It’s that time of year again! The air is getting brisk, the leaves are changing, Halloween is just around the corner and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. Fall is the best time of year, and with all the excitement buzzing in the air comes the amazing fall activities for everyone to partake in.
However, not all of us have the luxury of owning a car on campus and being able to drive wherever we want. On the other hand, some of us commute and don’t want to spend any extra time on campus if it can be avoided. With all of that being said, here is a list of fun fall activities to do on and off campus.
On Campus
1. Storrs Farmers Market
This is perfect for people who want some fresh food while also getting the chance to enjoy the weather. Some of the items there include a variety of fruits and vegetables, handmade items such as lotion and soaps, jam, honey, baked goods and even pumpkins. Nothing like a farm fresh foods for an afternoon meal.
The Farmers Market is located at the Mansfield Town Hall every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is open through November.
2. Hiking
UConn is a beautiful place in the fall and there’s no doubt about it, so why waste all that beauty staying inside when you can go for a walk or hike around campus? Just walking around campus and enjoying the beauty is an amazing activity in and of itself.
If you’re tired of seeing the same old stuff on campus, take a trip to Horsebarn Hill and hike through their pre-marked hiking trails. It’s a great way to get exercise, explore nature and see the beauty of the leaves changing without leaving campus.
3. Baking
For those who may not want to go outside, that’s perfectly okay. Fall isn’t just about going outside and hiking, it’s also about all of the amazing food you can eat. Personally, all the flavors and foods that come around this time of year is one of my favorite things about fall. Take a look around Pinterest and make some yummy fall foods to indulge in while you snuggle up in front of the TV and watch your favorite Halloween movies.
4. Carve a Pumpkin
Although you can’t go pick a pumpkin if you don’t have a car on campus, the Storrs Farmers Market and Price Chopper both have pumpkins you can purchase. Carving a pumpkin really puts you in that fall mood. And better yet, when you’re done, you can cook up those pumpkin seeds for a nice fall snack.
5. Homecoming Weekend
Homecoming weekend is always filled with fun activities and takes place all over campus. This year, it will be taking place between October 15th and October 21st. During these dates, some events that will be going on are the carnival on South Quad, the parade on Hillside Rd and, of course, the big homecoming football game.
6. Watch Halloween Movies
Halloween may not last all throughout fall, but it’s definitely a big plus as to why we all love it. There’s just something about wanting to be scared that is so appealing. Watching Halloween movies is bound to put you in that fall mood.
Some personal favorites include The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloweentown, Hocus Pocus, The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and so many more. Even though none of these are very scary, you can’t beat that magical feeling you get after watching these movies.
Off Campus
1. Apple/Pumpkin Picking
Going apple picking is a fun activity for anyone, whether you like apples or not. Just knowing that you got to pick it yourself while enjoying the weather makes the activity worth it. While you’re out, why not stop by a pumpkin patch and pick out a nice pumpkin to bring home and carve later on?
2. Tailgating
UConn football season is far from over, so why not head down to the Pratt & Whitney Stadium and tailgate for the day before kickoff. Hanging out with your friends, having fun and watching a football game is a great way to spend a day in fall. Although the Pratt & Whitney Stadium is technically off campus, students can take a free shuttle bus to and from the game. And, look at the bright side, now no one needs to be the designated driver.
3. Corn Maze
Who doesn’t love to run around a giant field of corn completely lost? Corn mazes are so much fun to try and solve, but I recognize that not everyone would be into them. Normally places that have a corn maze also have different activities such as hayrides and markets to shop at. Either way, there’s always a fun fall activity available for all your friends.
4. Haunted House
Halloween seems to fly by every year so we have to take advantage of all the creepy crawly stuff before it goes away. Going to a haunted house is a great way to get your fix of Halloween frights. I don’t mean go to a real haunted house (although if you’re into that, go for it) but I mean go to one where people jump out at you and get your heart racing. Nothing like a good scare to get you in the Halloween spirit.
5. Halloween Parties
Halloween parties are amazing because it gives you an excuse not only to drink, but to dress up in something you wouldn’t typically wear any other time of year. Sometimes local bars will have live music and costume contests throughout the night. Coming up with a costume to wear is half of the fun to begin with, so might as well head out to a party or a bar and show off your amazing costume.
6. Give Back
Halloween is a lot of fun and the start of the amazing holiday season, but it’s easy to forget that there are people who aren’t as fortunate as us. Thanksgiving is the time of year about family, giving back and being thankful for what you have. Volunteering at a local soup kitchen or donating items to Goodwill is a great way to give back to those who are less fortunate.
What’s your favorite fall activity? Tweet us @UConnHC