It may have been sweltering a week or two ago, but now you’re trading those shorts and flip-flops for knit sweaters and riding boots! Whether you are from California or a completely different continent, make the most of New England’s most celebrated season before the leaves begin to fall with these quintessential autumn activities.
While you may live in the big city, there are plenty of farms just outside of Boston where the quaintest of New England’s autumn traditions can be experienced. Venture into the suburbs with your friends and spend a few hours wandering the orchards, eating cider donuts, and come back to your dorm with the freshest of apples!
The famous rowing competition returns to our own Charles River October 17 and 18. Watch the start of the race from the BU Bridge, and watch our Terrier teams compete.
Take the trip to the North Shore for a day to wonder around the most Halloween-iest town in the country. See a psychic and get your palm read, or dare to enter one of the many available haunted houses. It’s also the setting for the Halloween classic, “Hocus Pocus.”
If you are the type who enjoys a little scream now and then with a bit of history thrown in, take one of Boston’s many ghost tours. You’re living in a 400 year old city after all— there are bound to be some creepy tales to tell.
5) Sports
The basketball, football, and hockey seasons are coming up, so go see a Celtics, Patriots, or Bruins game. As you might know, it’s kind of a big deal here.
6) Thanksgiving
Attend one of the city’s Thanksgiving dinners, or take a daytrip down to Plymouth to see where it all started. Ask a pilgrim what they think of the new iPad Pro and be prepared for some weird looks!
7) Faneuil Hall
On November 21 witness the tree-lighting ceremony and light show Blink! And throughout the following weeks enjoy the end of the season by the twinkling Christmas lights outside Faneuil Hall. Stroll Quincy Market under the lights with a cup of cocoa in hand, or perhaps a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and get a start on your holiday shopping! Keep in mind that the Market closes at 9pm, and 6pm on Sundays.
Eat! Try all of autumn’s foods, whether it’s your first time or a favorite tradition. Pumpkin pie, apple pie, cider donuts, candy/caramel apples, apple cider, cranberry sauce, squash, maple syrup (the real kind), football fare, Halloween candy— try it all!
There are also plenty of ways to celebrate autumn on campus, with Halloween events, Thanksgiving dinner in the dining halls, and the burnished crimson leaves along Comm Ave. However you choose, make some time between classes to experience the season!
Cover Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/feeney1982/10503754335