*These events are not school sponsored and are not endorsed by Pine View
Summer is over, and it’s finally time to “fall” into the cooler months. Pumpkin carving, Halloween costumes, scary movies — the list is never ending when it comes to fall activities. Here’s a guide that compiles just a fraction of the things you can do this season:
Drinks/foods:
Drink warm tea from your favorite mug. Or, experiment with fun drink recipes. For example, it’s the perfect time to make an apple cider float! To make an apple cider float, simply scoop vanilla ice cream into a cup and pour apple cider over it. Then, add whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. Here are some more fall drink ideas:
- Pumpkin spice chai latte
- Horchata (a traditional Mexican drink consisting of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon)
- Peppermint matcha latte
- London fog (earl grey tea, vanilla, and milk)
Bake, even if you don’t really know how to bake. You can find recipes on your own, but here are some ideas for inspiration:
- Pumpkin bread
- Apple cider donuts
- Cinnamon rolls
- Apple pie
- Maple brown sugar cookies
Local events:
Attending a fall festival is a must. The Mall at University Town Center is holding its annual Fall Festival & Carnival Oct. 17-20. There will be food trucks, vendors, live performances, pumpkin patches, and carnival rides.
If you’re looking for a more traditional fall festival, the Fruitville Grove will be open every weekend in October from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. for their 36th annual Pumpkin Festival. General admission to the grove, petting zoo, and circus are free; individual rides range from $1-10.
Fall fun doesn’t have to stop after Halloween. On weekends and Veterans Day on Monday Nov. 11, you can attend the Sarasota Medieval Fair from Nov. 2 to Dec. 1. For the 20th anniversary, this year’s theme will be Tournament of the Ages. Each weekend has a different theme, so make sure to check out the website (sarasotamedievalfair.com) for more information.
Other places to go:
If you haven’t heard of Elixir Tea House, you’re missing out. It’s the perfect way to try an abundance of teas and sweet treats, which are arguably one of the most important components of fall. Try to get a private room if you can and enjoy the ambience with good company.
Stardust Café is an adorable boba tea shop with an inviting atmosphere. Besides boba, they have a variety of other things too, like coffee and quick bites. Throughout the café, there’s a variety of books and games that you can play as well, providing the perfect spot to relax at.
If there’s one thing to take advantage of during this season, it’s the cooler weather. Ride bikes down Legacy Trail. Check out parks like Pinecraft Park, Rothenbach Park, Celery Fields, and Colonial Oaks Park. Soak in the sun before winter and enjoy the breeze.
Things to do:
Have a movie night! Make tea, bake cookies, and grab blankets before watching a classic, cozy movie. Some fall movies include “Dead Poets Society,” “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” The Harry Potter Series, and “Kiki’s Delivery Service.”
Read books. If you’re more of a reader, hold on to your blankets and find a reading nook (whether it’s at a local café or in the comfort of your home). Add “Little Women,” “The Hobbit,” “Frankenstein,” and “Anne of Green Gables” to your reading list if you’re looking for recommendations!
Roast s’mores. It’s fine if it’s over a candle. Even better if it’s roasting over an actual fire. Bring a guitar, sing campfire songs, and pass the night away with friends and spooky stories. Bonus points if you bring a flashlight to cast over your face during the story telling.
If all else fails, the perfect way to get in the fall mood is to sit down, relax, and listen to some good music.
1 comment
feeling very guided for autumn, god bless jiayi zhu