By: Page Cole
I know everyone is feeling the stress of the beginning of the school year start to weigh down on them. Transitioning back to in-person classes and normal campus life has been a huge adjustment for most of us. Taking time to relax and unwind with friends is super important for our mental health and wellness. With my favorite season right around the corner, there are so many fun fall activities that are available locally for us students to enjoy, on campus and off campus. I encourage everyone to take a break from homework and treat themselves to a good time with old and new friends!
Atkins Farm, 1151 West Street, Amherst MA
When most people think of fall, they think of apple picking and enjoying a delicious, warm, apple cider doughnut. Personally, apple picking is my favorite fall activity and I just had to start off with Atkins Farm. Atkins Farm is located just about fifteen minutes from campus and is perfect for a stress-free afternoon. They provide services to go apple picking in their orchard, as well as an adorable locally grown grocery store with fresh fruit, vegetables, produce, and even a flower shop. They also have an ice cream shop that features two delicious fall ice cream treats. They serve an apple harvest shake as well as an apple cider donut sundae. Don’t walk, but run to Atkins Farm to feast on all of their delicious apples and treats!
Pumpkin Painting, W.E.B. Du Bois Library
I know a lot of us don’t have a ride to off-campus locations, so if that is the case then this is the perfect opportunity for you! Right in Umass’s own library, the Library Outreach Series is offering pumpkin painting from 7-8 pm on October 21st, which is a great way to end your busy day and meet other Umass students who you might not usually be able to meet. But, this is not any normal pumpkin painting like we are all used to. Participants will be using a 3D printer to print their own pumpkin to paint. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, sign up now! Spots are limited and they are being filled up fast.
Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm, 23 S Main Street, Sunderland MA
About thirty minutes north of campus is Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm, which offers a corn maze, shaped into the word “Imagine”. If you are the type of person who is up for a challenge, then this is the fall activity for you. Grab a couple of friends and use your navigation skills to find your way out of this challenging maze. If you find yourself out, (don’t worry, you will), then treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Corn Cafe. They have a wide variety of foods and even some specialty desserts. If this isn’t enough for you, they also have a petting zoo and hayrides. It is a little far, but definitely worth the drive for all of this fall fun!
Get outside and enjoy one of these activities in this beautiful fall weather. Remember to make time in your busy schedule for yourself, it is just as important as schoolwork. Happy Fall!