Madison Kwiecinski – Editor-in-Chief 

Mvk5945@psu.edu 

I think fall is one of the absolute best seasons of the year. The trees change colors, the weather reaches a perfect temperature, and there are so many great seasonal activities to do. But what makes for a perfect spooky season? 

Well first of all, and I know this part is uncontrollable, but it starts with the weather. A perfect fall is the type of temperature where you can get away with wearing almost anything. A nice cool temperature where it is not freezing, but you also can take full advantage of the sweater weather season. 

Additionally, when the weather is nice out the leaves change at a perfect rate. It leads to a beautiful fall scene outside, giving you the perfect background for fall activities. 

I love being in Erie in the fall, because walks in the Gorge are a quintessential part of a perfect autumn season. However, you can complete these fall walks anywhere, as long as you can get into the woods and be fully surrounded by the beautiful changing trees. 

Another important part of the season is, of course, fall drinks. Now here, you have options, but I personally believe you should just have them all. I love a good chai tea in the fall, whether that drink is hot or iced. Also, pumpkin spice, as cliche as it may be, is essentially and probably the first of these drinks I get when the season begins. You also can never go wrong with any kind of apple cider, though the best ones come fresh from some form of apple farm. 

I also think Halloween movies are a very important part of the season. For me, this means watching “Hocus Pocus” and “Scooby-Doo” movies. I also enjoy finding new films to enjoy each season, keeping it interesting. 

Campfires are another important part of fall to me. You have to sit around a campfire with friends once the season gets chilly. Roasting smores, drinking cider, relaxing by a fire, this is what makes the season so great. 

Additionally, to complete the spooky season it is important to visit some kind of haunted attraction. This can be a hayride, a haunted house, or some other kind of spooky pop up event. Personally, I enjoy the 13 Levels of Fear haunted attraction located at Conneaut Lake. If you can volunteer at a haunted house, this is an even better opportunity as you get to fully immerse in the experience. 

Finally, I think visiting a pumpkin patch is absolutely essential. Whether this be a huge pumpkin path, or a smaller fall shop, you should shop local and get the experience of picking out the pumpkin you want to carve. Get some cider or homemade pumpkin butter, and enjoy the season the way it is meant to be enjoyed.