I’m just going to come right out and say it – Fall is my favorite season. The weather gets a little colder (usually), Halloweentown is on TV again, Halloween parties give me an excuse to wear a princess crown and, most importantly, we’re that much closer to Christmas. Thanks to San Luis Obispo’s amazing weather, we’re lucky enough to still rock jean shorts during the day and break out our cute and cozy fall clothes when the sun goes down. Fall, in my opinion, is the best season to be in SLO. Where else can you go to the beach and pick pumpkins in the same day?
And don’t forget it is PSL season!
That being said, there are so many more things you can do when the temperature drops, other than just sitting in your room watching Gossip Girl on Netflix (Love you, Chuck. Please be real and marry me, thanks!).
Here are five things you absolutely must do in SLO this fall:
Visit the Pumpkin Patch at Avila Barn
Throwback time! How many of you collegiettes got excited to find that perfect pumpkin when you were little? At Avila Barn, which is only a short drive away from campus, you can do just that! You can find the perfect pumpkin for your dorm or apartment, go on a hayride or pick apples to make into cider or apple pie! Bring your roommates, your friends or your sorority sisters for an afternoon of fun. Better yet, bring that cutie from your English class, or the guy you met at the party last week. Guys love excuses for looking strong and manly, and pumpkins are heavy. If you decide to go on a hayride, you can use the excuse of not wanting to fall off the wagon for him to pull you closer. You can thank me later.
Beach Bonfire
As I said before, how lucky are we that we have several beaches just a short distance from Cal Poly’s campus? Escape the stress of midterm season, grab some friends, blankets and items for s’mores and head to the beach for one last hurrah before the nights get really cold. If you’re really feeling the fall spirit, you could even try roasting some of the apples you picked at Avila Barn! Enjoy the sunset up close and personal while taking advantage of the fact that bonfires are an excuse to snuggle up close to your crush (again, you’re welcome).
Head to Beverly’s
Before you go thinking that I’m crazy, hear me out. Beverly’s is a treasure trove – a costume treasure trove, that is! You never know what you’re going to find on the racks – last year, I fell upon a pair of lion’s ears and tail that ended up making the perfect costume for me! You don’t necessarily have to buy a costume at Beverly’s – they have plenty of ribbons and fabrics to make something all on your own. Get a group of friends, find the silliest costume you can, and have a photoshoot – points to whoever finds the silliest costume.
Go to a sports game
You have to show your Mustang pride at least once this fall season. Both football and soccer games are a blast to attend. Break out your best Mustang attire and some green and gold face paint, and go cheer our team on! I strongly recommend attending the men’s soccer game against UCSB – don’t forget your tortillas! Whether you enjoy sports or not, there’s something about the energy of being at a college sports game, and cheering with your classmates, that’s like nothing else. Plus, you get a chance to see Musty!
Take a hike
Now, I’m not the most outdoorsy person in the world, and I still chose to go to Cal Poly – I know, gasp! But there’s something about fall sunsets (and sunrises) from the top of Bishop’s Peak or at the “P” that is truly special. Cal Poly is known for its beautiful sunsets. Taking a hike to see them is much better than taking a snapchat from the window of the UU while drinking PSLs. Oh, and the sense of accomplishment you get from getting to the top is much tastier than pumpkin pie…but don’t let that stop you from treating yourself to some afterwards!