By Allison Antram
Staff Writer
Leaves are turning, temperatures are dropping, and everything is now pumpkin-flavored; fall is here (white girls, rejoice!). This season brings a host of possibilities to Lexington as Halloween festivities kick off and the last months of outdoor activities draw to a close.
The fall go-to is Boyd’s Orchard. It’s a great place to go to pick apples or pumpkins and eat some great local fall cuisine. Not to mention, it’s free to get in, making it perfect for college stu- dents.
“There’s live music and all sorts of fall treats,” junior Keegan Penalva said of his experience, “I really recommend the apple cider slushes. They are amazing.”
Boyd’s Orchard is hosting festivals every weekend in October, including a Fall Festival, Pump- kin Festival, October Festival and the Harvest Festival. So, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the fall utopia that is Boyd’s Orchard. Admission for the festivals is only $8. More information is available at boydorchards.com.
Another frequently visited location is Shaker Village. “You haven’t truly experienced fall in Kentucky until you’ve taken the majestic, scenic drive out to Shaker Village,” said senior Kate Grounds, “[or] walked around admiring the beauty of the vibrant changing leaves, and partici- pated in one of the many pleasant fall activities the cutest little village around has to offer.”
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Friday and Saturday nights through October, there is live music as well as “Spirit Strolls,” where you can go on a haunted history walk through the village. More information regarding this and other events is available on their website at shakervillageky.org.
For those seeking more adventure, fall is the perfect time of year to seize hiking and other outdoor opportunities. There is the popular Red River Gorge, but there are also some closer op- tions. For instance, Raven Run, by Jacobson Park, is a great place for this.
“Raven Run is a beauti- ful natural environment that is a wonderful place to relax, hike or trail run,” said junior Maddie Mitchell. She noted it was a great way “to enjoy the outdoors without being stuck on campus or having to drive all the way out to the Gorge.”
If none of these options sound appealing, there is still plenty to do. For Halloween, there are several haunted houses in Lexington, such as Terror on Tates Creek. Or, simply take the season as a chance to eat pumpkin-flavored things. Grounds commented that her favorite was Coffee Pub’s pumpkin pancakes.
“Fall is the opportune time to be creative,” said Mitchell, “[it] brings the perfect weather to be outside… as long as you are up for adventure, fall is the best season at Asbury.”