The warm weather is slowly dwindling down and the crisp fall air is finally moving in. That’s right collegiettes, autumn is here! When I think of fall, I automatically imagine pumpkin carving, hayrides, and warm apple cider. Before college, I always took advantage of all the exciting events going on during this season. Don’t let living on campus hold you back. As collegiettes, we scope out entertainment at a fair price. Check out these events that will keep you occupied without breaking the bank!
Festivals: Cox Farms Fall Festival – Sep. 28th – Nov 5th: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Centreville, VA)
Festivals are the best, mainly because you get a lot for what you pay for. Cox Farms is well known throughout Northern Virginia for having the largest and most famous Fall Festival. Best of all, it’s right in Mason’s backyard. Come down with your friends and be a kid again. The festival includes 5 giant slides, hayrides, rope swings, farm animals, cornfield adventures, apples cider, food, entertainment, and more. With your paid admission (ranges from $14-$17) you enjoy 90 acres of fun and get to take home a pumpkin for free. Be sure to ‘like’ Cox Farms on Facebook or check out the ‘value visit’ tab on the Cox Farms website for deals and coupons for your next visit!
Total Cost: $14-$17 (Prices vary by weekend and coupons)
Pumpkin Carving & Painting: Local pumpkin patches or grocery stores – In season starting mid September
Picking out the perfect pumpkin will surely set the autumn vibe. Plan a day to visit a local pumpkin patch and pick up some authentic pumpkin pie while you’re at it. Finding the best deals on pumpkins varies throughout the month. If you’re looking for a bargain on a pumpkin that you can paint try and buy your pumpkin the last week of September. If you’re looking to carve your pumpkin go half way through October. Carving tools and paint can be found at affordable prices at Jo-Ann Fabric. Be sure to print out available coupons or visit the Jo-Ann website for mobile coupons that can be scanned in stores on your smartphone.
Total Cost: $6-$12
Bake Halloween Treats: Local grocery stores (or the One Stop Patriot Shop on campus!)
Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the air? Fall is the time to get creative and whip up some delicious desserts. Below are some tasty recipes you can try out in your common area kitchen! Just try not to burn the place down…
Total Cost: $5-$10
- Soft Ginger Pumpkin Cookies – http://www.pillsbury.com/recip…
- Whoopie Pies – http://www.marthastewart.com/923430/halloween-party-snacks/@center/276965/halloween – 284217
- Creepy Cupcakes – http://spoonful.com/halloween/creepy-cupcakes-gallery#carousel-id=photo-carousel&carousel-item=2
- Spider Bites – http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/spider-bites-recipe/index.html
- Rice Krispie Monster Treats – http://www.ricekrispies.com/recipes/green-halloween-monster-treats
Scary Movie Marathon: Dorm, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
If you feel like staying in one weekend, most likely on a gloomy fall day, have a movie marathon! Invite your floor mates, roommates, and/or friends. Hulu and Netflix have a range of movies to choose from and may offer specials during the month of October. Take advantage of free trials that Hulu and Netflix offer. Mason’s campus also has a new movie rental kiosk called the ‘Globox’ located in the west entrance of the Johnson Center. If you feel like going out, the Johnson Center also has a Cinema located in Dewberry Hall. During the month of October there will be special showings of scary/horror movies that you can attend at a price or for free with your Mason student ID.
Total Cost: Free-$7
- http://www.hulu.com/tv/genres/Horror-and-Suspense
- http://globoxrentals.com
- http://dvd.netflix.com/BrowseGenres/Horror/338
Take a Walk: All around campus
What better way to enjoy the change of scenery on campus than to take a walk? Grab a couple close friends and take a brisk walk across campus. George Mason is a beautiful campus filled with so many trees that are slowly turning. Go out of your way to step on a crunchy leaf, sip on a latte as the breeze blows through your hair, and take in the colorful leaves.
Total Cost: Free!
There you have it ladies! Enjoy the new season and all the changes that come with it. Break out those boots, cardigans, and chunky scarves as you partake in these fun fall festivities!