead Man’s Farm has really been able to thrive.”

The property now features two main attractions: Bludgeon Haunted House and the Lost Souls Haunted Trail, which has been completely redesigned for the 2025 season. Both attractions are aimed at immersing guests in intricate storylines with a host of eerie characters.

“Dead Man’s Farm isn’t just a haunted house, it’s a full evening of fun,” Sarah said. “On top of that, everything is designed to be immersive. Our live actors and sets bring the story to life in a way that makes people feel like they’ve stepped into a live action horror movie. Combined with the authentic farm atmosphere, the crisp air, open skies, bonfires and the energy of the Halloween season, it’s an experience you just can’t find anywhere else.”

Escape games, food trucks and shopping are also available on site.

“We’ve also added carnival games where guests can play, compete and win prizes,” Sarah said. “And brand new this year, we have a photo booth where you can take home a souvenir picture with one of our live characters.”

Guests will have the opportunity to pick out their perfect pumpkin to carve at home, as well.

“It all adds up to a full evening of fun, frights and fall atmosphere,” Sarah said.

Dead Man’s Farm season will kick off Friday, Oct. 3, with attractions open at 7 p.m. each night through Tuesday, Nov. 1. The annual Dead Man’s Market will also be held Saturday, Oct. 11.

Tickets are on sale now at deadmansfarm.com.

Narramore Farms

199 Laurel Bluff Road, Kingston

Narramore Farms’s beginnings date back to Blake Narramore’s childhood, where he tended to cattle and worked hayfields on his family farm in Kingston. This love of farming continued throughout his life and even into his marriage.

In fact, before marrying wife Patricia, the couple would spend ample time in those same hayfields, longing to one day operate a pumpkin patch of their own. The Narramores later purchased the family property and brought that dream to life in 2015 with 1 acre of pumpkins.

With a mission of “planting smiles, growing laughter and harvesting love,” Narramore Farms has successfully grown over the years to now include 10 acres of pumpkins, a 5-acre corn maze, goats, chickens and numerous family-friendly activities.

“We offer over 25 fun farm attractions, including barrel train rides, horse shoes, disc golf, acres of playground fun, photo opportunities, farm animals and much more,” said Patricia, noting that her favorite part of operating the farm is seeing families join together. “We love opening the farm up for families to experience real farm life and make memories together. It’s an amazing feeling!”

Because, for the Narramores, the farm is more than just a business – it’s a way of life.

“Blake and I have worked extremely hard to build our farm from the ground up,” Patricia said. “We farm the land, grow crops, tend to livestock, raise our kids here and teach them how to love their community, farm the land and grow their agritourism business as a family.”

Narramore Farms’ 10th anniversary season will begin Sunday, Sept. 27, and continue through Sunday, Oct. 26. For more information, visit narramorefarms.com.