Fall is the most wonderful time of year. Time for apple picking, Hocus Pocus watching, leaves falling and pumpkin everything.

Even though it hasn’t exactly felt like fall lately with the heat advisory and weird summer weather, it is officially fall. After all, what other season leads into so many great times of the year including, but not limited to, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

So it’s time to pack away those sandals and bring out those boots for some fun fall activities.

For those of you who enjoy a nice relaxing afternoon strolling through the countryside, Gustavus is hosting many fall activities.

Luckily, right in our backyard in the Linnaeus Arboretum there is the Fall Fest from 11a.m. to 4p.m. on October 7 in the arb, where you can enjoy a hayride, games, face painting, delicious food, and a treasure hunt.

This event is free and open to the public, so bring your friends and family and take in the wonder that is the Arb.

While you visit, fill out a ribbon saying what you’re thankful for, that nature provides for us and make a donation for the World Climate Ribbon Project by the Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light.

A little further down the road there is Sever’s Corn Maze in Shakopee, which is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There you can enjoy the petting zoo, corn maze, corn pit, live music, food and much more.

This is the perfect place to enjoy the weekend and get off campus for a little while with your friends, or maybe meet up with your family members.

No matter who you go with, there is something for everyone at Sever’s Corn Maze.

A little closer to home there is apple picking galore at Emma Krumbees in Belle Plaine, as well as wagon rides, a petting zoo, and a delicious restaurant with homemade baked goods next door.

“Whether you’re more of an apple picking baker or a crazy thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do.”

This is a place you don’t want to miss out on so go pick some apples, make some pie and call it a day. Just a hop skip and a jump away from Emma Krumbee’s is Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, which can be pretty busy at times, but the wait is worth it.

There is more candy than you could ever imagine and a beautiful pumpkin patch for carving, eating, or whatever your heart desires.

Everyone knows it is not Halloween season unless you get so scared you jump out of your skin a little. These fall activities aren’t for the faint of heart, but everyone is welcome.

The Dead End Hayride in Wyoming, MN is sure to keep you up at night but is worth it. It is now open on Fridays and Saturdays for the month of September, but in October they are open Wednesday through Sunday and everyday for the last week of the month.

So go and hop on the hayride and watch out for those monsters out there.

The Trail of Terror and Valleyscare are both also located in Shakopee and are the perfect mix of terrifying and amazing.

The Trail of Terror runs from October 13 to October 29 and has so many scary haunted houses to keep you on your toes, as well as some scare-free attractions such as karaoke, bull rides, and many other games.

Valleyscare opened September 16 and you can go every Friday and Saturday until October 28. Valleyscare is a place for the family and your friends.

Their slogan is “Fun by day. Fright by night” so head on over and go through some mazes, and experience the excalibur and steel venom at night.

So whether you’re more of an apple picking baker, or a crazy thrill seeker there are plenty of things to do, either in Gustavus’ backyard, or less than an hour away.

Take a break from studying, work, and the stress of life and forget about your problems and stroll through a corn maze or have a zombie scare all your troubles away.

Fall is the time for giving thanks, appreciating what we have and enjoying yourself so go ahead and do just that, you earned it.