As winter quickly approaches, a slight chill fills the air. On the walk between classes, a rainbow of leaves swirls around you and the sudden urge to jump into a nearby pile is almost irresistible. This is the time of year to get outside and watch nature make its annual transition. To fully experience this transformation from the sunny day of summertime to a frosty winter chill, try taking part in a few of these fun fall activities.
Visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard:
There is no better way to celebrate Mother Nature?s richness than by taking the chance to surround yourself with the fruits of her labor (literally). Plus, since Halloween is so close, picking your own pumpkin to carve later will leave a lasting memory. There are several nearby farms open for self picking. Crows Nest Farm and Sinkland Farms offer pumpkin picking and hay rides, and Jamison?s Orchard in Roanoke offers apple picking. For more information visit: www.pickyourown.org
Take a drive on the Blue Ridge:
View the magnificent changes taking place as leaves change color and forests become nature?s rainbow. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, through 469 miles of forest. The relaxing, yet invigorating drive boasts recreation areas, overlooks, picnic areas and hiking trails to meet the needs of any visitor.
Go camping with a group of friends:
There?s no time to waste on this suggestion. Camping in the cold is never any fun. Grab sleeping bags, food and some good friends and take advantage of the current perfect weather conditions. For a directory of local campgrounds visit: www.hikercentral.com.
Take a hike:
If an overnight trip isn?t what you had in mind, a day trip to a local hiking hotspot may fit the bill. The Cascades is a personal favorite. The two-mile trail leads up to an incredible view of a fantastic waterfall. There are two trails; one is for the more adventurous. At the trail?s end you?ll find a peaceful spot to sit back and experience nature at its finest. For more information about local trails visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website.
Have a picnic:
Get a group together and have a potluck. Bring along all of your favorite fall foods. Better yet, create an early Thanksgiving feast with turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Whether you decide to go to the Duck Pond with a picnic blanket and basket, or invite the neighbors over for an all day grill-fest, everyone should have one last outing before the first snowfall.