Fall into the season

The typical response to “What should I do this fall?” usually includes a mix of “pumpkin spice lattes,” “jump in the leaves” and “carve pumpkins.”

If we’re being honest, there are  only so many fall-flavored drinks a person can handle, no one really likes jumping in a pile of dead plants, and carving pumpkins is just a emergency trip waiting to happen.

So, the question becomes: what are fun things to do this fall? Here are a list of 10 inexpensive and enjoyable things to do with your family and friends this fall.

 

  • Visit a pumpkin patch. Some recommendations are Schuster’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, or Vesperman Farms. Schuster’s is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the corn maze costs $4 for adults, and the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch is $2. Vesperman’s is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; their overall admission is $8 for ages 6and up.
  • Have a baking day. Get some friends or family together and see how many apple, pumpkin and cinnamon flavored drinks, breads and treats you can come up with! (Pinterest is a great resource).
  • Decorate Pumpkins. An easy way to avoid a sliced finger is to stay away from the knives and grab some paint. This way you can get the pumpkins sooner, and they’ll last longer!
  • Watch ABC’s 13 days of Halloween. It’s a great way to take a break from the Physics’ test you’re avoiding studying for, and anyone who says they don’t like watching Hocus Pocus, Twitches and Halloween Town are lying.
  • Go on a hike. Okay, this one is a cliche, but no one can deny that the Mines of Spain, Swiss Valley, or Heritage Trail aren’t a beautiful way to spend an afternoon.
  • Have a game night. Invite some friends over and tell them to bring their favorite board game. This way you can take a break from the chilly outdoors and try something new!
  • Volunteer at the Humane Society. Cute puppies, fluffy cats and your only responsibility is to play with them? It’s a perfect way to spend a day this fall.
  • Go camping. Before it gets too cold, grab some friends and a tent and head over to Swiss Valley (or your backyard). Roast some marshmallows and enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Get Betty Jane’s caramel apples. This is another stereotypical fall activity, but are you really a Dubuquer if you don’t have one (or five) of these delicious treats?
  • Go on a scavenger hunt. Get a big group of friends together and divide into two groups. Make a list of things to find or do around town and see who gets the most done in the allotted amount of time!