Since I was little, fall has been my favorite season for many reasons such as the cool weather and celebrating Thanksgiving. I love breaking out my favorite sweaters and jackets while drinking a pumpkin spice latte and spending time outside on a crisp day. Although I’ve been missing Loyola’s campus and seeing my friends, I’ve developed a new appreciation for what it means to be home this semester. Being from Union County in northern New Jersey, I’m looking forward to these activities this fall.
- Westfield’s AddamsFest
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Charles Addams, the cartoonist of The Addams Family, grew up in Westfield, NJ. Inspired by the town’s setting, Addams created the famous characters through illustrations that became a huge success and were transformed into a movie franchise, Broadway show, and more. Since 2018, Westfield has honored Charles Addams through an annual festival through October. Despite the pandemic, residents can still participate in many events that have been adapted. This year’s AddamsFest includes a haunted house decorating contest, painted store windows, social media challenge, haunted trail in Tamaques Park, stroll through Mindowaskin Park, pumpkin carving contest, drive-in movie screenings, and virtual book reading. I get most excited for the “Wicked Windows of Westfield.” I love seeing the downtown storefronts display creative paintings and messages from the Addams Family characters that get me into the Halloween spirit.
- Burnt Mills Cider in Bedminster
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Burnt Mills Cider is a local brewery that produces premium hard cider in Somerset County. I’ll be turning 21 this month and can’t wait to sample some of their choices at the company’s tasting room. The outdoor area even includes picnic tables, cornhole games, and s’mores for a fun atmosphere. If you haven’t been to Bedminster and the surrounding towns, I recommend taking a drive to check out the scenery in this beautiful region. All the open space and historical sites make it feel like you’re not even in New Jersey any more!
- Hike in the Watchung Reservation
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One way that I’ve spent my free time while staying at home in 2020 has been going on walks and hikes in my state. Amidst all the chaos, I’m always more relaxed after taking a break in nature and keeping active. The Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County. Considering the site is only fifteen minutes away from my house, I hope to take hikes on many trails there and explore the Deserted Village throughout the fall. It’s also a great spot to view the changing leaves set against waterfalls and streams.
- Apple and Pumpkin picking at Melick’s Town Farm in Oldwick
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Growing up going apple and pumpkin picking every year, the activity is a cherished tradition with many memories. My family and I always visit Melick’s Town Farm to pick apples from the orchard, buy cider donuts, and grab a few pumpkins. We can never leave the town without stopping by the Oldwick Deli for lunch and a treat from the old-fashioned bakery too. I enjoy helping my parents make homemade pie with Granny Smith’s and saving Red Delicious for a snack. Whenever I have a cider donut, it reminds me of sitting on our patio with coffees in hand on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, we decorate our front steps and kitchen table with the pumpkins.
- Cranford Scarecrow Stroll
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The town of Cranford launched its 13th annual scarecrow festival on October 14th. The contest is open to families, teams, businesses, and organizations to display their work throughout the town’s streets. The Downtown Cranford organization distributes awards to winners in multiple categories. Viewers can engage with the unique creations by taking a selfie with scarecrows and e-mailing their photos to the town. The various designs spread happiness for residents whether they’re driving by on the road or crossing the street running errands.
Each of these festive activities reminds me to find life’s simple joys no matter how busy my schedule gets. If there’s anything my fall adventures teach me, it’s that I’m never too old to feel like a kid again for a day.