If you’ve ever wondered if you could survive a zombie apocalypse, you can get an idea for yourself this spooky season at Grace Hill Farms in Athens. By day, it looks like a normal family farm, but after dark, the zombies come out to play. They send you out in the zombie-infested woods, armed with paintball guns. The farm’s been in owner Heather Green’s family since the 1950s, but about 10 years ago she decided she wanted to do more with the land. After brainstorming with her family, the idea for an interactive paintball ride was born. “It all started with a dream of something to do on this farm as a family and how to teach my kids how to have a work ethic,” Green said. Green had started businesses before, so that aspect wasn’t new, but she says she had a lot to learn when it came to the paintball business and keeping everyone involved safe. The zombies are played mostly by students at her kids’ school and a few others who have become part of the Grace Hill family over the last six years they’ve been open for business. Now every weekend in October, they load up army-style trucks to be whisked away into the woods. Aboard the truck, shooters have free range to shoot the glow-in-the dark zombies as well as other targets. It’s safe, clean fun for all ages. “We’ve had people from ages 3 to 89 ride, and both of them loved it,” Green said. If a thrill ride isn’t your speed, they have lots of other activities. For those who want to shoot paintballs at a slower pace, they have a shooting gallery. This year they added a walking trail, where guests can shoot at zombies on food. They have escape rooms, an escape bus and ax throwing. Every night they play a movie on a projector for guests as well and feature various food trucks. There’s truly Halloween excitement for all ages and personalities. “You leave here feeling good. At the end of the night, I’m exhausted, but my heart is full,” Green said, “It’s giving to the community and they give back to me, and that’s what my favorite part is.” When you go hunt zombies yourself, take a picture, and post it using #AmbersAlabama.
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