After a long summer with temperatures resting in the 90s, WKU students are now feeling the cool weather and seeing the changing colors of fall. Bowling Green has several fall-themed places, shops and activities in the coming weeks. Here’s a taste of what this fall has to offer.

Jackson’s Orchard –– Students who enjoy the country life or the taste of a farmer’s market will enjoy Jackson’s Orchard. Located about four miles from campus, the orchard sits on top of a hill, and offers fresh apples, knickknacks, apple cider, pumpkin patches, hay rides, petting zoos and more. The orchard also has a snack bar, where visitors can purchase apple cider slushes and caramel apples.

On weekends throughout October, Jackson’s Orchard hosts the Pumpkin Festival. Visitors can go on a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick a pumpkin straight from the ground. The festival also includes apple-picking, corn mazes and pony rides.

Spirit Halloween and Halloween Express –– Whether a student wants to give his or her dorm a spooky renovation or wants to buy some costumes, these are the places to go. Spirit Halloween, located on Scottsville Road, is a Halloween store that sells various costumes and accessories, along with Halloween-themed decorations and clothing.

In the parking lot by Spirit Halloween is Halloween Express, a costume shop offering outfits for children, adults and pets. For students on a budget, the store has a clearance aisle with full costumes for as low as five dollars.

Lost River Cave –– Students who love nature may enjoy Lost River Cave. Lost River Cave is a seven-mile underground cave system; the park offers boat tours inside a portion of the cave.

For students who don’t want to brave the cold temperatures of the cave, the park offers a forest filled with nature trails surrounded by the changing leaves of fall.

Lost River Cave is also home to the Scarecrow Trail, where various scarecrows crafted by companies and families stand tall. Students with an interest in art may especially love the scene’s creativity.

Skeleton’s Lair –– For Halloween lovers looking for a traditional haunted experience, Skeleton’s Lair offers attractions including a haunted house, a haunted forest, a 3D section, a haunted hayride and a three-minute escape room.

Fans of Friday the 13th may be interested in visiting the park Oct. 13 and 14, when Ari Lehman, who played child Jason in the first Friday the 13th movie, is scheduled to be a guest.

Unseen BG –– For students who are interested in the paranormal and the unknown or just enjoy a good ghost story, Unseen offers a ghost tour of downtown Bowling Green. 10 percent of ticket sales will be given to the Landmark Association, which preserves historic landmarks.

The tour, opening in October, promises to give a terrifying history lesson, including visiting places not available to the public.

Reporter Adam Sims can be reached at 270-245-2655 and [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @adamsimswriter.