Some say fall is the best time of year at UConn and I couldn’t agree more. It is absolutely gorgeous on campus in the fall and it’s hard not to appreciate the beautiful nature around us. Not only is UConn right in the heart of New England fall foliage, but there are so many fall-themed activities to partake in around us. There’s apple picking, pumpkin carving, hiking, on-campus events and so many other different ways to enjoy the season of fall at UConn.
Wright’s Orchard
Located in Tolland, (about 12 minutes from campus), Wright’s Orchard is the perfect place to go for apple picking! Although most popular for their apples, Wright’s also has a storefront which sells fresh produce, pumpkins, mums, homemade pies, and my favorite, apple cider donuts.
halloween at UCONN Rec
The UConn Rec, located in the center of campus, is offering multiple different events to get everyone into the Halloween spirit. One of these events is the Costume Climb that is going to take place on Halloween at the Climbing Center (10 winners will receive prizes from 4:00-8:00, so show out!). Next, UConn Rec is hosting glow in the dark versions of exercise classes such as Spin and Glow (spin), Flow and Glow (yoga), and Barre and Glow (barre). Also, the UConn Rec is hosting trick-or-treating on Halloween from 12:00-4:00pm! (enter through the North Entrance, near the School of Business).
Edmondson’s Farm & Nursery
Located in Coventry (about 13 minutes from campus), Edmondson’s has everything you could want to decorate your dorm, make a delicious recipe, or to just soak in all the fall vibes. This farm has specialty pumpkins, gourds, and corn stalks. They also have chrysanthemums, apples, cider, and a gift shop to browse through!
Pumpkinfest
This week in Student Union Room 310, there has been pumpkin carving taking place everyday. All of the carved pumpkins will be featured in “PumpkinFest” which is a festival that will show an amazing display of all the jack-o-lanterns, a light show, and music show. PumpkinFest will take place Friday, October 28 from 7-10pm in front of the Student Union Mall.
go on a hike
The great thing about going to college in a rural New England area like UConn, is that there’s so much nature surrounding us to enjoy. Especially with the leaves changing, you definitely won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to walk through nature. Some trails close by include UConn Forest, Albert E. Moss Sanctuary, Shelter Falls, River Park Bridge, and Mansfield Hollow State Park to name a few.
Horse listener’s Orchard
Located in Ashford, (15 minutes away from campus), this is another great apple orchard to look into visiting! In addition to apples, they have fresh produce, homemade sauces, baking mixes, maple syrup, honey, and so much more. If you want to get ingredients to make a fall-inspired desert I would definitely recommend checking this place out!
Halloween Community Bike ride
UConn Student Government (USG) is hosting a Halloween themed community bike ride on Sunday October 30th. The bike riders will meet at the top of Fairfield Way at 1pm and will participate in a 4.5 mile ride around campus. Costumes are encouraged and this is a great way to get in the Halloween spirit while getting active.
These are just a few Fall activities to explore at and around UConn. I would highly recommend getting out there and partaking in some of these activities because it’ll undoubtedly give you all the cozy, spooky, fall feels just in time for Halloween!