Fall is probably my favourite time of year. With the beautiful colours on the trees, the pumpkin patches, and the spookiness of Halloween, what is there not to like about the crisp fall season?! Since Autumn just started a few days ago I thought I would list some of my favourite things to do if any of you are looking for something to fill some of your free time when you’re not grinding out those final projects, or late night assignments.  

My number one thing to do in the fall is visit the corn maze in Salisbury. To those of you who are staying in Sackville or live close to Salisbury I suggest you check it out at the Green Pig country market. Not only is there a corn maze, but there is also a farmer’s market that sells the cutest pumpkins, the yummiest vegetables, and a lot of activities for the whole family. On weekend nights they even do a flashlight maze, and my absolute favourite is on the weekend before Halloween when they do the haunted corn maze. If any of you know me then you know how much I like scary things!

Another activity I would suggest is to try out some apple picking (which I am sure most of you have). There are many great apple orchards all around New Brunswick for your picking pleasures. Once you pick all those apples, they are great for baking pies, going bobbing for apples, or just having a quick snack! They do say that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Plus who doesn’t enjoy climbing a tree just to get the perfect apple, and it is a great activity to do with a group of friends, with your family, or with that special someone. Since we get beautiful weather in the fall it is also a great way to get yourself off your butt and outside to enjoy the day!  

Getting back to my love of all things spooky, my third suggestion for a fall activity is to just do anything scary. With Halloween coming up there is no better time to overcome your fear of that haunted house, to practice your jump scares, or to try on that Halloween costume you have been waiting for all year. Check out a haunted house close by, grab some candy and some friends and watch a horror movie marathon, or just get out and check out some good decorations around the town. Just remember that soon enough you will be able to check out that Halloween party, or gorge on bowls of Halloween candy.  

My final idea for a fall activity to get you out of the University slump is to go exploring. Like I mentioned before, fall is a gorgeous time of year with plenty of beautiful red, oranges, and yellows. Get some people and head out for a hike at Fundy park, take your dog for walk, jump on a bike or a four-wheeler and head out on some back roads. New Brunswick is an amazing province all year, but especially this time of year! It is also a good time to get out and play some sports with your friends or even just sit outside and read a book before the snow starts to fall in another couple of months. 

As you can see, there are lots of reasons for why I love fall as much as I do. If worst comes to worst and you can't manage to get out of your house, then grab a blanket and some fuzzy socks, a cup of tea or coffee, light up your favourite fall candle, and put on a Halloweentown movie! If none of these things have given you some good fall ideas or made you a little less sad that summer is now over, then just keep in mind that in a few weeks it will be Thanksgiving and you’ll have a few days off to stuff your face with turkey and mashed potatoes! If that thought still does not get you through the “Sunday scaries”, then just keep in mind that Christmas is in about three months and the holly jolly holidays (along with the entire month break we get), will hopefully lift your spirits!