Kaya Clavier, Junior
Fall is my all-time favorite season. From the weather to the holidays, the pretty colors and the cute outfits — it’s the best time of year!
1. Movie Night
I would turn on Hocus Pocus, make popcorn, light a candle (preferably Pumpkin Spice) and grab a cozy blanket. This makes for a perfect night in.
2. Soda City
Every Gamecocks’ favorite way to start the day is with our city’s huge farmer’s market! I would spend my Saturday morning at Soda City in my sweater and jeans with a pair of cute boots looking for my new favorite vendor.
3. State Fair
I suggest making time for the State Fair! I love rides, so I would be in the front of the line for all of them. Then, I would get my fair favorite, a funnel cake. The lights at night are also incredible!
Abby Levit, Sophomore
I am so excited for this fall season in Columbia! I love the weather and being outside when it is not too hot or too cold. Here’s what my weekend would look like:
1. Pumpkin Carving
The Friday before Halloween, my roommates and I would go to Clinton Sease Farm, a pumpkin patch around 30 minutes away from campus. We would get pumpkins to carve and watch Halloween movies!
2. Soda City
On Saturday morning, few friends and I would head to Soda City and enjoy the weather and local vendors. I love seeing all the fall-themed foods and cute dogs on a nice, chilly morning.
3. West Columbia Riverwalk Park
Finally, one of my favorite things to do in the fall is walk the Riverwalk, a gorgeous path that follows the Congaree River. It’s a great way to get outside and admire the river and city views. The sunset views also make for excellent photo ops!
Meghan Keeler, Senior
The temperatures are cooling down, and everyone is out and about at all the fall festivities on and off campus. Check out my list of what I’d do on a perfect fall weekend.
1. Scarecrows at the Robert Mills House Gardens
I would start my weekend by taking my friends to stroll through the beautiful gardens! For the month of October, these gardens have scarecrows scattered around to add a fun, spooky aspect.
2. Deceased Farm Haunted House
I’m a big fan of haunted houses, so I’d spend Friday night at Deceased Farm Haunted House! Venture over, IF YOU DARE… The attraction runs Thursday-Sunday evenings during October.
3. Boo at the Zoo
It’d start my Saturday at Boo at the Zoo at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. This fun Halloween edition of the zoo lasts from October 20th to the 30th and includes spooky exhibits and trick or treating.
4. Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
If you are a big fan of all things apple like me, you should also head to Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill. You’d find me picking apples, enjoying pressed apple cider, apple pies and hot apple donuts!
5. Outdoor Movie: Hocus Pocus
While it will technically be on Monday, Gamecock Entertainment is putting on an outdoor movie at Davis Fields to celebrate Halloween. I’m ready for free candy and popcorn!
Zack Kinsley, Junior
The cooling temperatures and turning leaves are our signs that it’s time to switch out the t-shirts and shorts for jeans and a light coat here at Carolina! Here’s what my perfect fall weekend would look like.
1. Soda City
Something about a sweatshirt and warm cup of coffee really makes Soda City the perfect place to be. I’d spend a good chunk of the morning there, probably buy some flowers, and then I’d head over to Good Life Cafe for brunch!
2. Yard Work
This is probably a polarizing opinion, but I LOVE working in the yard. I would spend a few hours taking care of my home. I’d cut the grass, trim the bushes and pull weeds. Then I’d head to Lowes or a local nursery and buy a few mums and pumpkins to get my front porch looking festive.
3. Dinner
Fall is where I thrive. There are so many delicious soups and stews that are easy to make. My current favorite is broccoli and (vegan) cheese, but I love adding a bit of sweet potato! It’s warm, cheesy and right on par with the fall vibes.
4. "Willy B."
After, I’d grab a coat and head over to a tailgate before kickoff at Williams-Brice Stadium. Something about gameday just makes the Columbia atmosphere so much more electric. Spending the evening cheering on the Gamecocks with my closest friends is the best way to end the night.
So, how would you spend your perfect weekend in Columbia?