Whether you're going on friend dates or bae dates, fall is full of fun, seasonal things to do. Here are nine perfect fall date that you can do right here in Tuscaloosa! And it doesn't have to be romantic (but it totally can).
1. Pumpkin Patch
You can't go through fall in Tuscaloosa without going pumpkin picking and sharing it will all your friends on Instagram. Friday through Sunday, Tuscaloosa Barnyard is open and has every girl's fall dreams. With corn mazes, hay rides, farm animals (that you can hold!), and some seriously photogenic pumpkins, the barnyard has it all.
2. The Rivermarket
Cool (or just less hot) fall Saturday's are perfect days to walk down to the Rivermarket at Manderson Landing. Pick up some of Tuscaloosa's locally grown vegetables, hand-made art, and even cheesecake. When you are done shopping you can take a stroll down the Black Warrior River walking paths and enjoy fall weather.
3. Sloss Furnace
If Halloween is your favorite holiday like mine, you might be more into the thrilling attractions that always pop up in October. Easily the most famous haunted attraction in Alabama is Sloss Fright Furnace in Birmingham. The abandoned coal factory is legitimately haunted and has been featured on popular ghost hunting shows like Ghost Adventures and TAPS Ghost Hunters. During October the factory is transformed into a terrifying trail that runs through the furnace. It's intense.
4. Pumpkin Carving
You don't have to go out to have a fun, autumn date. Just pick a friend who doesn't mind their apartment getting a little messy, bring your pumpkins, and carve away! If you don't want to make a mess or you don't trust Sydney your best friend to use a knife, you can also paint your pumpkin. It saves time and fingers.
5. Hammocking
It's finally not going to be scorching hot every single day so take advantage of the breeze! You can't break those Eno's out on the quad but you can walk down to the Manderson landing trails and Eno along the Black Warrior River.
6. Halloween Movie Night
You head me, it;s time to break out "Halloweentown," "Hocus Pocus," and all those really bad (in a good way) movies we grew up with. Bonus points if you include the Pillsbury sugar cookies with pumpkins in the middle.
7. State Fair
From Aug. 29 - Sept 2, Sokol Park will be hosting the 2018 West Alabama State Fair! This year the activities will include laser tag, carnival rides, magic, and even a tiger encounter. Who doesn't want to take a ride on a huge Ferris wheel every once in a while?
8. Bonfires
Cozying up next to a fire is always nice when the seasons change. You can make one in your backyard r wait until October 12th for the annual homecoming bonfire on the quad. I can guarantee that it might beat out the one you have though.
9. Hiking
One of the best hiking spots in Tuscaloosa is Lake Nicol. In the summer it's known for its cliff jumping but as soon as the water gets cold the cliffs are perfect for hiking along.
