Tall Tales of Old Florida at Cracker Country

Tall Tales of Old Florida takes over Cracker Country on Saturday, October 24, for a night tour of the 19th-century living history museum. It's an after-dark walk through the grounds, with costumed storytellers leading the way by lantern light. Along the route, they spin wild yarns about Florida's unexplained oddities—skunk apes, misbehaving trains, and cow-hunting giants—in a tone they describe as a little spooky, a little funny, and always family-friendly. The tour itself lasts about an hour, and they run every 10 minutes, so you can pick a time that works for you.

There's plenty to do around the tour, too. You'll find Victorian games and activities set among the museum's seasonal décor, with flickering lanterns, hearth fires, and glowing pumpkins giving the whole place a Victorian Halloween atmosphere. A live blacksmith demonstration and a vintage magic lantern experience add to the mood, and there are exhibits of early science fiction and mystery literature and film. If you look up, the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club will be there for stargazing. The General Store stocks nostalgic reproductions and historical toys and games, and its proceeds support the museum's field trip programs. It's not recommended for children under 6.

Cracker Country is part of the Florida State Fairgrounds at 4800 US-301 in Tampa, and you'll want to enter via the MLK Blvd Entrance, Gate 2. Gates open at 6:45 PM. Tickets are $18 per person, and every ticket includes a festive snack and drink; later time slots are $5 cheaper. Parking is $10 online and $12 onsite.