Fall festivities aren’t just for your pumpkin spice lovin,’ basic white girls. Check out my take on a college student’s list of musts for this fall:
Go Pumpkin Pickin’: Broom’s Orchard, located in Carlinville, offers a variety of fun fall activities. You can pick your own apples in the apple orchard or pick the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Broom’s also offers homemade apple cider, caramel apples and jams.
Have a Bonfire: Did you know that there’s a state park here in Carlinville? Beaver Dam State Park is located over 750 acres in Macoupin County, offering a lake, picnic and park areas, camping and more. My favorite activity to do here is to have a bonfire. Get together with your friends, set up a campfire and roast some hotdogs and s’mores for an inexpensive, outdoorsy night of fall fun.
Stand on the Sidelines: If you’re like me, then you miss being under the Friday night lights every weekend at your old stomping grounds. Luckily, there are plenty of high schools in the area, including Carlinville, who have their own football teams. Consider going to one and relive your glory days!
Tour a Winery: Take it from me— there are plenty of beautiful wineries in the area. There’s the Plainview Winery in—you got it—Plainview, Wild Pickins in Chesterfield and The Winery at Shale Lake in Staunton. If you’re up for a bit of a drive, I would recommend Forsee Vineyard & Winery in Coffeen or Aerie’s Winery in Grafton. Wineries, especially ones that make their own wine, are a great way to escape from stress at school, unwind and soothe your palate. Many wineries also offer free tours.
Be Thrifty: Whether you enjoy repurposing old furniture, rocking a different style or simply saving money, then thrifting is the perfect hobby for you. There are plenty of thrift stores in the area, including It Is What It Is Antiques & Furniture located at the Carlinville Plaza and Salvation Army and Goodwill in Litchfield.
Enjoy Dinner and a Movie: Pick your favorite restaurant (see “Hidden Gems in Small Towns” if you need help choosing) and then head to the Marvel Theatre in Carlinville. Showing this week is “Thor: Ragnarok” and Tyler Perry’s “Boo! 2.” During the month of November, Blackburn students can go for free. Just remember to bring your student I.D…you’ll get free popcorn and soda, too.