Fun and Affordable Fall Destinations for UMass Students

By Samantha DeJesus on October 1, 2012

With fall now in full swing people all over New England are eager to participate in all the usual fall activities- apple picking, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, haunted hay rides, fairs, and all that’s in between. Being an out-of-state student at a massive school like UMass Amherst can leave you out of the loop as far as knowing where the best spots to go for fall fun are.
Lately, more and more of my out-of-state friends have been asking me fun places to go in the area, and since I grew up just 20 minutes down the road from UMass I know right where to point them. So, here is a list I compiled of my five favorite destinations in the fall for those of you who want the full fall experience.

The Quabbin Reservoir- Belchertown/ Ware, Mass
East of UMass on route 9 towards Belchertown is the Quabbin Reservoir, home of Boston’s main water supply. It is the largest inland body of water in all of Massachusetts. Formed in the 1930′s, the Quabbin was made by flooding the entire Swift River Valley; four towns and the entire population were forced to relocate. All the main entrances are clearly visible from route 9 and offer public parking. Once you’re in the Quabbin you’ll see that it offers endless possibilities. The New Salem and Enfield lookouts have breathtaking views, especially in the fall months. Amongst other things, the Quabbin offers fishing, hiking, biking, and picnicking. It’s an ideal destination on a beautiful fall day and you’re encouraged to bring a camera along for the visit.

Apple Picking- Outlook Farm; Westhampton, Mass
Located on route 66 in Westhampton, about 40 minutes from UMass is Outlook Farm which is currently celebrating its 50th year running. Here you can pick your own apples on weekends from 10 AM till 4 PM. They offer one size bag to pick your apples; a half a bushel for 25 dollars per bag. On top of delicious fresh picked apples, on Sunday afternoons through October 21st you can take a horse drawn hayride between 1 PM till 4 PM for three dollars a person. Outlook Farm also invites you to their barbecues from 12 PM till 3 PM on Sunday afternoons.

Atkins Farm- Amherst, Mass
Located right next to Hampshire College is Atkins Farm. Although the store is open year round, for some reason I always find myself enjoying it more in the fall. From their fresh apple cider to their affordable gift shop, Atkins Farm defines the fall season. For those who don’t have the time to go out and pick their own apples, rest assured that Atkins has you covered. Their gift shop also has the perfect home decor to give your apartment or dorm room a warm homey feel and I encourage you to try their home made apple cider donuts; I have yet to meet someone who has not become addicted to them.

Mikes Maze- Sunderland, Mass
If you’re looking for a place that has almost everything the fall season has to offer then Mike’s Maze is your answer. Located on Warner Farm on South Main street in Sunderland, Mike’s Maze comes equipped with a massive corn maze, a haunted maze at night (weekends starting October 12), pumpkin decorating, and scarecrow making. This year’s maze takes up eight acres of land and is in the shape of Jean Francois Millet’s “The Sower”. Throughout the maze participants learn about life on the farm by answering various questions and challenges. For every question and challenge participants either make or lose money for their farm. Those who finish the maze with a profit get to take home a prize

Mount Tom- Holyoke, Mass
For an amazing view of the fall foliage look no farther than Mount Tom on Reservation Road in Holyoke, about 20 minutes from Amherst. With over 2,000 acres of land, 22 miles of hiking and walking trails, picnicking, and fishing, Mount Tom is perfect for a fall afternoon. Mount Tom is also infamous for hawk watching. Thousands of hawks fly past the mountain each fall.

Of course there are many other spots like the ones listed above around the Amherst area, but these are the ones I have found to be the most enjoyable and more importantly affordable. Additional information on the locations listed above is also available on the Internet. I strongly encourage you to visit at least one of these spots; I’m certain they will not disappoint!

Do you have a favorite spot around Amherst that you like to visit in the fall months? Let me know! I’m always looking for new places to discover. Comment below with suggestions or tweet me on Twitter @THE_SamDeJesus

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