It’s officially fall, which means it’s time to enjoy our pumpkin spice lattes in our chunky sweaters, curl up under a fluffy blanket, and prepare for Halloween. Unfortunately, it’s a sweltering 80 degrees or higher here in Auburn, and being outside between classes feels like a sweaty torture. Even though it may not feel like fall, there are a few things you can do to make this season enjoyable and get into the fall spirit.
1. Visit a state park or a local park to see the beautiful colors of leaves
We’re so lucky to live in a part of the country where the leaves change colors vibrantly, so why not enjoy the sight? Beautiful golden yellows, burnt oranges, and scarlet reds mix together for the perfect fall view. Take a blanket, a picnic, a book, and a friend to make the most of a warm evening.
My suggestions: Town Creek Park, 1150 South Gay Street // Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL 35124
2. Get lost in a corn maze
There’s nothing like the thrill of getting lost somewhere with good friends, and a corn maze is the perfect place to do that. You can challenge your friends to see who can make it out the fastest, or take a stroll and lose yourself among the walls.
My suggestion: Sand Mountain Corn Maze, 8420 Cox Gap Rd, Sardis City, AL 35956
3. Pick a pumpkin from pumpkin patch
Carving a pumpkin is one of the most favorite fall activities by kids and adult alike, so skip the Walmart lines and go pick your own pumpkin from a patch. Most patches also have fun activities and great food, so make an adventure out of it. Choosing your little orange friend is a fun experience sure to please people of all ages.
My suggestion: Old Baker Farm, 1041 Farmingdale Road, Harpersville, Alabama 35078
4. Get scared at a haunted house (or farm)
If you’re someone who lives for scary movies, a haunted house is already on your list of activities to do this season. Whether you go to be scared out of your pants or go to laugh at the cheesiness (do people do this though?), Alabama has plenty of haunted house/farms/places to get you in a spooky mood.
My suggestion: Sleepy Hollow Auburn, 929 Lee County Road 14, Auburn, AL 36830
5. Go apple picking
Not many places in Alabama have apple picking, but there are a few if you want to spend a cool afternoon out in the sun and choosing delicious fruit. There are also plenty of other fruit you can pick, so think of what you like to eat and search for a place nearby for that too. Some places offer picnic areas and country stores to accompany your baskets of fruit.
My suggestion: Glenn Acres Farm, 306 Rainbow Drive, Anniston, AL 36207
6. Visit some festivals throughout the state to experience fall activities native to other parts of Alabama
If there’s one thing Alabama loves, it’s a festival and a reason to party. All across the state, there are cities and counties having celebrations for fall and the things that come with it. No matter what you like to celebrate, there’s a festival for you. Yummy food, fun rides, small shops, and good times are happening for the next 3 months, so get on out there and take it all in.
My suggestions: Porktoberque – Dothan, AL – Sep 29 to Oct 1, 2017 // Irondale Whistle Stop Festival – Irondale, AL – Sep 30, 2017 // Alabama Cotton Festival – Eclectic, AL – Oct 1 to Oct 31, 2017 // National Shrimp Festival – Gulf Shores, AL – Oct 12 to Oct 15, 2017 // National Peanut Festival – Dothan, AL – Nov 3 to Nov 12, 2017