Fall is here and so is the spookiest month of the year. If you’re anything like me, nothing is better than the irresistible, thrilling feeling that fall brings. Yet with precautions and guidelines set in place amid the pandemic, you may be wondering how you can enjoy fall festivities. Fortunately, there are many activities that can be pulled off without overcrowding.

Haunted cars

For some fun frights in the safety of your own vehicle, Drive Boo Halloween offers a drive-thru haunted house every Friday and Saturday night of October at the American Airlines Center. Tickets are $30 per vehicle or $40 per vehicle for the VIP experience with more haunting hunches. It’s said to include traditional Halloween nostalgia, a haunted carnival, and various monsters and characters spread throughout different levels of the arena’s parking garage.

Time with nature

If you’re looking for a more serene and undisturbed way to celebrate this time of year, taking a hike can be peaceful and soothing. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is four minutes away from Hebron and offers trails for walking or getting a good work out in. Although it is a popular place to be, the trails have more than enough space for people to spread out. Consider taking a break from whatever stresses you may have to enjoy the cool, crisp fall air and seasonal nature.

Pumpkin spice and everything nice

Another way to take advantage of the season is to treat yourself to some mouthwatering seasonal indulgences. And of course, with fall comes pumpkin spice.  The renowned pumpkin spice latte is a staple of fall, but not everyone is a fan. Consider the following Starbucks drinks which also deserve the description of “fall in a cup.”

A sweet and spicy drink with a less overwhelming pumpkin flavor is an iced chai tea latte with pumpkin cold foam on top. Another cozy, flavorful go-to is the cinnamon dolce latte. You can also never go wrong with the classic hot chocolate to feel warm and snug as the weather gets cooler. Although there are many great options for local coffee shops, Starbucks and other drive-thru restaurants do offer the advantage of getting to stay in your car. Once you have your favored fall selection in hand, don’t forget to grab a pumpkin muffin or scone (or bake some at home) to add to the celebration of festive flavors.

Pumpkin patches and hayrides

Even with pumpkin spice lattes and haunted houses, I think we can all agree that pumpkin patches are the epitome of fall. So, head to your local pumpkin patch for both the spirited experience, and the potential jack-o-lanterns. Some pumpkin patches offer reservations on hayrides, which makes it easy to enjoy the vibrant oranges and reds of the scenery while separated from other groups of people.

Cozy classics

Speaking of fall classics, the best way to spend your time at home is to grab a comfy blanket and watch timeless movies with others. To name a few, “Halloweentown,” “Hocus Pocus” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” all bring the enchanting charm of the season alive. Simply watching these in the comfort of your own home with family can be all you need to feel the benevolent essence of fall.

This year has been one of chaos and anxiety for staff and students alike, which makes me appreciate the joy brought by the changing leaves and cooler weather even more. Why not take advantage of this course of action for fall fun? It’s our chance to end 2020 with a little more bliss.