Ashley House
Reporter
Fall is officially in full swing, which means trading fun pool days for cozy sweaters, crunchy leaves, and fall activities. If you’re looking for a unique date, a fun girls’ day, or just something to cure your boredom, the CU area has a plethora of activities to choose from.
A fan favorite in CU, Curtis Orchard is a small family-run farm, and with its wide variety of activities to choose from it’s fun for the whole family. Just for little ones, the orchard has pony rides, munchkin land, a giant slide, and a small play area, as well as face painting that, let’s be honest, even as a college student you’ll want to do. For all ages, the corn maze is fun to take on in a group, and each of you can earn a free wagon ride for completing the maze and finding all of the marked posts inside. You can also grab lunch at the Flying Monkey Cafe or take home your very own package of Curtis Orchard apple donuts and a gallon of fresh apple cider. Last but not least, the most popular activity at Curtis Orchard: apple and/or pumpkin picking. As October comes to a close, however, the pickings will be slim, so hurry in to get the best pumpkin in the patch.
Whether you enjoy football games or not, tailgating is always something fun to do with family or friends. Especially with the weather starting to cool off, there’s nothing better than throwing on your favorite cozy sweater and Illini hat and heading out for good music, hot dogs, and beer. Tailgating can get a little pricey, though, so I recommend going with someone who has a season tailgate pass and offering to bring your own food or beverages. If you plan to attend the game, make sure you check out the new Illini bag policy before you go.
Just a quick 20 minute drive north, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul is also a popular fall destination. With a huge corn maze, pulled pork parfaits, a pumpkin cannon, and real live reindeer, there’s not much more you could ask for out of a place. You can even go later in the year and pick out your Christmas tree and experience the magic of the reindeer!
The only haunted house experience featured directly in CU this year will be Dallas & Company’s haunted room attraction, located inside the store. This one has free admission, so I recommend taking advantage of the experience! If you’re looking for more thrills this fall, you’ll have to travel to Rantoul. While you’re up north for Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, be sure to check out the Necrosis Haunted House for all your thrills and chills.
There are a lot of opportunities to get your fall fix this year, as the weather is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities and photo opportunities. Make sure to grab a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks before heading out on your fall adventures this year. (No, I wasn’t paid to say that)
