The fall semester can be a stressful time of year as papers and exams begin to stack up. But indulging in some fun and relaxing seasonal activities always tends to help me avoid getting overwhelmed. So here are five enjoyable and relatively cheap things to do to celebrate the fall season.
Enjoy a Fall Scent
Either light up an autumn-scented candle you already have or go to a store and find a new favorite. Even if you don’t buy anything, I always have a good time going with a friend just to smell all the candles and decide which scents make you happy and excited for fall.
Watch a Fall Comfort Show/Movie
Grab a soft blanket and some apple cider and find a movie or show that makes you think of fall. Some classic cozy shows come to mind, such as Gilmore Girls, Over the Garden Wall, and Abbott Elementary. Some of my favorite fall movies include Fantastic Mr. Fox, Knives Out, and Clue. You can give yourself a little something to look forward to each day by watching an episode every evening or host a movie night with friends and fall treats.
Go Get Some Fresh Air Among the Changing Leaves
Here at CNU, we are so lucky to be within walking distance of the Noland Trail. This beautiful trail takes you through trees and over bridges across water. Walking this path through the vibrant red and yellow leaves is a great way to celebrate fall while getting some exercise and giving your brain a break from the fast-paced college environment.
Attend a Fall Festival
You might not know it, but there are a ton of free fall festivals that happen here on the peninsula. At the beginning of the fall season, I like to check the upcoming events pages on the websites for local cities like Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, and Yorktown. There, you can find events happening this season. It can be really fun to grab a friend or a date and spend time looking at goods by local artisans and indulging in festive foods and drinks.
Get a Seasonal Drink
On the note of fall drinks, I know for many people, pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider are the highlight of the season. Take the time to go by yourself or with friends to Einsteins or Captains Den to see what specialty drinks are currently in stock. If you decide to visit the Noland Trail, there’s a cute little cafe at the entrance of the Mariners’ Museum that offers a variety of food and drinks to start or end your walk on a yummy note.
