By: Madeline Trotta ‘25 – published in Fall 2024 Issue 1
For many of us in school, the first few weeks of the fall semester can mean an influx of assignments and an overwhelmed personal calendar. One of the best ways to combat this stress, however, is simply to take a look around and appreciate the other change that comes with this time of year: that is, the actual changing of the seasons!
Whenever the question of favorite time of year comes up, I will forever argue that fall is the best. As I count down some of my personal favorite things to do to celebrate fall, I encourage anyone dealing with stress to make time to participate in some of these activities and appreciate what the current season has to offer.
10. Find Your Fall Style – One of the greatest aspects of fall is the temperate weather, which is neither too hot nor too cold. This opens up a lot of opportunities for creating a unique and versatile wardrobe for yourself. Some of my favorite fall clothing pieces are sweaters and cardigans, flannel shirts, and overcoats for layering as the weather gets colder. Create a new Pinterest board and check out a local thrift store to find your perfect fall outfit!
9. Go Apple-Picking – One great way to celebrate the season and to support a local farm in the process is to go apple-picking. You will get to see beautiful sights in an apple orchard and also choose the apples you want to take home to use in your baking projects (more on that to come…). For apple-picking within a short driving distance of campus, check out Bowman Orchards or Riverview Orchards!
8. Go to a Corn Maze – While you’re at a local farm, take the opportunity to visit the corn maze if they have one! This nostalgic activity will certainly challenge your navigation skills. If you’re afraid of getting lost, brush up on your trivia skills because many corn mazes lead you in the right direction if you can answer their farm- and fall-themed questions correctly, which is sure to be a fun break from other exams
7. Have a Spooky Movie Night – As days start to get shorter, a great way to make the most of your night is to throw a fall movie night. This can consist of scary movies or cozy movies, and be sure to grab your favorite snacks and a blanket to go with them. My personal recommendations are Coraline and Hocus Pocus.
6. Carve a Pumpkin – If you happen upon a pumpkin patch this fall, get a pumpkin or two and carve it! This is perhaps the most iconic fall tradition and it will provide a great starting piece for your next activity…
5. Decorate Your Space – If you want to brighten up your personal space, adding fall and Halloween decor is the perfect way to do it! Whether it’s fake spider-webs or paper ghost cutouts (the tackier the better), it will certainly put you in a happy mood to study. Dorm room decor especially can brighten the day of your neighbors, as well!
4. Have a Fall Drink – Fall is well-known for all of the cozy warm beverages available, from hot cocoa to apple cider to the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte. Whatever your fall drink of choice is (my personal favorite is a London Fog latte), enjoying it on a chilly day is sure to bring joy, and the Starbucks conveniently located in the SSU is a good place to explore your options.
3. Go on a Walk – Perhaps the most simple but amazing activity to do this fall is to grab a friend (or canine friend) and go on a walk or hike. In addition to being good exercise, this will give you a great view of the leaves as they change color and allow you to appreciate nature in the most peaceful way possible. Whether this be a stroll around campus or a hike through the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve or Cohoes Falls trail, it’s sure to put you in the fall spirit!
2. Read a Book – As a lifelong reader, I will always attest to the ability of reading a good book to enhance the ambiance of the fall weather. Fall is a perfect time to reread favorites as well as to explore all things spooky literature. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, my favorite is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontё. Cozying up with your book and a warm fall drink is always a good activity during the drearier fall days.
1. Enjoy Fall Food – Apple cider donuts, candy corn, pies, caramel apples, roasted pumpkin seeds–the list goes on. Fall is the time for eating all things delicious, and if you enjoy cooking and baking, it’s the time to make them too. Explore what local farms, such as Liberty Ridge Farm, and cafés, such as The Works or the Vischer Ferry General Store, have to offer this season–or enjoy a cozy fall day in your own kitchen.
I hope this list of activities has inspired you to make the most of this fall, and convinced you that fall is the best season of the year. Enjoy these next few months, everyone, and have a good semester!