Here at Appalachian State, we get a frigid winter but we also get to enjoy a beautiful fall. These are the 10 best things to do on campus (or pretty close by!) during the coziest season of all in Boone!
1. Drive on the parkway!
Is this an obvious thing to do? Yes.
Are the pretty leaves worth it? Yes.
2. Cheer on your team at a Mountaineer football game
GiphyBundle up in your black and gold gear and head over to the Rock! App State students get in free (as I'm sure we all know).
3. Get a coffee at Crossroads
GiphyThere's nothing like grabbing a yummy coffee and then reading a good book whilst sipping on that beverage. The coffee shop in the Union, Crossroads, is pretty great, and it's included on your meal plan (but I still go there even when I don't have a meal plan).
A fall favorite of mine is the pumpkin pie creme brulee with almond milk--which, is technically not a Crossroads exclusive, so if you're at Espresso News or any other coffee shop, order an almond milk pumpkin spice latte with caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla... and thank me later. Another pro-tip: bring your own mug and save money! You'll get a discount! Woohoo!
If the coffee shop isn't your favorite place to study, take your coffee to go and head out onto the mall, or if you'd rather stay inside, I recommend the solarium.
4. Have a cute fall photoshoot with your friends
Giphy...or with your cat.
Spice up your Instagram feed with season-appropriate photos and change your Facebook profile and cover photos to match it as well.
Is this basic? Yes. Is it still fun? Yes.
5. Order App Cookie Co for your study sessions
GiphyThere's nothing quite like eating a warm, freshly baked cookie while you read your textbooks and write your essays. App Cookie Co is delicious all year round, of course, but when they have their seasonal Pumpkin Spice cookie (which happens to be vegan, woohoo) and whatever other fall flavors they choose for the year, it makes it extra special for those late night study sessions.
App Cookie Co is also fairly close to campus, so if you don't want to deal with the delivery fee, just take a walk on over to their store. It's just behind IHOP and Dominos, and makes for a nice little excursion if you're like me and tend to stay cooped up in your dorm room most of the time.
6. Go to the farmers market
GiphyGet yourself some fresh produce and buy yourself some fresh flowers. A #treatyoself moment that benefits your local farmers as well!
7. Drive to Blowing Rock or Asheville
GiphyDepending on your time restraint and car situation, going to Blowing Rock could be the better option since it's closer, but Asheville does have more to do and see. These day trips are, once again, lovely all year round, but anything is prettier in the fall, and both places are extra cozy and cute when the weather is just a bit chilly.
8. Head out to a pumpkin patch
GiphyIf you're in a dorm, keep in mind you may not be allowed to have a pumpkin! Also keep in mind you'll have to drive a bit to get to a pumpkin patch.
That said, though, there's something so obviously autumnal about picking the perfect pumpkin with your friends. And, if you do live in a dorm that won't let you have a pumpkin, most pumpkin patches offer hay rides and some have corn mazes, so you can do those while you're there to have an experience.
9. Watch a $1 movie in I.G. Greer
GiphyYou know those movie posters you see around campus all the time? Yep, those are for movies that only cost a dollar if you buy your tickets in advance (at the information desk in the Union). They're only $2 at the door. They offer movies before they get to Netflix, sometimes, and are a good way to spend your afternoons without spending much or leaving campus. Check out the schedule to know what movies are playing soon!
10. Sleep! In!
GiphyYou heard me! With all the stuff professors are throwing at you and all the fun stuff you're doing, don't forget to sleep. The semester is in full swing and you surely could do with an extra few hours of snoozing.