By Michaella Lesieur, Staff Writer
Goodbye swim suit season, hello cozy, pumpkin spice, and everything nice.
That’s right, it is fall and it is time to jump into that cozy sweater and favorite pair of boots. One of the best things associated with the season is the endless festivals and festivities that happen all over town.
As the semester is off into countless hours of studying, working and attending class we want you to remember to enjoy the season in between and catch some of the best attractions fall has to offer.
There is nothing like apple picking, hay rides, bon fires, football games and fall festivals. Many local restaurants also celebrate the season with special October happenings. The best part is many of these special fall activities are either on campus or just a drive away.
UMass Dartmouth is putting together their annual Fall Family Festival on Saturday, October 21. It is a can’t miss event that is perfect for a family fall themed day. This year’s theme is Halloween, so why not dress up in your favorite costume to celebrate the occasion, I know I will be! It is the best family fun event so invite the whole family to come enjoy.
A Corsair bonus is that the event is totally free, from food to festivities, so really what is better than spending a relaxing day with the fam on behalf of UMass Dartmouth?
Looking to get away from campus for an hour or two? Dartmouth Orchards is right down the street and has some of the best apples. I know when I go I always love looking inside at all the fresh fruits and veggies that are made available for purchase.
My all-time favorite fall activity is a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember: apple picking. There is nothing like spending the day with my mom, dad and my brother and taking in all the scenery and smells of an orchard. It is something I look forward to every year and I just can’t wait to pick that one special apple off that tree again this year.
Dartmouth Orchards, Young Family Farms and The Big Apple are my top three go to orchards I recommend for apple picking. They have the best selection of apples and resemble that true old-fashioned apple farm.
When walking into the Big Apple, in Wrentham, one will clearly fall in love with the orchard, the aromas of the homemade donuts fills your nose carrying you throughout the day enticing you to take a bite.
Another fun attraction is you can see how the apples are picked, cleaned and packaged for their bakery and shipment right there in front of you. It is as if the conveyor belt is taking you with them. This is definitely my go to place and always on the top of my list!
Young Family Farms, in Little Compton, holds their annual Apple Festival during the second week of October. There is music, food, apple picking and pumpkin picking. I love this event and it is a great place to experience all that fall has to offer. Plus, the ride up is filled with so many country side picturesque views.
Oh yeah, did I mention that right down the road is Gray’s Ice Cream parlor, which has out of this world pumpkin ice cream. All their ice cream is homemade featuring that pure indulgence of rich and creamy flavor.
Don’t forget to put your fall baking skills to the test with all those apples you have collected. Nothing is better than helping mom make that award-winning apple pie, or my personal favorite pumpkin pie. Who wants to lick the bowl?
Remember to get crafty. Invite some of your best buds over and make it a pumpkin decorating night. Make some munchies and put on the music. Whether you are carving or painting this will be the perfect time to decorate for the season. Plus, if you are living in a dorm, this will add a little bit of home to your room. You can even turn it into a pumpkin decorating contest. It is economical and fun, just what college students need.
For all the foodies out there, you have to check out all the local restaurants as they will be celebrating the season with Oktoberfest themes, food and drinks to pair. From Not Your Average Joes, to Cask and Pig, you can join in on the season by sampling the spice and comfort food flair.
Let’s face it… it is not fall without some football catch a home or an away game to show your Corsair pride. Don’t forget to wear your favorite UMass Dartmouth sweatshirt.
A walk in a local park is a great way to spend a brisk day. Looking at all the color changing leaves and taking in the smell of the great outdoors. Not only is it pretty, but a perfect way to get some exercise. This also is a perfect first date idea, instead of your typical dinner out, you could even pack a picnic.
Need a vacation? Getaway for the weekend to North Conway, New Hampshire. The foliage and fall season is breathtaking in the mountains. Tour the Soco river, go back to your youth and shop for all the candy in the world at Zebs and take that selfie in front of the mountains.
As you can see the options are endless and fall is one of the most beautiful seasons, so why are you still sitting here? Go out and pick some apples, dance through the fall foliage and enjoy all that the fall has to offer.