September 26, 2022
And just like that — autumn is upon us. As we trade our oppressive heat, iced drinks and open-toed shoes for crisp, dewy mornings, warm cups of coffee and the invariable joys of reopening our sweater drawer, we can start to think about the whole host of wonderful things to do around Lincoln that pair perfectly with the fall season.
Here’s a list of surefire ways to do fall right.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
One of the great seasonal rituals, Lincoln is fortunate to have two outstanding pumpkin patches nearby for local residents and Husker students to pick from. A short 20-minute drive from campus, Roca Berry Farm in the nearby town of Roca has all the picturesque views, delicious baked goods and, of course, pumpkins you could possibly want.
An hour-long drive in the direction of Omaha will take you to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, with many of the same draws and endless fields of delightfully plump pumpkins to pick from.
Find a Spot to See the Changing Leaves
It’s hard to top the kaleidoscopic fall colors around UNL’s campuses (both city and east), but if you’re looking for a change of scenery to soak in the pleasant outdoor ambiance, we recommend checking out these spots:
Visit an Apple Orchard
Apple orchards: a quintessentially Nebraskan fall rite of passage. A place to consume more apple-based products than you could ever dream of finding — including so, so much apple cider.
Arbor Day Farm and Kimmel Apple Orchard in Nebraska City are two of the finest orchards around. Grab some friends and carpool down to pick apples, eat apple products (donuts, pies, cider, etc.), and bask in the glory of autumn.
Check Out a Local Bookstore
With so many serene outdoor options for relaxing in the mild fall weather, you’ll surely want to bring along a book or two to cozy up with and enjoy. A Novel Idea and Francie and Finch bookstores are both within a very short distance from City Campus. Grab a great new read before embarking on your fall adventures!
Not looking to buy? Now is a great time to check out a book from UNL’s vast library of incredible selections.
Support Your Local Coffee Shops
What is fall if not an excuse to sample delightful, caffeinated beverages? These local coffee shops are a great start for seeking out tasty drinks and supporting local small businesses.