Do you ever feel like life’s moving just a little too fast?
I’ve felt that way every single day since the end of September. It’s been driving Brandon and the girls crazy. If I’m not on the phone or running to an interview, I’m buried in research—or trying to catch up on everything that’s fallen behind.
“Stressed” doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s more like one of those movie scenes where the main character stands perfectly still while the world rushes by in a blur.
I finally hit a point where I just couldn’t keep up.
So Friday night, I did something simple: I escaped.
I packed up the family and headed to Cathis Farm’s Haunted Harvest in Lillington.
Maybe that sounds like a strange way to unwind—but I’m a horror fanatic. #teamnoshame
I just needed to shut the world out for a while. To exist in the moment without deadlines, notifications, or expectations. And I got exactly that.
The minute we stepped onto the farm, I could feel the tension ease. The air smelled like woodsmoke, and in the distance, fires flickered against the dark.
From the General Store, a parade of spooky characters emerged, setting the mood right away. We warmed our hands by the fire, then the night began: a short film about the harvest, a creaky “elevator ride,” and a crawl space that made me question every decision I’d made that day.
After a break for popcorn—and a quick stop to have our fortunes read—we wound our way through a hay bale maze before tackling the best part: the haunted trail.
Now, I was sure Belle would be the one screaming. Nope. It was me. Every jump scare got me. But the real highlight? Watching Bug take off running from a chainsaw-wielding maniac.
Totally worth it.
I had an absolute ball—and I needed that. I needed to laugh until my cheeks hurt, to feel my heart race for something other than stress, to breathe cool autumn air and remember what it feels like to just be.
If you love a good scare, I can’t recommend Cathis Farm’s Haunted Harvest enough—it’s worth every penny.
And if haunted trails aren’t your thing, don’t worry—you can still support this local gem. Their farm sells incredible, locally raised meats perfect for stocking your freezer this fall.
But I would encourage you to face your fears and try that haunted trail. Sometimes the best way to slow down is to let yourself live a little.
