Don’t let the consecutive 90 plus degree whether keep you from celebrating autumn the way that it’s meant to be celebrated! Now that the official start of autumn (September 22nd!) has passed us, we no longer have to feel guilty about enjoying Starbucks PSLs and whipping out the flannels (in the morning – before quickly removing them so we don’t die of heat stroke by noon). Even though it may not feel like fall, there are still plenty of ways Davis is commemorating the season. Here’s how to make this autumn the best one yet:
1. Corn Maze
Just outside of Davis, in Dixon, lies a world record-holding Corn Maze. I’ve walked it twice now, and both times it took me a couple of hours to get through. Bring a group of friends, hit up the barista (if you’re of legal age), and delve into the most complex corn crop of all time. The maze and 40 acre pumpkin patch are found at “Cool Patch Pumpkins” on Milk Farm Road. Tickets are 15 dollars at entry, and children under five can roam the maze for free. Don’t miss it! The maze closes after October 31st.
2. Picnic in the Park
On October 26th from 4:30-8:30 PM, everybody’s favorite Farmer’s Market is holding its last Picnic in the Park before the winter season begins. Bring a blanket to sit on, money to buy the apple juice (a personal recommendation), and enjoy local bands, bounce houses, face painting, rock climbing, and more.
3. Pumpkin Patch
It’s boring to just pick up a pumpkin from Trader Joe’s and call that the Halloween spirit. Just because you’re in college now, doesn’t mean you can’t continue to feel the childlike wonderment of being surrounded by hundreds of pumpkins. Grab some friends and spend an hour or two finding the perfect pumpkin at a patch near you. (My recommendation is Bobby Dazzler’s Pumpkin Patch in Woodland.)
4. Homecoming Game and Pajamarino
Not only is showing up to the game a great way to support your school, but the Homecoming game features an awesome halftime show by Davis talents, and lots of alumni come out to support the team as well. And did I mention that the night before is the 104th Pajamarino? (That’s right, Davis students have been walking to the train station in their PJs on the night before homecoming for over one hundred years!) Join the band in the parade, which gathers at 4:30pm in Central Park and heads to the Amtrak station to “welcome the alumni” as they get off the train for homecoming. And of course, wear pajamas.
Thumbnail courtesy of Kirsten Burrell