Alexa!! Play cardigan by Taylor Swift!!! Fall is one of my favorite times of the year–colorful leaves, football games, cute sweaters, and pumpkin flavored everything. This year I’m feeling *extra* festive and have been looking for things to do that will get me in the mood, so I thought I would share some college student-friendly activities that will give you an immediate boost of fall spirit.
- Apple picking (duh!)
This is an obvious must for the fall season. On a clear, sunny Saturday, there is no better way to spend a few hours with your friends. The photo opps are abundant–plus, you get a bunch of amazing apples to take home, supplying you with fresh fruit for weeks to come. I recommend Tougas Family Farm in Northborough, MA. Just 17 minutes from campus, this farm has a wide variety of apples, a pumpkin patch, a tractor ride, and a store full of locally-made goodies to try out. The vision of carving a pumpkin from the farm while binging Gilmore Girls is really, really calling my name. I cannot wait to enjoy this place soon.
- Trader Joe’s!!!!!
You have not lived until you have had a taste test of all the Trader Joe’s fall-edition food. I have already gone more times than I’d like to admit, but it is so very worth it. So far, I have tried the pumpkin ravioli (in case you’re wondering, I would give it an 11/10), butternut squash mac and cheese (also an 11/10), and the pumpkin bread (I’m sure you can guess the rating). I am also a big fan of their coconut body butter, so I picked up the pumpkin version, and obsessed is an understatement. I would definitely recommend if you are a pumpkin-scent lover! The overall experience of seeing/smelling everything, buying things, bringing it back to do a grocery haul, and then eating all the snacks with friends and a pumpkin candle burning in the background is my idea of a perfect day.
- Go for a hike
When I am in need of a breather from schoolwork, or just a change of scenery, I love to go for a walk outside, even if it is just a loop around Holy Cross. This fall, I am hoping to get off campus to go for an actual hike and take in the beautiful foliage around Worcester. Broad Meadow Brook Trail is a wonderful option if you are looking to do the same. It is an 11 minute drive from Holy Cross and has views of the changing leaves all throughout the trail. It is estimated to take about one hour to hike the 3.1 mile loop. I can picture myself walking while listening to my fall Spotify playlist and loving every minute of it.
- Enhance your fall wardrobe
This is the PERFECT excuse to do some online shopping–the weather is finally cooling off and you can finally wear your sweaters and boots, so why not treat yourself? If you’re on a budget, Amazon has great deals on fall outfits that will look amazing in class or on your next night out. Princess Polly and Zara are my favs for basics, and I love Anthropologie for statement tops that I can style with a simple pair of blue jeans. It’s so easy to look put together in the fall with just a few key pieces–fake it til you make it ladies!!
- Have a Halloween movie night
To be honest, this was the perfect excuse to share my favorite Halloween shows and movies. Some aren’t technically Halloween, but the vibes are too good not to include them!
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (I mean, how could you not?)
- Gilmore Girls (no words needed)
- Mean Girls (something about this movie just screams fall to me)
- Hocus Pocus (a classic)
- Stranger Things (only the Halloween episodes–the nostalgia is real)
- Coraline (this movie had no business being this scary)
Getting cozy with a candle and good food is an amazing way to spend a night in! You could plan a fun night with friends and have a movie marathon or ride solo–both options sounding gorgeous right about now.
Enjoy the season and take time to relax and try new things. Whatever you choose to do this fall, have so much fun and make the most of it!