Soon, the air will become crisp, the leaves will change to deep shades of red and orange and we will know that fall is finally here. There is something so magical about this season, especially in New England. The mornings start with a chill in the air, and the evenings call for fuzzy blankets and warm drinks. Pumpkin patches, apple cider donuts, oversized sweaters and cozy nights all start to become the routine. But with so much to do and experience, where do you start?

Seasonal Treats 

Food is a core part of fall. Lean into flavors of cinnamon, pumpkin, apple and maple. 

There are so many great recipes that can be made in the comfort of your own kitchen. Here is a list of some of my favorite autumn-themed desserts that will leave your dorm or apartment smelling of warm spices! 

  1. Cinnamon Rolls: best eaten fresh out of the oven, gooey and covered in sweet frosting.  
  2. Pumpkin Muffins: a perfect autumn snack that can be eaten at any point in the day.
  3. Chai-Spiced Cookies: very similar to sugar cookies, except with a seasonal twist.
  4. Apple Cider Donuts: a classic New England fall staple.
  5. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: a year-round treat that is extra comforting in the fall.

The best part of each of these recipes is that they don’t require too much work. All you need is a few simple ingredients, a chill playlist and good company!

Movies

Once the baking is all finished, wrap yourself in a blanket, set out your freshly made treats and grab the remote. There are so many options to choose from, but these have always been my go-to movies. Some are heartwarming, some spooky and some nostalgic, but all of them capture the essence of the season:

  1. When Harry Met Sally: a witty, charming love story that perfectly captures the fall aesthetic.
  2. Good Will Hunting: a Bostonian classic set against the backdrop of the city’s autumn streets.
  3. Scream: a timeless slasher that’s equally spooky and funny, and can be enjoyed over and over again.
  4. Sleepy Hollow: a dark, gothic mystery set within an eerie atmosphere. 
  5. Hocus Pocus: a nostalgic Halloween adventure filled with witches and Massachusetts charm.

There are countless others, especially for the Halloween season, but these always set the perfect fall mood, no matter which one is playing. 

Activities 

While the chilly air might make you want to stay in the comfort of your dorm, there are many exciting fall traditions that cannot be missed. Wrap yourself up in a fluffy sweater and head out on an autumn day!

  1. Carve/paint pumpkins: Head to any grocery store and you will find countless pumpkins of different shapes and sizes. Enjoy the fun tradition of carving or decorating pumpkins — you can make them scary or cute, and even turn it into a competition between you and your friends! When you finish, set them out on your window or table to welcome fall spirit into your dorm.
  2. Go for a stroll: Walk historic neighborhoods like Beacon Hill to get a glimpse of fun Halloween decorations, or stroll around the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common to enjoy architecture and fall scenery! Head over to Newbury Street and do some fall wardrobe shopping. While you’re there, stop by Trident Booksellers & Cafe, grab a coffee and purchase some fall themed books.
  3. Go to a cafe: Start your morning off with a fall-inspired drink. Many coffee shops close to campus have seasonal menus featuring flavors like pumpkin, maple and apple. My personal favorite is Blank Street, which currently offers banana bread matcha, carrot cake matcha and gingersnap lattes. If you are looking for something closer, Caffe Nero has many great options as well, such as a pumpkin spice latte and spiced pear latte. 
  4. Decorate your dorm: Get into the seasonal spirit with cozy fall-themed decorations for your dorm. T.J. Maxx always has an abundance of autumn decorations that will leave your space feeling warm and cozy. Adorn your room with little pumpkins for a warm, comfy feeling. 
  5. Go to a farm: If you’re feeling adventurous on a weekend, there are a handful of farms and pumpkin patches just outside of the city. A few of the closest ones are Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow and Lookout Farm in Natick. Getting apple cider and cinnamon sugar donuts is a core part of New England fall that everyone should experience!

Take a day trip to Salem, MA: Growing up in the Boston area, going to Salem in the fall has always been my favorite Halloween tradition. It’s about a 40-minute ride on the Commuter Rail. The whole town is filled with witchy vibes and brick walkways, encapsulating the feeling of fall. There are many cute shops and restaurants to try, as well as museums and haunted houses.