As you may have noticed, there’s a crisp breeze around campus, football season is in full force and jack-o'-lanterns will soon be grinning around every corner. While it can be hard to embrace the cold weather, you can use these eight ideas to enjoy Columbia’s most gorgeous and fun-filled season to the fullest.
1. Sip and snack seasonally.
Support a local business by sampling a pumpkin spice latte at Cool Beans Coffee Company, Columbia’s own coffee shop on College Street. The Soda City Market in downtown Columbia also sells many warming goodies. Every Saturday, the market offers anything from barbecue sandwiches to caramel apples to kettle corn.
2. Take a hike.
Get outside! Spend a day at Poinsett State Park and hike or bike one of the park’s many trail options. Other hiking destinations include Paris Mountain State Park and Croft State Park, both of which are just under two hours away from campus.
3. Be creative.
Fall sunrises and sunsets provide the ultimate lighting for photoshoots around University of South Carolina’s beautiful campus. Autumn leaves can be easily crafted into a wreath for your dorm room or a crown to satisfy your inner hipster. And, of course, carving a pumpkin is a must.
4. Host a movie night.
Chilly evenings are best for one thing: cozy movie nights. Fall is the season for dramas and romances, and Netflix currently offers some great choices such as “Good Will Hunting,” “Autumn In New York” and “Moonrise Kingdom.”
5. Make a playlist.
The beginning of fall also means a rush of classes, studying and midterms. A playlist with calming tunes will help you stay focused and be somewhat entertained during long evenings spent with textbooks. Throw back with some cozy autumn tracks like “We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes and “September Song” by Frank Sinatra, or keep it up to date with chill acoustics in songs like “Rivers” by Allman Brown and “Stay With Me” by Roo Panes.
6. Homecoming.
From Oct. 10 to Oct. 17, celebrate USC Homecoming 2015 with a parade or a pep rally, Dance Marathon and finish out the week by watching South Carolina play Vanderbilt at Williams-Brice Stadium.
7. Don’t play it cool.
The temperature is already starting to drop and soon those walks to class will require cozy knits to stay warm. Urban Outfitters on Gervais Street has a wide selection of stylish sweaters, socks and scarves. Get personally tailored discounts and rewards by using the free Urban Outfitters app.
8. Play dress up.
Finish fall with a bang by going all-out for Halloween. Gather friends and dress up as your favorite squad, or choose a film icon or Disney character and go solo. On Oct. 29, celebrate early with a haunted house and pumpkin carving in the Russell House Ballroom and, later that evening, a screening of “Sweeney Todd” in the Russell House Theater.