by Raven Ash

Pumpkin spice and everything nice. Fall is just around the corner, so be ready to break out your hoodies and favorite football jerseys to welcome in the highly anticipated season.

As September wraps up, we can expect to see pumpkin spice in every form. Sweaters and hoodies will become the fashion staple. And football will flood our weekend television.

Many things in fall are the same every year, but one thing that is different for some Quincy University students is being away from home.

Many students who come from big cities are under the impression that Quincy has little to do. However, Quincy and its surrounding areas have many activities that are sure to entertain students this Fall.

Interested picking out the perfect pumpkin? Mill Creek Farm in Quincy allows you to do just that! At Mill Creek Farm visitors will be given a hay rack ride into the pumpkin patch to hand pick the pumpkin of their liking. The farm is open every weekend in October from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I love Mill Creek. It brings all the fall vibes. Hayrack rides, all the pumpkins you have to choose from and pictures. They have everything. When fall comes, that’s the busiest place for sure,” Ellie Hoyt said.

For students who enjoy a challenge, Parker’s Corn Maze will put them to the test. Students can enjoy getting lost with their friends in six acres of corn in the daytime or nighttime. The maze is composed of many winds and turns to make sure visitors are in for a challenge. Parker’s Corn Maze is located just 26 minutes from Quincy University campus outside of Hannibal, Mo.

Quincy is also home to Edgewood Orchards. The apple orchard produces about 1.1 million apples each season and has approximately 3,000 apple trees on the property. The orchard is a popular fall attraction in Quincy for picture-taking and buying all things apple. The orchard sells homemade apple pies, apple cider, frozen apple cider slushies, candy, and more.

“My first time going to the orchard was last year. It is a good place to go with all of your friends and enjoy all things fall,” Kenzie Blentlinger said.

October has adopted the common name “spooky season”. Student in search of a good scare this fall have many options.

Haunted Hallows Haunted Trail puts a twist on the traditional haunted house. Instead of being indoors, it is a haunted trail through the woods. Students can visit this attraction on Friday and Saturday nights in October. The trail is located 30 minutes from campus outside of Palmyra, Mo.

The university also brings the spooks to you right on campus. The CEO club hosts the Haunted Asylum at North Campus annually. The event is known to be a horrifying and huge hit each year. It attracts many Quincy residents and university students.

Do not let the chilly weather keep you cooped up in your dorm room this fall. Get out and see what fun the Quincy area has to offer!