Despite Saturday’s much-too-soon winter weather, autumn has not escaped us. Though we tend to mark the season with Halloween and the drinking festivities surrounding it, there are parts of fall that seem consistently neglected while in college.
Every year I find myself disappointed come the end of November, frustrated that I didn’t take advantage of anything the season has to offer. It’s easy to lose track of time between co-op hunting, midterms and the beer cans accumulating on the coffee table – but not this year. I’ve made a vow to swap the Bud Light can and piece of pizza for a mug of hot apple cider and butternut squash.
Living in a city can make the changing seasons a bit less obvious, but Boston has plenty of alternatives for those looking to celebrate the season.
Fall Wine Festival: Saturday, Nov. 5 at Boston Center for the Arts. Try seasonal wines from around the world. Tickets are $50. A little pricey but more justifiable than a $50 Halloween costume.
Fall Foliage at Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum: Dodge the never-ending horn honking and constant noise of the city for an excursion to Jamaica Plain. Easy to get to by the T and a perfect way to unwind on a chilly afternoon.
Rent a bike: There may only be a few truly warm days left until we are forced to brave the fierce wind and heaps of snow, so enjoy the sun while it lasts. Try renting the Hubway bikes outside International Village, on Massachusetts Avenue or the North Lot on Hemenway Street.
Make a fall feast: To cut down on cost, get a group of friends together and each agree to make something. If you’re lacking ideas, think comfort foods: macaroni and cheese (homemade), beef stew, chili or baked ziti. And don’t forget dessert.
Make a wreath: Grab a foam board from True Value on Massachusetts Avenue and cut out a circular shape, leaving an empty space in the middle (think Christmas wreaths). Gather some fallen leaves from outside (I know we’re in a city, but there are plenty to chose from) and hot-glue them to the foam cutout for a perfect seasonal decoration to spruce up a room.
Aphrodite and the Love of Gods exhibit at the MFA: The exhibit focuses on on Aphrodite, known to some as Venus, and the artwork that surrounds her beauty and power. See ancient sculptures, pottery and frescos from ancient Greece and Rome. Exhibit runs from Oct. 26 through Feb. 20 in the Torf Gallery.
Try a seasonal beer: A little more pricey than the typical Miller High Life we’ve grown accustomed to, but totally worth the extra couple of bucks. Try the Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square for an Able I.P.A., or the Great Pumpkin Ale, on tap through Thanksgiving.
So before another brisk and sunny Saturday goes by watching the Kardashian wedding (or should I say divorce?) and eating leftover Chinese food, keep in mind that winter lasts twice as long in Boston.
– Erica Thompson can be reached at [email protected].
