After speaking with fellow Hingham High students, the general consensus is that despite bittersweet feelings towards summer wrapping up, there are several bright sparks to light up your fall days: the leaves beginning to change color, the start to football season, the fall Starbucks menu…
Autumn is the perfect time to embrace the brisk September temperatures, make the most of shorter days, and start tackling your fall bucket list! Pumpkin spice products and cozy sweaters have taken over store shelves. Whether you want to cozy up on the couch or head out for the day with friends to see the foliage,here is a complete list of student’s favorite autumn activities to keep you busy all season long.
I interviewed fifty peers at Hingham High School across all four grades, simply asking them to choose their favorite activity out of five of the most common seasonal fall traditions: visiting the pumpkin patch, going apple picking, baking, a trip to the farmers market, and watching scary movies with friends. I tallied each of their votes up to put together a pie chart representing their opinions and revealing Hingham High’s most enjoyed fall activities.
At a glance, poll results came back that demonstrated varying interests across the board with one stand alone winner. In addition to the poll responses, some people I spoke with gave me more ideas to include. For example, junior Rose Lovendale explained, “I don’t really do any of those things, but I appreciate fall shopping because I think fall fashion is cute.”
Freshman Reagan Puleo seconded Rose saying, noting that “fall is one of my favorite seasons because the fashion is amazing. I mean, you can layer!”
Being a classic family tradition and autumn staple, it is no surprise that a trip to the pumpkin patch came in first place with a total of twenty one votes. Visiting a pumpkin patch is the perfect way to celebrate the fall season because it gives you the opportunity to spend time outside with friends and family, appreciate the foliage, and participate in activities like hayrides and corn maizes.
What senior Hannah Givney believes makes the pumpkin patch so nice is not just the activities it offers, but because “it’s cold and you get to put on your cute, cozy sweater and it’s such a vibe.” The pumpkin patch may seem cliche, but it does not disappoint and is a great weekend activity to put on your calendar these upcoming months.
The closest runner up was baking, with a total of sixteen student votes and multiple mentions of pie, with the majority in favor of apple pie over pumpkin. When speaking with junior Sophie Smith, she agreed with apple topping the pie list, explaining, “I love baking apple pie with my family for Thanksgiving.”
For the perfect chilly fall afternoon, simply light a candle and put on Gilmore Girls, or your favorite fall show, while you whip up a dessert that makes the entire house smell like fresh cinnamon and pumpkin spice. Senior Zoe Schultze can attest sharing, “Every fall scent is delicious!”
You’ve got to get the apples for those pies somewhere, so it makes sense that next up on the list, taking third place for best autumn activity, is going apple picking. Head to a nearby orchard to enjoy some live music and hand pick your own apples to make fall recipes with or enjoy on their own. Wrap up the day at the food stands and be sure to get some fresh cinnamon donuts on your way out!
Junior Natalie Shaw can confirm, noting that “The best part of apple picking is definitely the warm apple cider donuts!”
The Farmers Market, which runs every Saturday through November 22 on Station Street in Hingham is a less conventional but still fun fall activity with a wide variety of small local businesses to buy fresh produce, handmade baked goods, and artwork. You could also just walk around, get lunch, listen to the local musician, and spend time outside within the community.
If none of those activities pique your attention, then grab a bowl of popcorn and get ready to scream. Despite being voted least popular among Hingham High students, if you’re into horror, you can’t go wrong watching scary movies with friends. Even if your group is not up for the thrill of a true horror film, settle in for a cozy night and flick on a fall classic like Halloweentown instead!
This upcoming fall season, be sure to make time in your busy schedules and enjoy these brisk holiday months by trying some of Hingham High School’s students’ favorite autumn activities!
There’s so much to look forward to and take junior Eliza Powers advice and “Enjoy the little things! My favorite part of fall is getting to spend time and rake leaves with my mom.”
