The few spare weeks in November are usually my favourite time of the fall semester. Winter and snow are slowly but inevitably approaching; you’re finally able to catch up with piled-up work; and there’s a much-needed break between midterms and finals — it’s like the calm before the storm. The time allows you to reflect, but mostly, it gives you an opportunity to enjoy the last glimpses of the sun. So, that being said, here are five activities you can try to make the most of the November sun.
1. Picnic with Friends
With snow being predicted soon, this week might be your last chance to take advantage of the green grass. From Waterloo Park to Laurel Creek Conservation Area, the city is riddled with picture-perfect places to set up a little picnic. It could be fun to set up small activities with your friends, like frisbees, skateboarding, or even cycling. This would allow you to create great memories when you’re all cuddled up on the couch under layers of blankets in a couple of weeks.
2. Bonfires
Events that would keep you warm after sunset may be more difficult to come by as the weeks pass — but with bonfires, you get the chance to warm up near a fire, reminisce on old stories, and roast some marshmallows. If you don’t have a bonfire, you can still roast marshmallows in the oven; a bonfire is usually more about the friends around you and the memories you make rather than where you are.
3. Walk Around Town
If you don’t have time for a casual picnic in the park with some of your friends, taking a walk is a better alternative. With no slipping hazards, no snow to walk through, and tolerable weather, the luxury of walking on the ground instead of the snow might be lost soon. Take a walk through Waterloo’s Uptown area and discover new activities to try with friends later.
4. Go to a Market
Going to a farmers’ market or a general market is the epitome of fall activities. The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market hosts an array of different vendors, from produce, to deli, to desserts. Make your way to the end of the 19 lines on two days a week to experience what it’s like to live out your fall fantasies. Though, if you don’t want to venture out to St. Jacobs, Kitchener also offers other farmers’ markets for you to enjoy.
5. Go Café Hopping
Hot drinks usually hit different in the fall, and there are many amazing newly-opened cafés around the Kitchener and Waterloo area. As you go on your walks, you may feel the urge to find new places to be, and new foods to try. Going out to eat with friends and café hopping is a great way to break the ice and get to know them even more than you do now. So, make sure you enjoy the sun while you can!