Hey all – Megan here!
We’re getting well into the fall semester, and although most
PLU students are currently drowning in homework and upcoming exams, we should
still make time for play in the midst of all the stress! In this blogpost, I
will be listing some of my favorite fall activities in the general Tacoma area,
and hopefully you’ll come across some things you’d like to try this fall or
even next year. So, without further ado – let’s check out some fun fall
activities!
1. Spooner Farms Pumpkin Patch
Starting things off with perhaps the most notable fall
activity – going to a pumpkin patch! I remember when I first moved here two
years ago, I was so confused as to why people wanted to dress all cute and look
at pumpkins, but it turns out that it’s pretty fun! Spooner Farms, which is
located in Puyallup, puts together a harvest festival every year, and has been
in session since September 28th, and will last until October 31st.
The farm is
available for your enjoyment, with fun things to do for people of all ages,
including the actual pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and more.
Bring some friends along with you and get ready for amazing
photo ops, but make sure to wear some boots – things can get a little muddy!
2. Maris Farms: The Haunted Corn Maze
If just a regular ‘ole corn maze doesn’t do it for ya, try
it with a spooky twist! Maris Farms is located in Buckley, which is about 40-minute
drive from PLU. How a corn maze works is that you walk through a field of corn
with trails carved in a maze design, and you solve the maze with the help of
clue cards. Because it’s more of a nighttime activity, the corn maze takes
place from 8-9pm. The maze itself can take up to 45 minutes to solve, and the
“haunted” part of the challenge comes from characters inside the maze who are
essentially trying to spook you (don’t worry, they are not allowed to touch
you). Now, I know this might not sound super appealing – but if you’re not
afraid of getting a little spooked, this is definitely an activity you should
try with some friends! Again, rain + dirt = mud, so come prepared by wearing
shoes you can get dirty, and warm clothing.
I am actually going there tonight, and this will be my first
time experiencing a haunted corn maze. I really enjoy watching horror movies,
and going to haunted houses, so this should be right up my alley!
3. Go to a PLU
Football Game!
I’ll be the first to say it: sports are not my thing. I
don’t actually understand what goes on during a football game, which I think a
lot of international students can relate to. However, PLU Football games are
pretty much the only sports games I go to – because they’re super fun! Because
we don’t have our own stadium, home games are played at Sparks Stadium in
Puyallup (apparently all fall things take place in Puyallup), which is a little
inconvenient, but it makes the trip down there an event in itself. Our games
usually take place at 1pm on Saturdays, and you’ll most likely find me in the
stands, not paying attention to the game, but rather chatting with the friends
I have convinced to go with me J
Sometimes we’ll go out to eat after, and I think I like going to the games
because it gives me something to do on Saturday afternoons.
4. Christmas Tree
Hunting
Granted, Christmas trees aren’t necessarily associated with
fall, but I usually end up getting a Christmas tree towards the tail end of the
season. There is something about walking around a Christmas tree farm, looking
for the perfect tree, that is just super festive! I always enjoy going to get a
Christmas tree, and will usually go with my boyfriend and his family. My
favorite part is drinking apple cider and cuddling with the animals at the farm
(read: the farm dog). So, if you’re in the need of a Christmas tree this year –
check out the local options and make a day of it!
5. The Washington
State Fair/Puyallup Fair
Last, but certainly not least: The Fair! Sadly, the fair is
over for the year, but this is a definite must if you haven’t been yet. The
Washington State fair takes place at the beginning of fall each year, and is
located in downtown Puyallup.
This is the place to be for amazing food, fun
rides, and cuddles with farm animals! Local farmers bring things to the fair
for display, so there are a lot of fun things to look at. To be honest, I
usually just walk around and eat – I haven’t ever been on any of the rides
there! The fair is equally as fun at night as it is during the day, and there
are concerts available throughout the month of September, so keep an eye out
for which day is the best to go.
Alright, that concludes my list of festive fall activities. I
hope you guys decide to check out some of the options listed above, and make
time for some fun in between all the studying. I sure am going to!
- - Megan
