Story by: Cameron Short

MONTEVALLO, Ala. — It’s fall y’all! In the south, this is one of the best times of the year. The leaves begin to change colors, the weather gets cooler, and of course, football season is at its peak. These are the things that make autumn the wonderful time of year that people down south look forward to.

So here are eight fun things that will get you in the fall and Halloween spirit.

  1. Go through a maze

Going through a maze provides a fun-filled adventure that really sucks you into feeling the fall vibe. The beauty of taking one on at farm is that even if you exit a little discombobulated after weaving through corn for an hour, you can soothe your nerves with some warm cider or some fresh farm goodies. Within the link provided, you can find the best mazes within the Birmingham area.

2. Visit a haunted house

Taking part in a ghost tour or checking out a haunted house gives travelers a way to escape that’s both exciting and good for the mind. It pushes them to leave their comfort zones, face their fears, and come back home feeling like they’ve done something big.

3. Watch scary movies

The genre often showcases innovative storytelling, cinematography, and sound design, enhancing appreciation for film as an art form. Watching these films can be a fun group activity, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences, especially during jump scares and allow viewers to confront fears in a safe environment, helping to build resilience and coping skills.

4. Enjoy seasonal foods

Fall is a time of abundance, as many fruits and vegetables reach their peak ripeness. The bounty of the harvest means fresher, tastier ingredients, all of which you can find in your local area. The flavors of fall foods tend to be warm and hearty, evoking feelings of comfort and nostalgia. Think spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which are often associated with cozy dishes for things like pumpkin pie, spiced lattes, and gingerbread.

5. Visit a pumpkin patch

Many pumpkin patches sell other local fall produce, like apples and gourds, supporting local farmers and small businesses. These kinds of areas provide family bonding and the opportunity to soke up the scenery and be in the moment with vibrant colors and scenic backdrops, which make for perfect photo ops, whether for family portraits or social media.

6. Pumpkin Decorating and Carving

Pumpkins symbolize the fall season. Decorating pumpkins allows people to express their creativity. From traditional carving to painting and embellishing, it’s a fun way to showcase individual artistic styles. One of my AKL brothers, Austin Mayfield, talked to me about our experience from last year’s mixer with the Phi Mu’s here. “I remember getting to bond with a few of their members during the activity and was able to build a bond with a few of them over something so simple yet fun.”

7. Go to a fall festival

  • Photo via: My camera roll

Festivals often have activities for all ages, such as games, crafts, and entertainment and usually feature seasonal treats, from pumpkin spice goodies to hearty comfort foods, making it a delightful culinary experience. It’s a great way to create lasting memories with family. Live music, performances, and contests often feature at festivals, providing entertainment and a lively atmosphere. Victoria Nave, (Pictured above) talked to me about her previous experience this past month. She told me, “I went last month with my boyfriend, and I enjoyed it so much. We spent all day together and really got to take in the environment and enjoy each others company.”

8. Attend a football game

Football brings communities together. Fall is the perfect time for outdoor activities, and football games offer a great excuse to enjoy the cooler weather and beautiful autumn scenery. Whether it’s cheering for local high school teams or following college (Alabama, Auburn, UAB) and professional leagues, the sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm is palpable. Isiah Coleman, a fellow member of AKL, tells me “I attended an Auburn game my freshman year and the experience was amazing. The atmosphere was electric and it was around the start of fall.” At this point in the season, teams start to have a better approach for the sport and start to feel more of the competitive nature of football fosters friendly rivalries, sparking excitement and engagement among fans. This adds a layer of drama and anticipation to the season.