Four Fun Fall Activities
By Victoria Troxler
I was completely unfamiliar with the concept of seasons until I attended Syracuse. As a native of Southern California, the occasional El Nino was the only season I ever experienced. At the very worst the temperature fell to an unbearable 40 degrees...in the morning. So when I saw orange and red leaves for the first time, I became a sucker for fall. It personally reminds me that the holidays are just around the corner, and that the Starbucks holiday drinks are finally here.
However, fall can also become very depressing. The sun starts to take a small siesta from the sky for several months, and the longing for winter break can be unbearable. Take advantage of these autumn activities before all the pretty leaves turn brown and the sky becomes gray for what feels like eternity. Keep in mind, all of these pastimes can be enhanced with a few festive shots of caramel vodka.
Hiking
If you’re an outdoorsy type, then this is right up your alley. Weather permitting, grab your camera and a few friends and hit the trails. The gorges of Ithaca and hills of local apple farms are gorgeous places to trek.
Cooking
If you’re a freshman skip this item. Those of you with a kitchen, channel your inner Martha Stewart and start baking. Invite some friends over, pop a bottle and bake. All apartments smell better when filled with the aroma of spice cake and pumpkin bread. Always remember to check out the Bite and Sip column for fresh fall recipes.
Apple Picking
There are about a hundred apple farms around here, and there’s nothing better than apple picking on a bright and brisk fall afternoon. But don’t stop there: a bunch of farms have weekend festivities like corn mazes, pumpkin picking, apple canons, and wagon rides. The admission price is almost nothing, and if you’re not so savvy in the kitchen they have bakeries with delicious apple pies and treats for sale.
Decorate
I’m big fan of scents and decoration to bring the nostalgia of holidays at home. Grab some inexpensive candles and other knick-knacks from CVS and decorate your apartment a little. A beautiful apartment is a happy apartment.