Fall means watching the leaves change color, pumpkin carving, and delicious smelling candles. Sadly, in Wyoming, Autumn is usually cut a little short. I was not happy to find snow on the ground the day after the season had officially started. So I find myself trying to cram as much fall as I can into the few weeks it is here. People are probably sick of hearing me talk about all my fall plans, but I will never apologize for my unconditional love. So if you are looking for some ways to channel your inner white girl, here’s a list of the best ways to celebrate the season.
Go on a Scenic drive
Just a walk across campus gives us a taste of the great fall foliage Wyoming has to offer. If you are looking for the best views, take a drive up to the mountains. Highway 130 is a scenic byway that will take you through Medicine Bow National Forest, where the Aspen tree leaves are changing to their signature golden color. If you continue on this road Wyoming’s famous Aspen Alley is only an hour and a half from Laramie. Take a walk down a dirt road lined with Aspen trees that are over 50 feet tall. This is also a great setting for a super romantic date.
Tailgate
Fall means football season. UW’s next few games will be high stakes; the border war game against CSU and the homecoming game against Air Force. So take gameday to the next level by tailgating with friends. Nothing beats a hotdog or burger right off the grill. Stay warm by layering up, but by also getting a few drinks in your system. Plus it’s totally appropriate to sing the beer song, even before you step into the stadium.
Go to a haunted house
Many make the trip down to Denver looking for thrills, but their are plenty of haunted house options here in town. The Wyoming Territorial has ghost tours starting in October. You get to walk through the prison after hours and take a hay ride downtown to hear the chilling true stories of Laramie’s wild west beginning. The SAE frat also puts on a great haunted house. Last year my friends and I fell on top of each other screaming trying to escape. Maybe you’ll even be brave enough to do your own investigation of Knight Hall, rumored to be haunted after being built over an old cemetery.
Visit a Pumpkin patch
Why buy a pumpkin from the grocery store when you can make a day out of it? Picking the best pumpkin is a process. You’ll feel much more personally connected with your pumpkin when you take the time to find it. While I’ve yet to find a farm here in Laramie, the closest ones are usually around Fort Collins. The Bartels farm is family owned and has free admission. You can even try your luck at their corn maze, which usually takes half an hour to find the exit. Unless you are directionally challenged like me.
Celebrate pumpkin spice
If you don’t drink a pumpkin spice latte at least once this fall, was it even real? Of course if you aren’t a coffee fan there are plenty of ways to get your pumpkin spice fix. Raid other people’s Pinterest boards to find the best recipes. Pumpkin spice cookies, cheesecake, cinnamon rolls; the possibilities are endless. If this isn’t enough, head to Bath and Body works for their fall inspired candles. Fill your home with the smell of every pumpkin creation possible.
Scary Movie Marathon
Intentionally scaring the crap out of yourself so you can’t sleep for days is an essential part of the season. Rent all of the classics; Halloween, the Exorcist, Poltergeist, and Scream. Turn off all the lights and gather up some blankets. You’ll need something to bury your face into when the scariest parts come on. I also love searching Netflix horror movies. Either they turn out to be really good, or you end up laughing at the terrible plot line.
Take Fall inspired photos
It usually doesn’t matter what time of year it is, I love taking photos. But Fall has a way of offering the perfect backdrop to any picture. Golden leaves that stand out against grey skies, bright orange pumpkins lined up in a row, or a snapshot of your morning cup of coffee. Everything has a way of feeling brighter and cozier in the fall. To make your photo session even more fun, invite friends! Wear your best fall outfits and capture the magic of the season.