I'm once again wrapping up my day with a basket of wings in front of me. That first bite, with the crispy skin and the sauce soaking in, can wash away most of my fatigue.

But lately, there's something else that's been making my evenings exciting besides wings. It's the Enchanted Pumpkin Trail at Buffalo Zoo.

This zoo was originally famous for its lantern festival called Zoomagination every summer. That event featured large animal-shaped lanterns lighting up the night.

However, this year, the festival was canceled. I heard that the visa for the artisans from the partner company Tianyu Arts and Culture was denied, making it impossible to meet the installation schedule.

The zoo also looked for alternatives, but ultimately found no solution. This year marks the first time since 2022 that the festival will not take place.

Honestly, I felt a bit disappointed when I heard that news. It was always fun to grab wings and enjoy the festival.

Instead, in August, the zoo announced a new event, which is this pumpkin trail. It runs from September 10 to November 1.

They explained that hundreds of lit pumpkins would be placed throughout the zoo after closing. I was secretly excited to see jack-o'-lanterns as tall as a person.

Tickets range from $13.95 to $19.95. Since the prices vary, it's a good idea to check the zoo's website for the amount that applies to you before going.

What I found fun is that the theme changes every day. There are days with a safari theme, so even though it's the same path, the atmosphere changes depending on when you go.

Some animal exhibits are also open during the event hours. Meeting animals that you usually see only during the day after sunset is a different experience.

From the moment you enter the zoo next to Delaware Park, the air feels different. On a mid-October evening, the breeze was quite chilly, so I was glad I brought a scarf.

Along the path, orange lights twinkle, resembling the color of freshly fried wings. Thinking that way, I guess I really can't help myself.

Each pumpkin has a different expression, which slows my pace. I was busy taking pictures of smiling faces, surprised faces, and even scary faces with bared teeth.

Kids were busy posing in front of the pumpkins, and couples quietly walked hand in hand. There were also many families with strollers, making the path busier than I expected.

The walking course itself isn't very long, so it's easy to stroll at a leisurely pace. However, since it's dark at night, there are sections where the ground isn't very visible, so comfortable shoes are a must.

There are benches to rest on, making it nice to sit with a warm drink. Surprisingly, that moment of just being in the light was the highlight of the walk.

One downside is parking during the evening hours. On weekends, the street spots around the park fill up quickly, so I recommend arriving a bit early.

Operating hours can vary by date, so I checked the website beforehand. Be sure to confirm the event hours and theme dates directly.

If you have kids, you might also want to check out Boo at the Buffalo Zoo, which takes place in late October. Some guides mention it runs from October 23 to 24 from 4:30 PM to 8 PM, but it's safer to confirm the official schedule with the zoo.

After walking the trail, I started to feel hungry. After walking in the cold wind, I craved something warm and crispy.

The charm of wings ultimately lies in the balance between crispiness and sauce. The outside should crumble like a snack, while the inside remains moist, and the sauce shouldn't be too runny or too thick.

So, on my way home, I stopped by my favorite place to grab some wings. I got medium hot with blue cheese sauce and a few stalks of celery—perfectly balanced.

Wings taste strangely better after seeing the pumpkin lights. It's like filling my eyes with autumn and my mouth with happiness.

When I think about it, happiness isn't something grand. Walking on a chilly night with someone you love and finishing it off with a warm piece of chicken is enough.

While I'm still disappointed that the lantern festival was canceled, I think it's not bad that a new fall event has emerged. I hope to see both next year.

November 1 is the last day, so there's not much time left. I recommend going before it gets colder.

All you need to bring are warm outerwear, comfortable shoes, and a charged phone. You'll end up taking a lot of pictures.

And after your visit, be sure to wrap up with a basket of wings. My conclusion is that the perfect ending to a fall night walk is indeed crispy chicken.

Thanks to wings, I'm closing the day with a smile again. I hope your autumn nights are filled with warm happiness, just like the pumpkin lights.