7 Things You Need to Do during Fall in Champaign

October is here and we all know what that means: pumpkin pie and Halloween. Fall is clearly the best time of the year, especially when you’re chillin’ out (maxin, relaxin’ all cool) in the best central Illinois town: Champaign, Illinois. In a place where going to a barn to get smashed with your friends is normal, Champaign truly delivers during autumn. 

 

Since it’s by large the best time of year in our wonderful little utopia, here is a bucket list of activities you must do to make the most of it.

 

 

 

Let’s start with the most obvious. What could be better than dressing up like a stylish farmer, getting a little tipsy and going to a barn with a bar? Nothing, I tell you. Let’s not forget to mention the hayrides and bonfires. Barn dance is the epitome of the Champaign blackout. If you leave a barn dance with all of your belongings, you’re doing it wrong. You might be shaking hay out of your clothing for weeks to come, but it will all be worth it.

 

 

 

Let’s hedge towards the tamer side of life here. You absolutely have to make the rounds at Curtis Apple Orchard. Only about ten minutes outside of campus, Curtis is the best spot to get some awesome fall goodies. Get lost in the orchards or explore the little shop indoors. You can’t leave without buying a bag of the caramel corn pops. Have lunch at the café and get some sweet cider and chili. 

 

 

 

Get a pumpkin from Curtis and carve that baby up. You can’t have fall without Halloween, which means jack-o’-lanterns galore. This is the perfect activity to do on a Sunday afternoon with your roommates while watching a classic Disney Halloween movie.

 

 

 

One of the best fall beverages is by and large the ever so distinguished apple pie shot. Whether you make them yourself or swing by the Illini Inn to get your fix, these shots will have you in the fall spirit in no time. They’re the perfect precursor to a fall night on the town.

 

 

 

Not many people know about Hardy’s Ranch, which has an awesome corn maze during the fall season. You can go during the day or at night with flashlights! It’s the perfect pre-Halloween activity. Plus, Hardy’s Ranch is home to several reindeer, and who doesn’t want to check those out?

 

 

 

You can’t conceive the idea of fall without thinking of Halloween. Whether you want to go for the cliché “cute nerd” or get real with a classic ghost costume, you’re sure to have a blast at a U of I Halloween party. Check out Dallas in downtown Champaign for some outfit inspiration.

 

 

 

Last but not least, fall is a time to be outside. Get on your coziest flannel and explore the wonderful area of Champaign-Urbana. Hang out on the quad or take a trip to Allerton Park. Escape the cold in Seven Saints with a nice slider and follow it up with a pumpkin beer at The Blind Pig. It doesn’t even matter where you go, as long as you appreciate the best season in the best town.

 

 

Have you completed any of the items on our list or have a favorite fall activity of your own? Share with us on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #HCFallBucketList!