Summer is now gone. We’ve put away our sundresses and shorts in exchange for sweaters and jeans. We’ve settled into our classes, our dorms and our apartments. But now that the chaos and excitement of the beginning of the year are over, and tanning and swimming at the lake are no longer appropriate seasonal activities, what are we supposed to do with ourselves?
1. Get Out and Hike
Now that the leaves are turning and the temperature has dropped from hot and humid to cool and crisp, there is no better time to take advantage of New England’s finest hiking trails. Around Worcester there are several great areas, including Purgatory Chasm in Auburn. More adventurous collegiettes can try the trails around Wachusett Mountain. Searching sites like trails.com will help you find the best trails around. If you’re the only hiker in your group of friends, join the Outing Club on one of their regularly scheduled hikes.
2. Apple Picking
The iconic New England Fall activity, apple picking never loses its charm.Whether you’ve gone every year since you were a child or you’ve never had the chance, this is the year to roundup your friends and go. Spend a Saturday at the orchard welcoming autumn the right way, and end the day with some well-deserved hot cider.
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3. Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins
The use for pumpkins during the fall is seemingly endless. Go to a pumpkin patch with your friends to find the perfect one. Have a pumpkin carving party and see who can create the best jack-o-lantern. If you live off- campus, display your creations and light them each night until Halloween. Save the pumpkin seeds to bake– you can make a cinnamon sugar batch as well as a salty batch. Make pumpkin pie, bread, muffins, etc. Indulge in all the activities you enjoyed as a child and create new memories and traditions with your college friends.
4. Football Games (and Tailgating)
While Clark doesn’t have a football team, that shouldn’t stop you from partaking in this all-American fall tradition. For college games head over to Holy Cross or Assumption. You’ll get a chance to broaden your social scene (and scope out some new boys). Or take a drive out to Gillette Stadium to see the New England Patriots take on another team at the National level. For a more low key experience, gather a few friends and toss around a football on the Green. Finally, even just lounging on the couch with some friends and great food while watching a game allows you to get in the fall spirit.
5. Haunted Houses
These start popping up in the beginning of October, and are a great way to forget responsibilities and just be scared (or at least amused) for an hour or two. Clark usually puts one on closer to Halloween, but there are plenty of others in the area. For a scarier experience, check out Witch’s Woods in Westford or Factory of Terror in Fall Rivers. Of course, for the ultimate Halloween experience take a trip into Salem. And if you love to be scared and are up for an adventure, try and find some real haunted houses. There are definitely some hidden in Worcester.