Our hopes were squashed at Jack O'Lantern World
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An Ohio-themed display featuring city names at Jack O'Lantern World. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
Central Ohio's newest fall attraction, Jack O'Lantern World at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, bills itself as "an incredible walk through thousands of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns."
Yes, but: Based on my observations, a majority of the pumpkins are fake.
Quick take: My husband and I learned that mid-stroll Sunday night, sadly, after he noted that their shapes and stems looked a little too perfect.
- Think this foam pumpkin at Target.
- I was proud of his investigative skills, but it immediately sapped the fun out of the experience — especially at a $24-per-adult price tag.
Plus: The hyped-up 1,000-pounder was underwhelming. It wasn't a jack-o'-lantern — it was just decorated.
- The 0.75-mile trail also had several gaps of empty space, and the food trucks present that night weren't the ones advertised.
What they're saying: The Illinois-based company that produces the nationwide attraction, which is here locally through Oct. 29, didn't reply to an email seeking comment.
Pro tip: I instead recommend two local experiences that offer the real deal.
- The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow: $12-15, Thursday-Sunday.
- Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory: $15.50-26, Wednesday-Sunday, through Oct. 29.
- Both free for kids under 3.
