Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in Ithaca. The leaves change into varying shades of orange and red, and the weather finally comes down to a comfortably cozy temperature. What better way to celebrate the season than by sharing with you all my favorite activities in the fall!
1. Studying
I can assure you that I’m not one of those people who enjoys studying a lot, but something about studying during fall gives me Rory Gilmore vibes. Who doesn’t want to pretend they are living in Stars Hollow? I love getting a hot chocolate or matcha from Gimme! and then spending an afternoon in a library up at Cornell. My personal favorite place to study is the A. D. White Reading Room in Uris Library, which in itself is a magical and breathtaking place to study. But when you get a seat overlooking the lake above the colorful fall foliage, the experience is ten times better. When I walk out of the library and down the Slope, the warm and fiery rays from the setting sun always give me a sense of content and fulfillment.
2. Apple Picking
Apple picking is a classic fall activity for a reason: it’s fun and also a perfect photo opportunity if that’s your vibe. I love going to Indian Creek or Little Tree, not only for their various varieties of apples, but also for the hot cider and delicious apple cider donuts, too. Freshly picked apples are always bright and crunchy, perfect for snacking on throughout the fall. Grab a group of friends, dress in your best fall-wear, and go apple picking!
3. Fall Baking
I love baking! I think baking is one of the coziest activities, and fall is such a cozy season. There are a plethora of recipes out there, all packed with comforting spices. Some of my favorite fall bakes are matcha ginger cookies, pumpkin muffins, and apple cinnamon rolls, which are all especially good on a rainy autumn day. Try baking a fun little dessert and sharing it with the people you love. You could even use some of the apples you picked to bake something delicious!
4. Hiking
“Ithaca is Gorges!” What better time to go hiking than falltime! Whether it’s Taughannock, Treman, Buttermilk Falls, or Cascadilla, all the trails are blanketed with breathtakingly bright red, orange and yellow colors, like a painter’s palette of sunset hues. The soothing sound of waterfalls along these trails makes the hiking experience even more exhilarating. Fall is also the last time to go hike some of your favorite trails, as a lot of them are closed for the winter. So take your chance now and go on a hike before the snow comes!
5. Fun Drinks
My other favorite activity is making new fall drinks. This isn’t necessarily the most time-consuming activity, but it is super fun! Whether you like coffee, matcha, or tea, there’s a fun fall drink waiting for you. I love making pumpkin spice matchas or cinnamon lattes, but the possibilities are truly endless! And the best part is that you can sip your drink while doing any of the activities listed above!
I hope some of these fall activities speak to you. Go give them a try!