We all know how the South Bend weather goes. One day you’re sitting outside in shorts and a t-shirt as the sun shines down on you and the next you’re putting on boots and figuring out how to layer. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about sweater weather and spooky season, but I also know that soon enough I’ll be missing the days when I could leave the house without a jacket. So how do you make the most of early fall when it’s too early for pumpkin picking but too late for the beach? Check out these 5 local adventures to soak up the sun while you still can!
- Walk to the Farmer’s Market
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Luckily the South Bend Farmers Market is indoors so you can go anytime of year, but this is the perfect moment to make a day of it and walk there! It’s currently full of all the awesome produce that grows in late summer including blackberries, tomatoes, peppers and grapes. If you’re feeling up for even more walking while you’re there, enjoy the beautiful bridges and scenery of South Bend with a stroll along the St. Joseph River.
- Outdoor Dining
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The final days of September are a great time to eat outdoors (especially in the age of coronavirus when dining outside is the safer option)! Many of your favorite restaurants in the South Bend area have lovely outdoor seating areas including the Evil Czech, Peggs and Uptown Kitchen. Don’t forget your mask!
- Potawatomi Zoo
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The Potawatomi Zoo is one of the lesser known but most fun attractions in South Bend. With all the animals you could imagine along with a zoo train, farm feeding and keeper talks, the Potawatomi Zoo is the ideal place to spend a warm weekend day. If you’re looking for something to do on our first away football game of the year (9/26), consider attending the Family Fall Festival!
- Howard Park
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If you haven’t been to Howard Park then you’re missing out! Through the rest of September and into October the park is continuing to host outdoor classes including watercolor painting, barre, yoga and zumba. If you work up an appetite while you’re there make sure to grab a pick-me-up from the South Bend Chocolate Café Express!
- Blackberry Picking at Lehman’s Orchard
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Lehman’s Orchard (located in Niles, MI just ten miles from campus) is open for the 2020 picking season! Blackberry picking is going on through the rest of September, but if you can’t make it in time then keep an eye out for their upcoming crops of blueberries and apples.
Wherever you go during these first days of fall, remember to wear your mask, maintain physical distance and don’t gather in groups of more than ten. Now go have fun in the sun before the permacloud descends!