When living in La Crosse, it is practically the norm for everyone to drink during Oktoberfest. However, many college students do not drink. In fact, just “76.3% of students (at UW-La Crosse) report any alcohol use during the last 30 days” (NCHA II, 2015). So, if you are not into drinking or are looking to avoid alcohol this Oktoberfest, you are not alone. Listed below you can find some healthy alternatives to drinking this year.
1. Take a hike up the bluffs.
Rent a hammock from the Rec Center, get some exercise and hike up the bluffs! From the top of the trails, you will be greeted with a wonderful surprise of some fall foliage to fall asleep to.
2. Make an autumn dessert.
If you’re a foodie, you might want to try out some festive, new recipes. I suggest trying out apple crisp, apple pie, caramel apple bars, apple streusel, cranapple cobbler, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, or pumpkin bars. You can find an apple crisp recipe here: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/winning-apple-crisp
3. Visit an apple orchard.
The La Crosse area has more orchards than you may think. Of the many that are available, these orchards will provide you with the most activities: Ecker’s Apple Farm-Trempealeau, Shefelbine Orchards-Holmen, Sacia Orchards-Galesville, and Ferguson’s Orchards-Galesville.
4. Volunteer your time.
With the many other people that are taking advantage of the fall season, the city also needs many volunteer positions to fill in order to keep everyone safe. River-watch Security, Fairground Security, and Set-Up Crew at the Mapleleaf Run are just a few of the many options available.
5. Visit family at home.
When was the last time you visited your family at home? These lovely people would love to see you… and maybe even have a gift waiting for you.
6. Watch a Halloween movie or something else new.
What better time of the year to snuggle up in a blanket and watch a Halloween movie than October itself! Get a head start on any of these movies: Hocus Pocus, The Great Pumpkin – Charlie Brown, Coraline, Monster House, OR any scarier movies of your liking. Check out the review for Coraline here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7UyS8m0oo8
7. Partake in a 5k run.
Feeling ambitious? The Mapleleaf half-marathon and five mile still has some spots open if you would still like to register. Bonus: you get a free t-shirt!
Anything else you think should be added, or general comments on this article? Feel free to leave input in the comments section below!