Ah, it’s officially fall. Well, it’s fall as of September 22, but hey close enough. The point is that it’s officially my favorite season and I know many of you may feel the same. Pumpkin spice lattes on a crisp fall day with the breeze blowing the bright orange and yellow leaves off the trees. Sweaters and boots for sweet autumn air and the loveliest photos you could ever take. Yep, that’s fall for you. But there is one more thing about fall that I have personally never experienced before. That is cozy fall dates! I have been looking forward to this my whole life and never have had it until now which many of you may relate to. I know that may sound pathetic, but I am dead serious.
The thought of going on a nice and cozy fall date with my boyfriend just fills me with joy. However, I struggled to find things to do that were in my price range. We are both college students, so money is always tight, unfortunately. Again, many of you may feel the same way so I am going to do all the work for you. I found the best fall date ideas fit for college students. Since Halloween is right around the corner, some spooky dates will be incorporated also. I want you guys to enjoy the fall spirit while also being cost-effective. Don’t worry all my single ladies out there. These “dates” can also be great to do with friends or even by yourself! Let this article bring you up and not take you down in your singleness! These ideas can be ways to truly love yourself and do fun things for you or do fun things with your girlfriends around you! With that said, let’s start dating!
Movie Date— now, this one may seem simple, but it is so sweet. Go to the store and buy all kinds of fall treats. Cookies, candy, chips, and anything else you want to enjoy on this cozy night. A good way to not spend a lot of money on this is to make a game out of it! Split up and go buy treats you think your significant other will like and set a budget! This is a creative way to bring the date to life and do a nice thing for each other. Snuggle up on the couch, light some fall candles, turn on some fairy lights, and watch a spooky movie together. Trust me, you will love it, especially after a long college work week.
Carve pumpkins— this is a fun little creative date idea that will not break the bank. Go to Walmart and buy some 4-dollar pumpkins. You could also buy stencils to help you carve your designs or you can freehand it. Let your creative mind be free. Don’t buy the pumpkin carving kit though as that is a waste of money and usually breaks. Come home and carve pumpkins together! Make it fun and lighthearted. Turn on some spooky music and let your imagination soar while spending some quality time with your boyfriend, friends, or self!
Bake Cookies— another easy date idea! Go to the store and pick up some of those Pillsbury spooky cookies or go all out and make some fall-inspired cookies from scratch. My boyfriend and I just did the Pillsbury cookies a week or so ago, but we want to make some from scratch! This can go with any baked good honestly. Again, turn on some music, put on old clothes (because things are bound to get messy), and bake some goods. The best part is you get to enjoy them together after.
Go to a pumpkin patch or corn maze— I have yet to do this with my boyfriend; however, I went with one of my close friends to a pumpkin patch in Lawrence! These places are everywhere in Kansas and are inexpensive. It’s a good place to take cute photos, have a little fun, and get out of the house for a bit. There is just something so aesthetically pleasing about a pumpkin patch or a corn maze that will make you feel so good about life. At least that is how I feel. Go on a day where there are many different events so you and your significant other can try a variety of new things together. Or make a solo date out of it. It will make you feel productive and happy on the inside. Here are some options near Lawrence! Also, don’t be like “I am too old for this.” Live out your inner child self as long as you can because adulting is hard. Just go and have fun!
Louisburg Cider Mill – 14730 K-68 Hwy, Louisburg, KS 66053
Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch – 1791 North 1500 Road, Lawrence, Kansas
Meuschke Farms – 11722 246th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Garrett’s Haunted Farm – 387 E 1650, Franklin Rd, Lawrence, KS 66046
Go to the Farmer’s Market— My favorite place to go to is the City Market in Kansas City, Missouri. But there are many near Lawrence also! This is a good place to explore without having to spend any money! Of course, you can spend money if you want. Grab some fresh ingredients and make a home-cooked meal with yourself or your loved ones. It’s also just nice to support local businesses instead of going straight to big corporations which I know can be very tempting. Lastly, again they are so aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the nose. It will make you feel all tingly inside.
Decorate and Make Your Costumes— Again, you are not too old to dress up. Be a child for once and let loose! Decorate your home with hand-made decorations or go buy some cheap ones from Walmart. Don’t go to a Halloween store— your bank account will thank me later. Turn on some Halloween music and make your home ready for the spooky season. Also, figure out what you want to be for Halloween and make your costume! Dress up with your boyfriend and friends. It does make it more fun to do this with other people! This is another creative outlet, but it also makes you productive. It ought to make you get into the spooky spirit.
Go on a sunset picnic and have a bonfire— Lastly, this is the cherry on top of the perfect fall date. As a college student, this picnic does not have to be elaborate. Make some sandwiches, prepare some sides, and bring some drinks. Enjoy some quality time in the fall breeze at a quiet location to get to know yourself, your friends, or your boyfriend. This strengthens your connections because all you can do during this date is eat and talk to your loved ones or think to yourself. It’s just a good time to really focus and relax. And as the sun goes down and you pull the blanket closer to you, light a fire and roast some marshmallows. Enjoy hearing the owls hoot around you and the peace that nature brings to you. That is the ideal fall date: find your inner peace from the knowledge that God is around you. Put down your cellphone, laptop, etc. and just enjoy the fall season. You and your loved ones will greatly appreciate it.
I hope you enjoyed this article! I know it is kind of a long one, but I wanted to give you plenty of cost-effective ideas to spice up your life. I know relationships or life itself can become stagnant sometimes, so these are good small ways to really make a difference. You will truly be grateful for it. Have a great fall/spooky season and as always, reach for the stars!