Breonna Dull
Features Editor
As the leaves become warm vibrant colors and the air cools, fall encourages us to explore the outdoors and spend time with loved ones. Whether you’re seeking adventure, creativity, or cozy gatherings, this season is full of opportunities for memorable experiences without breaking the bank. From hiking amidst stunning foliage to enjoying local festivals, there are countless ways to celebrate the beauty of autumn. Here are 15 inexpensive fall activities to help you make the most of this enchanting time of year.
- Go hiking – Fall is arguably the best time to hike. As the leaves change color and the air becomes cool and crisp, the scenery changes. For the most scenic experience, plan your hike when the leaves are at their peak color. Peak leaf season in Millersville this fall will be the last two weeks of October.
- Go camping – Even if it’s only one night, camping can be a refreshing escape. Whether you visit a campsite or camp in your backyard, spending time outside can regulate your nervous system and clear your mind.
- Spark a campfire – You don’t have to go camping to have a campfire! Gather friends or family for a night at a park or a backyard campfire for roasting marshmallows and making smores.
- Decorate for the season – You can find natural decorations like leaves, gourds, or pumpkins to add fall energy to your space. For a free craft, find bright colorful leaves to press and have for seasons to come.
- Enjoy classic fall farm fun – Lancaster County offers a mix of urban and rural activities. Visit local farms for wholesome fun like corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and tractor rides. Check out spots like Oregon Dairy, Corn Cob Acres, and Cherry Crest Adventure Farm for a variety of activities.
- Attend the Red Rose International Film Festival – From Nov. 8-10, enjoy different shorts, documentaries, and feature-length films that bring international perspectives to the screen. The festival, presented by Penn Cinema, supports small businesses and young creators, offering a platform for new ideas.
- Explore Downtown Lancaster on First Fridays – Downtown Lancaster offers evening activities the first Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m. Art galleries, studios, museums, restaurants, and shops stay open late, providing countless places to go, flavors to taste, and entertainment to enjoy. All students can ride bus route 16 between Millersville and Lancaster free with a bus card from the SMC.
- Visit the Renaissance Faire – Experience ax throwing and archery, attend shows, shop, eat, and fall into character at the PA Renaissance Faire at Mt. Hope Wine Estate and Winery. Dress in Renaissance clothes and costumes, or choose from many fantasy characters like fairies, pirates, scarecrows, and witches. They host fall and Halloween-themed events through Oct. 31. Day tickets are sold out for the 2024 season, but sunset passes can be bought after 4 p.m. at the gates for a discounted price.
- Paint or carve pumpkins – Get into the spirit with an essential fall activity: jack o’lanterns! Carving pumpkins is a fall tradition that is fun, but quite messy. Painting is an alternative option to decorate pumpkins in your dorm and avoid carving tools and pumpkin guts.
- Savor Seasonal foods and flavors – It’s that time again, pumpkin spice and other fall flavors are available at cafes, bakeries, and grocery stores. Enjoy limited fall treats such as apple cider, apple cider donuts, soups, chili, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, and snickerdoodles.
- Host a harvest picnic – Bring all of the flavors together for a harvest picnic with your friends or family. Everyone can bring their favorite seasonal dish.
- Prepare your wardrobe – Swap out your tank tops and shorts for cozy sweaters and jeans. Consider donating items you no longer wear or using them for creative costumes.
- Start holiday gift planning – It’s never too early to start holiday gift planning and shopping. October may feel too early, as Christmas is still months away. However, before you know it, you’re trying to find a single parking spot at Target on Christmas Eve during a last-minute gift rush.
- Watch Halloween movies – Re-watch classic movies like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Hocus Pocus.” For a spooky night, try a horror movie such as “Smile 2,” “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” and “Terrifyer 3” currently in theaters.
- Throw a costume party – Get the gang together for a Halloween or costume party and don’t forget to take pictures! You can make it a competition, offering prizes for the best costume. The Millersville Costume Shop in Jefferson Hall has a large variety of clothes and accessories to rent.
Fall is a season rich with opportunities for connection, creativity, and fun. Embrace the spirit of the season with these inexpensive activities, and make the most of this beautiful time of year!