The leaves are changing, sweaters are in season, and school is well underway — Fall is here! Sure, you can always leave Madison for the cutest pumpkin patch, but there’s also plenty to do on campus. Here is a handful of things you should add to your bucket list:
1. Dane County Farmer’s Market
If you haven’t been to the farmer’s market on the Capitol Square, you should really ask yourself what you’re doing. This is one of the best things to do on Saturday mornings when there are no football games. Some items that scream fall are pumpkins and fresh vegetables and seasonal flowers.
2. Walk out to Picnic Point
Talk a stroll by the lake and walk all the way out to the end for a gorgeous view of Madison’s skyline. The colors and changing trees are especially pretty at sunrise or sunset. It also makes for a great biking and running path.
3. Go to a Badger game
If you’ve never been to a Wisconsin Football game, the fall is definitely a good time to go. Even if football is not your thing, you should still go for the energy of the student section — and Jump Around! The women’s volleyball team is also incredible. Also check out the soccer teams — and there are still some games left!
4. Bike to the Arboretum
The beautiful UW Arboretum lies only a couple miles from campus. It is a short bike ride through the Vilas neighborhood, just past the Henry Vilas Zoo. The trees and flowers are gorgeous all year round. Doesn’t matter if you’re going to relax, to run or even to study, the Arboretum will give you that fall-time feeling.
5. Find the perfect coffee shop
Yes, Colectivo is wonderful, but it can also get crowded very quickly. Try Indie Coffee on Regent Street, Michelangelo’s Coffee House on State Street and Barriques on West Washington. Try to find some new places for coffee before it gets too cold to walk outside.
6. Enjoy the evenings on the terrace
It’s your last chance for sunsets over Lake Mendota before the terrace chairs go away. As the gets gradually chillier out, try studying in the Memorial Union. Der Rathskeller, the Shannon Sunset Lounge and the Lakeview Lounge are popular study spots for a reason.
7. Have a fall movie/TV marathon
Gilmore Girls is unquestionably the best autumn themed show ever, but there are also other great movies and TV shows to re-watch this fall. Two new shows returning for their second seasons: This Is Us and Stranger Things. For a Disney marathon, go with Halloweentown, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Pirates of the Caribbean. For romantic comedies, watch When Harry Met Sally and Silver Linings Playbook.
Fall in Wisconsin, especially on campus, can go quickly. Explore campus and check these items off you fall bucket list while it lasts — enjoy the season!