Pumpkin spice lattes and crisp, cool air are sure signs of autumn, but nothing says the arrival of the season quite like fall foliage. And it’s now safe to say that fall has finally arrived! There seems to be nothing better than the spectacle of colors adorning North Carolina’s massive trees, and Duke’s campus has plenty of scenic views to offer. With the semester preparing to come to a close, students are anticipating the inevitable hibernation in the library for that dreaded time of year. But before the countdown to craziness begins, take some time to enjoy the sights of the season all around you.
Here are 5 great locations on campus to enjoy the scenery of the most wonderful time of the year:
1.) Penn Pavilion
While it may not be the most popular eatery on campus, this glass pavilion offers one of the best views on campus when it comes to natural autumnal art. Facing the rear of the pavilion, the wall to wall and floor to ceiling windows provide an unobstructed view of some of the campus’s most beautiful fall foliage. It’s a great, quiet morning spot where you can have breakfast and finish up some last minute reading before class, while watching the sun shine through the trees arrayed in a multitude of colors. Unlike sitting inside most buildings on campus, working in the Penn Pavilion eliminates the boundary separating you from nature, and during this wonderful season, who wouldn’t enjoy getting as much of the great outdoors as possible?
2.) Bryan Center Plaza
Of course, if you ask any Duke students they will probably already tell you that they are well aware of how great the BC plaza is for studying and relaxing. Though it is already a well-known part of campus, the plaza’s popularity should surely increase during this autumn season. Currently, a gorgeous display of trees shade the plaza, providing a scenic spot to enjoy those pumpkin spice lattes and to catch up with friends.
3.) Sarah P. Duke Gardens
This list would be remiss to neglect the autumnal beauty of the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Just a short walk from the academic quad and the usual route for Central Campus commuters, the Gardens during the fall are truly unbeatable. Whether you frequent the Gardens for its number of quiet study spots or utilize it as a running course, you may never exhaust the number of majestic views these 55 acres have to offer. So before the barren cold of winter wears you out, enjoy this outdoor tranquil space and the incredible assortment of “Instagram worthy” perspectives the Gardens provides.
4.) East Campus Trail
A well-known jogging trail for avid runners and the location of numerous 5k races throughout the year, the trail surrounding Duke’s East Campus sees many visitors. This time of year, though, the course provides one of the best views of foliage on campus. Certainly many first-year students enjoy the trail for its convenient proximity to their dorms, but upperclassmen should take advantage of the scenic trail at the peak of the autumn season. Even for those non-runners out there, the course is perfect for brisk walking and clearing your head or for leisurely meandering while engaging in deep discussions with a friend.
5.) Goodson Chapel
Whether you have attended a mass or religious service in the chapel or have just walked by it on the way to the Divinity School Refectory, most Duke students would agree that the Goodson Chapel is one of Duke’s hidden gems. With grand windows overlooking even grander views of the fall forest behind the Chapel, this space is an architecturally Gothic vision with a touch of natural beauty. The space is often unoccupied, so it provides a tranquil location to reflect upon college life away from the hustle and bustle of campus. The Goodson Chapel is the perfect place to find both peace and beauty.
Duke is such an aesthetically pleasing campus that I am positive there are countless other great spots from which to enjoy the fall foliage, but whatever your favorite place may be, be sure to allot time to spend there and to take in all the beauty of this wonderful season. So the bottom line is to enjoy it now while you can, before the brightly painted leaves blow away along with your end-of-the-semester sanity!