For college students the fall often offers new beginnings. For the freshmen it is a completely new start, in a brand new place. For other students, it is new classes with the nostalgic feeling that returning to campus every year often brings. The leaves changing, football games, pumpkin spice and sweaters are just a few of the comforting things that people commonly look forward to in the fall. Fall lovers at Grand View have lucked out because Des Moines is filled with exciting seasonal activities. This is in addition to the fall experiences students can get on campus.
One of the most familiar fall experiences is taking home pumpkins from a pumpkin patch. This is because there is a plethora of fall activities that involve pumpkins such as pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting and making treats with pumpkin seeds. People also love the experience of being at the patch itself. Some things people enjoy are taking photos there, getting fall treats there and just appreciating the fall atmosphere it provides. Pumpkin patches are often popular with all ages as there is something there for everyone.
“Yeah I went to the one over in Cumming I think it is south of Des Moines. It’s 30 minutes from Grand View’s campus and it was super big,” Grand View Sophomore Aliya Brandt said. “I have never been to a pumpkin patch that was so like kid friendly and they had animals too like cows and goats that you could actually touch.”
There are numerous pumpkin patches in Des Moines. Some of those being Center Grove Orchard, Howells Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkinville, Rose Farm and Iowa Orchard. Some experiences they often have to offer are corn mazes, petting zoos, fall games, hayrides and shopping for fall decor.
“I feel like pumpkin patches have that stuff, but you aren’t actually allowed to touch them,”Brandt said. “So, I feel like the interaction was really good and when I was there they said that in December they switch it to a Christmas tree farm.”
Another thing people love is seasonal drinks. Seasonal drinks released at coffee shops is always a telltale sign that fall is starting. The new fall menus usually spread all over social media as well as reviews for all the new drinks. Some places in Des Moines that have fall drinks include Starbucks, Dunkin’, 7 Brew and Northern Vessel. Pumpkin flavored drinks and treats get people excited about the weather changing. The flavors of pumpkin and maple often bring a comforting feeling to many. This is why so many big drink companies offer a fall menu for September and October. People now look forward to fall time because their favorite drinks will be released.
“There are so many good places. The basic answer is just Starbucks. You can never go wrong. It is such a classic,” Grand View sophomore Isabelle McCann said. “I have not had it yet, but Northern Vessel just came out with a pumpkin spice latte and I really like their regular coffee so I am gonna have to find that at some point.”
It is not just drinks that become seasonal, but foods as well. Fall baking videos flood everyones feed once September rolls around. Cooking warm foods or baking an apple dessert is a common way people celebrate fall.
“I just love soup. I love all soups and stuff. Also, the fall reminds me of football season so I love a good buffalo chicken dip or some baked mac and cheese those kinds of just cozy comfort foods,” McCann said.
While there are tons of fall activities to attend out in Des Moines, there is also seasonal events on campus. GVU puts on their own haunted house and halloween bash. A group of student leadership teams come together to provide fall drinks and snacks. Student Activities Council (SAC) also gives out free vouchers for Linn’s haunted house in Des Moines. SAC also does pies and pumpkin painting. All of these activities help bring the fall atmosphere to campus.
“I love when I see the leaves change, it is just so nice. We have fun activities and stuff that the campus has,” McCann said. “The vibes are so high and its football season and like everything is still new and exciting. It is just a super fun time of the year.”
Students at GVU often take advantage of the cool fall weather to spend their free time outside. Many can be seen playing on the basketball courts or hanging out in the green space. This creates a comforting and uplifting environment during the fall on campus.
“I feel like in the fall I really like the spot in between all the buildings with all the trees because as the colors change of the leaves and they fall it is really pretty,” Brandt said. “And that is a good spot to study. And just like lay a blanket out there with your friends.”
A very popular place to visit in Des Moines in the fall is the farmer’s market. This is held on Saturdays in the Historic Court District. Many people love to go on a walk and support the local vendors when the weather is nice. The market is held right in the heart of Des Moines and has something for everyone.
“All their different cultures coming together in one area with like their different food styles and all the flowers there. I love the different flower places. All the different coffee shops where they incorporate different styles,” GVU freshman Chloe Greiner said.
In addition to food and drinks, fashion also changes in the fall. The stores bring out their neutral colors and warmer options. The fall fashion trends often spread across social media pushing people to purchase the new apparel.
“I do love just basic black leggings with like a crew neck or a sweater and my Uggs,” Brandt said.
While being on campus may create a different fall experience for students than they are used to, Greiner believes it adds to thew atmosphere.
“I think it is more Gilmore Girls coded. It is so much more wholesome because you are always with your friends instead of being alone. You are walking outside every time to go to class and then seeing people you do not see every day,” Greiner said.
