It seems like the weather changed overnight, with crunchy leaves underfoot and an unmistakable chill that says fall has finally arrived in Amherst. Whether this means curling up in bed rewatching Gilmore Girls, or just looking to soak up the season, there is no better place to experience fall than in New England. But between apple-picking excursions and the daily âpumpkin-spiced everythingâ run, these costs can pile up faster than the fallen leaves on campus.
Don’t worry â your wallet can stay warm and snug too. From free foliage adventures to affordable local traditions, here are six budget-friendly ways to fall in love with Amherst this season (without sobbing over your bank account later).Â
- Apple Picking at Atkins Farm
-
No Amherst fall is complete without a trip to Atkins Farm, just a short drive away or a (free!) PVTA ride. Grab a few friends, throw on a cute flannel and Ugg boots, and spend an afternoon picking crisp apples right off the tree. You can usually fill a small bag for $10, and you look way cuter (for the gram) than buying them from the grocery store. Donât forget to stop and get their apple cider donuts. It’s basically a rite of passage.Â
- The Hiking trails of AmherstÂ
-
For a completely free (my favorite word) way to soak up all Western Massachusetts has to offer, hit the trails around campus. My personal favorite is the Norwottuck Rail Trail, a beautiful scenic route that is visited by a variety of birds. The autumn leaves build a vibrant canopy above the wetlands, making this activity the most picturesque and calming one yet.
- Host a Pumpkin Painting NightÂ
-
Who doesnât love a girl’s night in? Grab a few mini pumpkins from a local farm stand or your favorite grocery store (they are usually around $4-$5), some acrylic paints, and let your creativity run wild. If you love a good competition, consider hosting a contest with your roommates; the winner gets bragging rights.
- Visit the Amherst Farmersâ MarketÂ
-
Every Saturday morning through the fall, the Amherst Farmers Market turns the town into a cozy hub filled with local goodness. You don’t have to splurge to enjoy it! Simply walking through and soaking up the vibes by sampling apple slices, or trying on jewelry, is an experience in itself.Â
- Pumpkin Spiced DrinksÂ
-
A good day for UMass Students! If you have your UCard, be sure to stop by your favorite on-campus cafĂ© and try out their seasonal drinks. If you are in between classes or strolling around, this little pick-me-up will be your best friend! Bonus, you arenât using your real card, so consider it free (girl math).
- Plan a Fall Photoshoot on CampusÂ
-
You donât need a fancy camera to capture peak Amherst autumn. When you are grabbing that last bit of sun towards the end of the day, gather your friends and take some aesthetic âgolden hourâ pictures near the Campus Pond. Whether you are just creating memories, or wanting to spice up your feed, itâs a zero-dollar way to romanticize your life this fall.Â
Who says fun has to mean financial stress? Amherst is packed with that seasonal magic that makes you appreciate the small-town vibe around you. So grab your coziest sweater, rally your friends, and get ready to make this fall the most unforgettable (and most affordable) one yet.Â
Canât get enough of HC UMass Amherst? Be sure to follow us on Instagram, listen to us on Spotify, like us on Facebook, and read our latest Tweets!Â