Whether it’s the crisp morning air, leaves changing color or football fans printing off season schedules, reminders of the fall season are everywhere.
Those interested in participating in traditional autumn events like corn mazes, pumpkin picking and hay rides, may find the following venues, all located within 40 miles of Marine Corps Base Quantico, great places to find fall fun.

Belvedere Plantation, located in Fredericksburg, offers attractions designed for fun-seekers of all ages. Some of their attractions include: pedal tractors, pig races, a zipline, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze and a jumping pillow.

Visitors can park for free and visit the venue, just over 30 miles south of Quantico, open from Tuesday through Sunday, with varying daily hours, until Nov. 3, 2013.

Tickets vary in price from $9-$23. Children two-years-old and younger enter for free and military members with valid identification cards receive a discount.  

For more information call 540-373-4478 or visit their website at www.belvedereplantation.com.

Those interested in a more cost-effective experience or perhaps a closer alternative to the base may consider Clark’s Farm located in Stafford, only 15 miles south of Quantico.

In addition to a garden center and gift shop, families can purchase food at the snack shack or participate in one of the many activities such as face painting and pumpkin bowling,

Clark’s Farm in open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. offering many fun activities, most designed for children 10-years-old and younger, including bounce houses, petting zoo, pumpkin bowling and pony rides.

“One of our goals is to have a family-focused affordable event,” said Brenna Bounds, owner of the farm. “We want people to have a lot of fun without breaking the bank.”

Tickets cost $6 during the week and $8 on weekends/ holidays with no charge for parking. Children two-years-old and younger are free. Military members will receive a discount on Military Appreciation Day, Oct. 26, 2013.

For more information call 540-659-2172 or visit their website at www.clarksfarmusa.com.

Families looking for a place north of the base can visit Cox Farms in Centreville, 38 miles north of Quantico, where they will find many opportunities to make fall memories.

Whether it’s farm animals and rope swings or haunted hay rides and the Festival Market, the Farms has something for every member of the family.

Cox Farms is open 10 a.m.-6p.m. through Oct. 31, 2013, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. from Nov. 1-5, 2013.

Tickets range in price from $9-$17, with free admission for children two-years-old and under and no additional charge for parking. Military members with identification cards will receive $5 discount on each ticket, up to four, during the Public Servants Weekend, Nov. 2-3, 2013.

For information call 703-830-4121 or visit their website at www.coxfarms.com.

Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil