As the semester progresses, tests and projects can seem overloading and daunting. However, fall is here! Which means sweater weather, hot drinks, and beautiful scenery. Here are nine fun fall things to do to put a little pep in your step.
1. Pumpkin Carving
Truman State’s Student Activities Board is hosting an event from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 28 to carve pumpkins on The Quad. If you can’t make it to SAB’s event, you can carve your own with friends over a cup of apple cider. Most grocery stores have pre-made mixes of apple cider but if you feel adventurous make your own!
2. Alpha Kappa Lambda Haunted House
The AKL Haunted House is one of many haunted houses located in the northeast Missouri area, but this one is located near Truman State’s campus. Located on Osteopathy, this haunted house is constructed and run by Truman students beginning Oct. 29 and ending Oct. 31. Individuals pay an admission fee of $5 or a group of six or more pay $3 per person. All proceeds go to the Northeast Missouri Foodbank.
3. Sigma Alpha’s Trunk or Treat & Bonfire
The high amount of rainfall this summer cancelled Sigma Alpha’s annual corn maze event. However, this year they offer a four-hour bonfire, s’mores, hot chocolate, live entertainment by Two Headed Cow and Minor Detail and more. This event takes place at the 6 p.m. Oct. 30 at the University Farm.
4. Jackson Country Connections
Jackson County Connections is celebrating its 100th annual giant corn maze. In addition to the giant corn maze, there are wagon rides, a mini hay bale maze, a selection of pumpkins and mums and a country store. Jackson Country Connections is open every Saturday and Sunday up to Oct. 31.
For hours, directions and activities check out the website.
5. Noble Berry Farm
A true under-the-radar Kirksville gem, Noble Berry Farm offers a variety of pumpkins and gourds for visitors to choose from. Operated by a local farmer on his personal property, 20694 Strawberry Way, visitors say anyone can visit 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, to choose their pick their pumpkin straight from the vine. Once visitors have chosen their pumpkin, they pay the man for the before leaving. Talk about personal service.
6. Visit Thousand Hills State Park
While this isn’t a new destination, traveling to Kirksville’s state park for the afternoon can be a refreshing and reenergizing experience as finals week approaches. Take a group of friends to camp, hike or walk around the lake. The leaves are changing color, which will offer a wide spectrum of oranges and reds to spice up the already scenic view.
7. Bake your stress away
When the weather is chilly, test your chef abilities by making anything with pumpkin, pumpkin spice or caramel. For example, apples, popcorn, lattes, cookies, pies and more.
8. Thrift shopping for fall or holiday sweaters
Kirksville has a variety of thrift stores so why not look for a few throwback sweaters? It’s the perfect mix of adventure and sweet anti-retail victory. Be the coolest kid in class this winter.
9. Throw a scary movie marathon
What’s Halloween without scary movies? Gather your friends, some candy and popcorn to snuggle up for a night filled with thrillers. The library has many movies to choose from, but hurry before the options run out! If this isn’t exciting enough for you, watch Night of the Living Dead at Truman’s planetarium 6 and 8 p.m. October 31.