Finding Fall Connections

By Mahima Ramesh '26

As the beautiful air of autumn surrounds us, there is no shortage of activities to celebrate the season. If you are looking for something low-cost or a splurge, a quick adventure or a whole day of celebration, the best part of fall is not what you do—it is who you do it with. This season offers something for everyone, and in the end, it’s the memories you create with your friends and family that make it truly special. In this article, we will explore three enjoyable ways to take in fall. From cooking at home to festivals and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to love. And of course, while these are just a few examples, the beauty of autumn will always lie in making your own traditions.

If there is one dish that screams fall, it would be apples. From apple pies to apple crisps, this simple fruit can allow us to do anything! Why not start by heading out to an apple orchard for some apple picking? Not only is it a relaxing time with friends, but it also provides you with a basket full of fresh, crisp apples. From here, the options are endless. You can have some fun with classic autumn games like apple bobbing, or turn your basket of apples into something special. Whether you’re sipping homemade apple cider or baking a warm, golden apple pie (with so many flavor variations to test), these apples can provide the foundation for fostering deeper connections with family to make these delicious fall dishes. Above simple apples, fall brings so many more comfort foods as well, from pumpkin spice everything to Thanksgiving staples like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce that can be cooked in a variety of variations. Cooking any dish with loved ones is the perfect way to spend time together during the season.

Secondly, fall would not be complete without the liveliness of a local autumn festival. With some friends, you can enjoy the vibrant colors of fall while listening to live music, playing games, or navigating corn mazes. Fall festivals are also the perfect opportunity to engage with others and connect over expressing your creative side with pumpkin carving or scarecrow making, as well as tasting delicious seasonal treats. Near Boston, we can find a variety of fall festivals to visit. For example, the Boston Common hosts festivals with hayrides, pumpkin patches, and art displays. Additionally, the Topsfield Fair is one of the oldest fairs in the U.S. and it offers critical autumn activities like giant pumpkin contests, live entertainment, and agricultural exhibits. These festivals provide the ideal backdrop to make lasting memories with friends.

Lastly, sometimes the best way to experience fall is to simply step outside. You may simply have small bike rides with friends and family along leaf-lined trails, or start long and exciting hikes in the woods; regardless, the outdoors is a playground during the fall season! The vibrant red, orange, and yellow colors on the leaves make every landscape outside feel magical. You can even consider a camping trip with friends, with late-night bonfires and marshmallow roasts. Looking for some low-key outdoor activities? You can even embrace yourself outside while raking leaves and jumping into leaf piles, bringing out the inner child within all of us. The fresh air and picturesque scenery of fall bring you the perfect excuse to spend a day outside and appreciate the natural beauty of the season with loved ones.

While these are just a few examples of fun fall activities, the truth is you can find joy in almost anything this season as long as you're spending time with loved ones. You may be out apple picking, enjoying a festival, or on a hike outside, but even just staying in and cozying up with a movie or a favorite TV series can bring you the best time. Whether it be watching Gilmore Girls or Gossip Girl with friends or camping with family, autumn will always remain a season that brings people together through its numerous activities. At the end of the day, it’s not about how much money you spend or how long you’re out. Fall is about the warmth and joy you share with the people around you. So whatever you choose to do this season, make sure you’re doing it with the ones who matter most.