Fall in love with autumn in Buffalo

By: Helena Kottas, Assistant Features Editor 

In case you haven’t heard, or felt the chill in the air, this past Tuesday, Sept. 22, marked the start of the autumn season. For some, this brings excitement for new activities, but others may feel sad and start to dread the long winter ahead. Although we can’t keep the heat forever, there are so many fun activities to do during fall in and around Buffalo even though it’s a bit cooler out.

For most Buffalonians, fall means one thing: Bills season. Although football has already begun, the crisp air and falling leaves add another special feeling to watching the Bills play. Another great part about football is the community that it creates. Whether you are watching it in your dorm hall, at a restaurant or live in Orchard Park, N.Y., the Bills always make us feel connected. Restaurants like Bar–Bill, 40 Thieves, Thirsty Buffalo and more make for the perfect place to watch the game on television, with even better food. A lot of people also enjoy going to tailgates outside of the stadium prior to the game, whether they are attending the game or not. The energy is truly unmatched there. 

If you’re looking for a nice drive from campus, Mayer Bros Cider Mill is worth it. You can try the best cider and apple cider donuts, only 25 minutes away from school. If you head 25 minutes the other way from school, you will find yourself at The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, N.Y. This farm can make for the perfect day with friends, from corn mazes to hayrides and of course, pumpkins. If you are up for a bit further of a drive, Ellicottville, N.Y. is the epitome of a fall town. Between delicious restaurants, cute shops and fall foliage you can have the perfect autumn day there. If you make the trip as the leaves are changing, you will have a great view on the way down. As a bonus, you can even take a ride on the chair lift on weekends and see the town from high up on the hills at Holiday Valley. 

For those feeling even braver, the fall also means horror season for many. Buffalo is known for Frightworld, a multi–house haunted screampark. It has won multiple awards and is located indoors, so you can attend at any time. If you’re in the mood for something spookier, or more realistic, exploring Buffalo may lead you to some haunted sights, a town that is said to be pretty haunted. The Richardson Hotel is rumored to be haunted, due to its former use as an insane asylum in the 1800s. Additionally, Buffalo Central Terminal has a big reputation for being haunted, so much so that they offer ghost tours. 

Whether you prefer pumpkin patches and cider or haunted buildings and ghosts, there is something for everyone to enjoy this fall in and around the city. Buffalo winters are really long, so take advantage of the fall while it's here. These few cool months are part of what makes Buffalo so special. So before the snow arrives, grab your friends, go outside and enjoy everything Buffalo has to offer this autumn.