UM students Lindsey Sexton and Alex Warren visit pumpkin patch at Helena Hollow. Photo by Kat Bell.

While the weather outside has been incredibly hot, it’s October now and that means that autumn is in full swing. Other seasons are great, with winter being full of holiday cheer, and summer meaning quality time at the beach. However, there’s some activities that you can enjoy only in the months of September through November, because there’s nothing quite like fall. 

Roam a pumpkin patch 

My favorite holiday is Halloween and nothing says Halloween like taking a trip to a pumpkin patch. It’s reminiscent of a classic tradition we loved as kids. Make a trip of it and getting a group of friends together to pick out the perfect gourds. You can even have a carving party afterwards to celebrate the coming of a new season. Carving pumpkins with some fall treats can be an exciting new way to bond with friends. 

There are several pumpkin patches in the area. For anyone looking for that perfect pumpkin, check out the patch at the First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster down the road from campus or the Helena Hollow farm.  

Have a movie night 

One of the best parts about Halloween as a kid beside the candy stash, was scaring yourself silly with movies about implausible scenarios like killer clowns in the sewer system. What other way get into the spooky spirit than to watch some of your favorite movies? For those who hate horror movies, there are much less nightmare-inducing movies to enjoy. 

Get your favorite movies or browse Netflix for some you haven’t seen. Just don’t forget the popcorn! 

Go to a haunted house 

Once you come to Montevallo, hearing ghost stories happens year-round, but another way fun way to get spooked this season is to go to a haunted house. Several haunted houses in the area, from Birmingham and Alabaster, will be open all October. 

However, if you want to stay more local, the staff of The Alabamian and the Carmichael Library here at UM team up to hold an annual tour of Montevallo’s most haunted buildings, known as Ghost Walk. It will be held Saturday, Oct. 26 and will feature ghost stories unique to Montevallo. 

Go on a hayride or get lost in a corn maze. 

Many places that offer pumpkin patches also offer hayrides. Hayrides are a great option for those who don’t enjoy haunted attractions. They allow you to take in the beautiful fall weather and scenery. They are a great option for an activity with the whole family too as they sometimes also offer an assortment of games and pumpkin decorating options. 

Likewise, corn mazes also allow us to get a taste of the autumn air. When farmers finish harvesting their corn, it turns brown and dies. With a little work, it can become a corn maze where you and your friends can channel each other to get to the other side.  

Host or attend a Friends-giving 

When October comes to an end and people start preparing for the holiday season, remember that the holiday season isn’t restricted to time with just your family. The Thanksgiving holiday is all about tradition, but it’s okay to make new traditions. 

The idea of Friends-giving is to spend it with your best buds, so gather everyone around a table and enjoy the potluck style party. It’s totally ideal for people with different dietary restrictions or dish desires. Got to have the cranberry sauce or want to add a totally new dish? The world is your oyster. 

These are just a few fall activities that you and your wallet will enjoy. Put on your most comfortable sweater and celebrate the end of midterms this fall because before you know it, it’ll be over.