Hiking
Eastern Mennonite University sits firmly within the Shenandoah Valley, which means you are just a short car ride from some of Virginia’s best hikes. Hiking is a great way to appreciate the changing colors of the leaves and the beautiful sunsets of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are new to hiking, I would recommend using AllTrails. It’s an easy-to-use website and app that will help you find and navigate hikes that are suited to your comfort level.
Watching a Movie
While watching a movie is not explicitly a fall activity, there are an abundance of movies that just seem to fit with the time of changing leaf colors and cooler temperatures. If you’re looking for some fall flick recommendations, here they are:
Featuring a soundtrack that feels like an expensive coffee and cinematography that’s asking for a TikTok edit, Good Will Hunting is a timeless classic you can’t go wrong with. It explores the struggle of repressed trauma through the lens of intellectual pursuit.
Do you like Ryan Gosling, but think he’s just a bit too cool and wish he had a crippling mental disorder? Lars and the Real Girl will answer all your prayers. While his behavior can be unsettling at times, you never stop rooting for Lars.
While most would say they’re Christmas movies, it can’t hurt to bust out any of the Harry Potter movies a couple of months early. Might as well binge them all, actually. They’re better than school work.
If you associate the fall semester with being cold and sad, then Manchester by the Sea might be the movie for you. It’s like if Good Will Hunting had a depressed older brother. If you are intrigued by this description, then I would suggest The Lego Batman Movie; it would probably be better to watch something more uplifting.
Studying
As poorer weather begins to push people inside, and academic stress begins to pile higher, college students are presented with more reasons than ever to study and get ahead on schoolwork. I would personally advise against this. Studying is boring, and it’s also for nerds. I would advise picking any one of the other activities presented on this list over studying. They might not enhance your ability to do well in classes or set you up for sustained academic success, but they will be a much better time.
Pumpkin Patch
Visiting a pumpkin patch is a fall staple, and EMU students have one just down the road. Myers Pumpkins features apple cider, homemade honey, Highland cows, a corn maze, and, of course, pumpkins. This location comes highly recommended from the greater Rockingham County community. If you make a visit, consider picking up a fall treat and donating it to a Weather Vane employee in your life.
Fall-Themed Baked Goods
Speaking of fall treats, you don’t need to leave the house or dorm to enjoy some seasonal snacks. Use some leftover guts from your pumpkin carving to make cookies, bread, muffins, or a number of other spiced goods. This is a great activity to enjoy with friends, family, or estranged romantic partners. Once again, Weather Vane employees welcome donations of any desserts you may want to part with.
Jumping in a Pile of Leaves
Brilliantly cliche and stunningly simple, jumping in a pile of leaves serves as a sure-fire way to reconnect with your inner child and get in the fall spirit. While this activity might be straightforward in execution, preparation is key. You’ll want to wear clothes fit for the occasion: a good, thrifted flannel, and a pair of jeans work well in my experience. Selection of leaves is potentially the most important step, though this is up for debate within the community. Most experts suggest using leaves from plants native to your region to help with allergens. I say just pick a fresh pile that seems free of dog pee.