Story by Melissa Haskin

1. Pick your own pumpkin at the pumpkin patch: Check out the pumpkin patches at Thistledown farm, Lone Pine Farms, Detering Orchards and other local farms. It’s a great way to get out of the city and some even have hayrides!
2. Spend an afternoon or evening at a winery: It’s so easy to get caught up on campus, in the business of homework, take an afternoon or an evening to drive out of town to a winery and relax. Grab lunch at King Estate, check out the (free) weekly Twilight Tasting at Sweet Cheeks and if you can’t get out of town stop by the Territorial Vineyards tasting room or the LaVelle Vineyards tasting room.
3. Go to a corn maze: It’s just something you have to do. This year’s corn maze at Lone Pine Farms is called, “The Headless Horseman.” The maze takes up about ten acres and costs between $13 and $15 depending on which day you go. Not into getting the bejesus scared out of you? Check out the un-haunted mazes during the day, which is also a lot cheaper.
4. Check out the footbridges in Eugene: Eugene is full of pedestrian bridges. The Willamette River alone has five that cross it (check out the map here). Take a moment to enjoy the bridges with the fall scenery.
5. Drink seasonal beer and cocktails: Beer is always an excellent idea. Autumn brings some pretty great seasonal brews, stop by one of the local breweries or bars and try something new.
6. Take some fun photos: Autumn is full of vibrant colors. Take this opportunity to grab a camera, it doesn’t even have to be fancy, and shoot some pictures!
7. Brew hard cider: Hard cider looks pretty easy to brew and fall is apple season so check out this recipe and get cooking.
8. Have a caramel apple making party: It’s a great excuse to have friends over and eat junk food. It’s pretty simple too. You just need apples, caramel, milk and something to make yourself un-sticky with. Don’t know how to make them? Here’s a recipe.
9. Take the train to Portland: Portland is always full of fun activities but the leaves only turn color once a year and what better way to see it than out the window of a train? The trip takes about two and a half hours one way and you can get tickets here.
10. Have a scary movie marathon: Hocus Pocus, The Birds, Saw, whatever it is that floats your boat. Grab some movies, some friends and maybe those caramel apples you made and enjoy an evening of trying not to scream in front of your friends.
11. Register for a charity walk or run: Take a moment out of your day to register for a charity walk or run. You’ll get exercise and help others. The fifth annual Run to Stay Warm  on November 20, benefits families that are having trouble paying their utility bills. You can see a list of local races here.
12. Go to a football game: Fall isn’t fall without football. If you’re a UO student you have to go to at least one game, it’s just how college works. If not, check out the local high school football teams.