Pumpkin products and colorful foliage enjoyers rejoice! Yes, it’s that time of the year again when the temperature drops, the colors come out, and that caramel latte just tastes a little bit better. You, however, could be reading this with a little confusion, maybe asking yourself what memo you missed. You might be saying to yourself, “My fall has been spent huddled in my biggest coat, wondering why the high and bright sun can only produce 45 degrees at best.” To you, I say we have all been there. fall certainly has its downsides, and being placed at the tail end of summer is not the best lot. However, this beautiful season is quickly leaving the phase of being fun and colorful and entering the phase of being cold and colorless. According to the I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report for New York State, the North Country is just past its prime of peak foliage. Nevertheless, I have come to love fall, and I am here to help you love fall, too. And to do that, I am going to combine two things we all love. Good coffee and aesthetic places to host the best fall photos.    

A simple hot coffee and the area between the enchanted forest and Richardson:   

   This is a good one to start with, as it’s the perfect beginner activity; I’m sure many of you have done this one without even knowing. For this one, you’re going to want to get up early and hit Dana, preferably right when it opens. Have yourself a nice breakfast: bonus points if you have French toast topped with maple syrup (so fall). When you’re finished, grab a to-go cup and fill that sucker up with your go-to coffee(hot is non-negotiable), and make your way towards Richardson. But don’t go too fast; be sure to take your time soaking in the cool morning air. The yard between Richardson and Herring-Cole is packed with maples that have dropped most of their leaves, so bring a friend and splash around in a sea of crispy yellow leaves.    

Don’t fight it. I know exactly what you’re thinking, but just take my advice and buy a damn pumpkin spice latte. Late afternoon, grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte Grande from the NorthStar Café, and head outback. Gander on down behind Pub 56 to the Avenue of the Elms. An orange sky, warm drink and peak Fall color. What more does a person really need? Don’t forget to finish off the coffee before you leave. And since you’ll now be wired for the next five or six hours, it’s time to hit ODY and finish that one assignment you refuse to start.   

An Apple Crisp Oatmilk Frappuccino Grande and chill with the homies in the Beta backyard:   

Kidding, I am kidding; the Beta backyard gives off more rotting junkyard vibes than festive fall vibes. Step one is to grab some friends dressed in proper Fall attire, of course. Step two: pick up an immaculate Apple Crisp Oatmilk Frappuccino Grande from the NorthStar Café; bonus points if you get some apple crumble as a compliment. Step three: Hit the town. Start by peeking at the theme and Greek houses around campus, enjoying the carved pumpkins and Halloween decorations. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a drive around town; before long, you’ll find some pumpkins for sale. You’ve experienced fall to its fullest potential so far, but now, it’s time to dig in and become a part of the fall experience yourself.