Fall officially begins on Sept. 23, 2023. As soon as the temperature drops and the leaves start to fall, it’s time to put away your summer clothes and bring out those sweaters and jeans. Autumn holds a special place in a lot of our hearts. Not only does the air provide that cool, comforting feeling, but fall in Ohio has lots of lovely activities. If you’re looking for some fall activity inspiration, you’re in the right place. Throw your sweaters on and keep reading.
PICK LOCAL
Halloween is one of the main components of fall; if helping pass out candy simply isn’t enough fun, planning a trip to Kuhlwein’s Farm Market & Deli in Hilliard is the way to go. The market offers classic fall festivities including a corn maze, petting zoo, and tractor rides out to the pumpkin patch. The patch is full of all kinds of pumpkins that accommodate everyone’s preferred style. Not only can you pick a pumpkin, but their market includes lots of homegrown vegetables, cheeses, meats, and bread. All of their products are local, including their honey and popcorn. All of their food starts at very reasonable prices and is affordable. If you’re more of a summer person, don’t fear! Kuhlwein’s is open in the summer, where you can purchase homegrown fruits and vegetables inside the market. Kuhlwein’s also has pumpkins available during the warmer months, just in case you want to get pumpkin picking early. Kuhlwein’s is a great way to celebrate Halloween and a wonderful way to get into the fall spirit.
FREE FRIGHTS
Not a fan of spending money? Something that is local and free to attend is The Golden Bear Scare at the Smith Nature Park, just a few minutes away from UAHS. The dates for the event are Monday Oct. 16 – Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The event includes a walk through the haunted forest, and volunteers dressed up as fictional characters that are sure to give you a good scare. You are assigned a tour guide who tells you the tales of the different characters throughout the forest. Bring a big group of friends with you, and don’t get lost in the haunted forest! Free of charge and lots of fun for everyone, it’s close to home and for all ages.
FALL TREATS
The go-to for most of us when looking for fall drinks is Starbucks since it’s right by our school. However, an underrated cafe that is just a few minutes away is Stauf’s Coffee Roasters in Grandview. Stauf’s hot chocolate is the perfect way to combat falls’ bitter breeze. They also offer a lot of snacks, including their delicious homemade rice krispie treats. Stauf’s is on the pricier side, so bring a few extra dollars when you visit this fall. There is nothing cozier than a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee in the cold, and Stauf’s is just the right place for it. Stauf’s has a different vibe from Starbucks, and is a very underrated coffee shop. Not only this, when you purchase a drink from Stauf’s you’re supporting a small business and helping communities in Columbus. Stauf’s Coffee Roasters encapsulates that perfect fall feeling, with delicious drinks and food to enjoy.
MOVIE MARATHON
Something that’s much simpler, but very enjoyable with a group of friends, is a Halloween movie night. Buy your favorite snacks and drinks, sit down on your couch and watch your favorite Halloween movies. A few classic choices include, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”, “Hocus Pocus”, and “The Haunted Mansion”. If you’re more of a horror fan, the “Halloween” franchise is sure to give you a good scare. Another classic horror franchise is “Scream”, which has a large following. These both are classic slasher films that are perfect for a scary movie night with friends. If you’re looking for an entertaining series to binge watch this fall, “The Vampire Diaries” is a great supernatural series containing a love triangle and lots of drama. The series is based on the novels under the same name by L.J. Smith. It’s the little things, such as a movie night with friends, that makes fall more enjoyable.
