Fall is a time to savor the outdoors; to take stock of what’s important and take advantage of the beautiful landscape before winter rushes in, leaving the campus a cold, barren tundra. There are many fun, easy ways to get the most of the autumn season and all that it offers.

For starters, Halloween candy is out in full force, just waiting to be purchased and devoured by famished individuals. Econo Foods has an entire wall of reasonably priced Halloween candy located between the cash registers and the beauty products. “I’m definitely not one of those people that organizes my candy—I just eat it. [At the store] I’ll only get the candy if it’s a good grab bag. You know how some have just weird non-name brand suckers and tootsie rolls? Super sketch,” Sophomore candy enthusiast Michelle Palm said.

For those interested in more than candy for Halloween, the Trail of Terror has lots of frights and delights to satiate your horror needs.

According to its website, the Trail of Terror has “more than 25 mummifying rooms. … [and] five horrific hallways” in which you can “bring your most horrible fears & phobias to life with over 900 scares, props & optical illusions.”

Located just up North 169, the Trail of Terror is a long-running Minnesota tradition and is considered the largest Halloween event in the Midwest.

If you’re not into creepy, claustrophobic things, there are still plenty of options.

Pumpkin carving, pumpkin seed toasting and caramel apple-making are all well known autumnal traditions that lack the blood and gore of those closely associated with Halloween.

With the changing of the seasons comes colder weather. A quick and easy solution to chilly autumn months is the scarf. Scarves offer a nice cover from the blustering wind, while adding character to your wardrobe. “I enjoy an exceptionally cute scarf now and then. But they are taking over the world, because you can look cute without really trying so it’s the new default outfit,” Junior Financial Economics Major Jill Apfelbacher said.

Whether it’s fashion, food or frights, the fall season has a little bit of something for everyone.

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients

• Pumpkin seeds
• Cooking spray, olive oil or butter
• Optional:
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Seasoned salt
  • Other seasoning of choice

How To

1. Rinse pumpkin seeds, making sure  to remove all the pulp
2. Drain seeds and discard pulp. Spread out on a cookie sheet to dry overnight
3. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil
4. Toss pumpkin seeds in olive oil or butter, or spray with cooking spray
5. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper or your choice of seasonings
6. Bake about 1 hour, tossing every 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown

Apple Cider Popsicles

Ingredients

• 1 gallon jug of apple cider
• 1 popsicle tray/mold
• 1 package popsicle/craft sticks
• 1 Freezer

How To

1. Pour cider into popsicle tray, place sticks in mold
2. Freeze for about four hours
3. Enjoy

Homemade Caramel Apples

Ingredients

• 6 apples
• 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels,
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 package of popsicle/craft sticks
• 1 baking sheet
• 1 tbls. butter

How To

1. Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top.
2. Butter a baking sheet
3. Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave 2 minutes, stirring briefly
4. Once the caramel has cooled slightly, roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated
5. Place on the baking sheet to set