From football game tailgates to the vibrant foliage, fall in Amherst is arguably the best part of being a UMass student. With pumpkin spice and everything nice, the fall semester is one last slice of beautiful weather and fun happenings before UMass turns into a wind tunnel for three months (if you know, you know). As a senior I’m trying to forget that this is my last fall here, but I’m happy for those who get to experience the best season here next year. Here are a few things every UMass girly should check off their bucket list next fall to make the most of the cool, sunny days and local activities.
- Go To the Big E
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The Big E is a huuuge carnival that happens every year in West Springfield. It’s about a 40 minute drive from campus, so make sure to grab your bestie with a car. The Big E has everything from classic fair rides, to a beer garden, to a Zedd concert(!). There is truly something for everyone. Unfortunately, I committed the ultimate UMass senior flop and never made it over :( So next year, be sure to grab a fried Oreo and catch some views on the ferris wheel in my honor. For more info, check out their website.
- Grab a Seasonal Coffee
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It wouldn’t be fall without a pumpkin spice latte. I’m a sucker for the classic Starbucks PSL, but also like to explore the options at my local cafes. Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters in Hadley always has a great seasonal latte menu. If pumpkin isn’t your thing, check out the maple latte at Amherst Coffee in Amherst Center. They serve this all year round, but something about walking through downtown in a cozy sweater with a maple latte just gives fall.
- Host a Friendsgiving
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Whether you’re living in a dorm or off campus, Friendsgiving is a fun way to celebrate gratitude and friendship in a simple way. Friendsgiving takes the pressure of the original holiday away: cooking a turkey can be subbed for a grocery store rotisserie chicken. Instead of awkward political debates with your uncle, you can discuss the new Olivia Rodrigo album with your besties and roommates. Whether you go the potluck route (everyone brings a dish), or just post up in a circle booth in Berk, Friendsgiving is about gathering and celebrating each other!
- Commit To The Bit For Halloween
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Each Halloween, us college girls face the same debate when choosing a costume: sexy, or funny? Last year I decided “why not both?” and I brought that same energy this year. Committing to the bit looks different for everyone. Last year, I went as Gru from “Despicable Me” and wore a bald cap and fake nose. My roommates and I went as a bunch of bananas, and ran through town in banana suits and fishnet tights. Both of these nights were so much fun, and made for fire pics and priceless memories. Maybe your way of going all out is DIY-ing your own Barbie cowgirl outfit dupe. Or, maybe you’ve always wanted to paint yourself green and hit the bars dressed as Shrek. Whatever going all-out and all-in looks like for you, definitely add it to your fall bucket list.
- Eat Lunch At the Whitmore Cafe
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As much as I love a good lunch at Blue Wall or Worcester, I can only stand waiting in the loooong line, hunting down a table, and seeing every single one of my ex-talking stages at Tamales so many days a week. Next fall (or any season really), you should beat the crowds at the Whitmore Cafe! They have sandwiches and salads just like the ones you can get from Greenfields in Blue Wall. Whitmore Cafe is always way less crowded since less people know about it. And, there’s a beautiful courtyard in the middle of the building that is perfect for snacking and studying on one of the last warm days of fall.
Since this was my last fall at UMass, I want to make the most of every moment. From doing things I haven’t done before, to remembering to go back to places I love, I wanted this fall in Amherst to be the best one yet, and I truly believe it was. Hopefully these ideas can help you make your fall bucket list one that’s full of fun times, yummy treats, and appreciating everything Amherst has to offer.