Pink leaves are falling on the ground, pumpkin spice lattes every morning, and the scarves from the back of your closet are finally coming out because it is October in Oregon. Fall is exciting for many reasons as a student at the University of Oregon: football games and tailgating, the street fair, everyone is finally getting into the swing of things, Halloween, and although midterms are here, we are almost halfway through the term.
If you want to get the most out of autumn, here are some fun fall ideas to do in October:Lone Pine Farms
Whether you actually want to carve a pumpkin or just go there for the pictures, Lone Pine Farms is a must this time of year. There is not only a pumpkin patch but tractor rides, delicious food, and corn mazes (even a haunted one for you thrill seekers). Get a group of friends, go find the perfect pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze, and come back for a carving and toasted pumpkin seed night. What better way to get into the spirit of fall.
Halloween Thrift Shopping
Halloween is not a single night in college, it has its own designated week a.k.a you need more than just one costume. Of course Pinterest is a great way to see what you want to be, but if you want to be the most creative go thrift tore hunting. Buffalo Exchange or goodwill are Halloween wonderlands. If you need a certain piece for a costume you know it will be there and if not, you are bound to find something for the spooky week.
St Helens (a.k.a. Halloweentown)
St.Helens, Oregon was the film location for the beloved movie Halloweentown. If you are as much of a lover as this movie as I am, going here is a must. Every weekend of October they put on several attractions, including lighting their giant Pumpkin (yes, just like the movie). Costumes, haunted mazes, and other fun activities happen in this town. (and hey if you are not a Halloweentown lover, a little but of the Twilight movies were filmed here as well). It is about 2.5 hours from Eugene
Football Games
Whether it is a win or loss, the Universiry of Oregon nonetheless has the best football experience. On fall days when it is a little cold, but hopefully not raining, tailgating with your bestfriends and standing in the stands screaming for the team you love is nothing short of amazing. I have purchased an Oregon beanie and heavy jacket for games specifically because rain or shine I will be out there rooting for my team (even though, it never rains in Autzen Stadium?)
Frightown
If scary is how you like your October then instead of staying in and watching Halloween or Nightmare on Elm Street for your 5th time, take a trip to Porltand to experience Frightown. Frightown consists of three Haunted Houses and covers a whole block. If you need a new date idea, what is better than holding onto eachother through an entire block of zombies and monsters? Tickets are a little bit steep, but there are several ways to get coupons!
Run like Hell
For all you athletes and runners out there, if you want to make up for all the candy corn you will most likely consume this month, Portland has a Halloween themed marathon. There is a 10k and 5k offered and participating includes many extras (even beer), but mainly you get to run around the streets of Portland in whatever costume you desire. This marathon takes places on October 25th in Portland.
Staying In
The weather is cold and snuggling up in a blanket with a warm cup of cider may be the most perfect feeling in the world. Grab your roomates, put some pumpkin cookies in the oven and turn on abc family. Nothing like lighting an apple spice candle and getting in the autumn mood.
