How are you going to embrace the fall season this year?
“My favorite fall activity would have to be pumpkin and apple picking with my cousins. This has been a tradition within my family,” said junior Corry Brinken.
Some students say they are celebrating the cooler weather with traditions like apple picking, pumpkin decorating, haunted houses, and pumpkin spice.
Silverman’s Farm in Easton, Conn., only a five minute drive from Sacred Heart University’s campus, is a popular spot for some students.
“There was a really nice setup for pumpkin picking with a bunch of hay bales and tractor rides,” said sophomore Abigail Molloy. “There were also food trucks with amazing kettle corn and a farmer’s market with lots of fall treats. They had everything from vegetables, to apple cider donuts, to actual apple cider. I brought back a small pumpkin to decorate our room, too.”
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many students say they have witnessed restrictions at popular fall attractions.
“My parents and aunt came to visit and took me and my roommate to Wells Hollow in Shelton. We didn’t get to go in the corn maze, but we took cute pictures amongst the pumpkins,” said sophomore Morgan Fitzpatrick.
According to the Wells Hollow Creamery website, “COVID-19 has been an ongoing concern for everyone this past year. We have planned this year’s corn maze with everyone’s safety in mind during your visit.”
Though reservations are not required, their website indicates that they are available. The creamery has also made changes to their Haunted Corn Maze. The attraction previously had actors jump out and scare people, but this aspect has been removed to fit COVID-19 guidelines.
Aside from being props for photos, pumpkins have another spotlight during this season for many students. As a flavor or a topping, pumpkin spice is back.
The opinion on the seasonal spice varies from person to person.
“I think pumpkin spice flavor is overrated. I am not sure where the fascination over pumpkin spice originated, but it seems to have become part of pop culture,” said senior Tom Lawless.
“Pumpkin spice is something I look forward to every year. It marks the beginning of fall and it is my favorite thing to put into my coffee and bake with. I love the flavor and it reminds me of fall weather and home,” said junior Carly Niemiec.
According to their website, Starbucks has over ten pumpkin spice items on their menu including drinks and treats. For those who do not have a taste for pumpkin spice, many students say they have other fall favorite drinks.
“I love apple cider, hot or cold. I don’t really like anything pumpkin-flavored,” said Fitzpatrick.
In addition to planning fall activities, ideas for a COVID-19-friendly Halloween have begun to surface.
“I plan on staying within my house pod and having a house-wide Halloween costume contest in which the winner gets a homemade trophy and bragging rights for the rest of the year,” said Brinken.
Despite there being no Halloween gatherings to dress up for, some students say they are finding other ways to celebrate.
“I definitely plan on dressing up, because it’s something so fun and festive that we only get to do once a year. Hopefully my roommates and I are able to find something safe and COVID-friendly to do,” said Molloy.
