It's that time of year again: The leaves are changing, girls are breaking out their Northfaces and Uggs, and all throughout your Instagram feed you are flooded with pictures of girls throwing leaves in the air while a Starbucks cup sits in the corner— most likely a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Yes, the season of autumn is here, and we have about two good weeks of the greatest weather before the Midwest winter kicks in and you'll be cold for the next few months. In those few weeks, we have to take advantage of the beautiful weather when a light sweater and jeans will keep you warm. That's one of the things I love about Iowa City; There are so many fun things to do in fall that will keep you busy and smiling.
1. Haunted Houses
With October coming up, haunted houses will be returning. I always try to go to a haunted house every year to keep in the Halloween spirit. It's also a great time with your friends because, if you're like me, you'll be spending the entire time gripping onto the shoulders of the person in front of you since you're too scared to be by yourself.
2. Hiking Through the Woods
There are actually so many beautiful forest paths throughout Iowa City that are just a short drive away. Fall is the best time to go hiking because you never have to worry about it being too hot and the bugs will most likely be gone, so you don't have to worry about being attacked by mosquitoes like you usually would in the summer. Also, there's no better time to take those cute hiking pictures than when you're surrounded by the beautiful leaves of fall.
3. Baking Day
There's no better time to bake than in fall. Autumn just screams apple and pumpkin pie, apple crisp, apple turnovers—basically anything apple or pumpkin. The best part about these treats is that you can pick your own ingredients. There's nothing I love more than going apple picking and then making something delicious with those apples. If you can't make it out to Wilson's this year, the Iowa City Farmers Market is a great source for some fresh fruit and vegetables!
4. Movie Marathons
The absolute best part about October is the Halloween movies. You're lying to yourself if you say that you're not excited to watch all of the "Halloweentown" movies back to back, followed by "Hocus Pocus." Fall is also the only time of year where I can get friends to watch my favorite horror movie classics with me, like "Halloween" or "Friday the 13th." You can always find a good slasher on AMC's Fright Fest or watch a childhood classic like ABC Family's "13 Nights of Halloween" is definitely one of my favorite times of the year.
Autumn is just the beginning of a season full of fun activities, so we might as well take every opportunity to spend time outside. I would highly recommend taking a day just to sit out on the Old Cap steps with a cup of a coffee and your best friend and just enjoy the weather and view. It won't be long until we'll be rushing inside to get warm.
