Enjoy nature’s splendor and festive activities this autumn

Around this time, the days get shorter and the temperature gets colder. Deciduous trees shed their green color, bringing a beautiful array of different colored foliage – a gorgeous site to behold.

Autumn brings about the most distinct feelings of the four seasons: crisp air, colorful horizon, bulky sweaters.

And the pastimes should be just as vibrant as the changing environment.

Sarah Koby, senior English major, said she feels exhilarated and energetic during the cool fall days.

“When I lived on campus, I took walks around the jogging path,” she said of the gravel path that winds around the campus. “There are some gorgeous wooded areas, perfect to watch the absolutely vibrant leaves, especially on the maples.”

Autumn means different things to different people.

Fall reminds Dick Fallon, sophomore physical education major, of the days spent tailgating with the superfans. “We go to the alumni parking lot across from the stadium. We start four hours before the game. For the Akron game, it starts at noon, so we’re starting at 8 a.m.,” he said chuckling.

Others choose to outline fall by using their taste buds instead.

Sophomore finance major Jeremy Brobson is a big fan of the Pumpkin Spice latte at Starbucks.

“Pumpkin reminds me of the color orange and the holidays coming up, so it’s a big sign of fall,” Brobson said.

Brobson said they have pumpkin flavored muffins with cream cheese in the middle that are also only available during the fall season.

“When the pumpkin flavor comes out, you know it’s fall.”

Although the warm weather is coming to an end, countless opportunities to settle in and relish the splendor of autumn – both on and off campus – await.

Contact features reporter Brenna McNamara at [email protected] and features reporter Samantha Tosado at [email protected].

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Off-Campus Activities

• Carnival of Horrors at Blossom Music Center – You are guaranteed a unique and terrifying experience that boasts three haunted houses in one location: The Fun House, The Freakshow in 3-D and The Wicked Woods. (Visit www.hauntedhouse.com) – Prices vary per event.

• Akron Zoo, Akron – Become a kid again as you experience the wildlife of more than 700 animals at the Akron zoo – $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5.50 for children and $2 per car for parking.

• Go Hot Airballooning, Kent – Create memories you will cherish forever in a hot air balloon ride over scenic Akron – Internet special is $200.00. It costs $150.00 for a second purchase.

• Akron Art Museum, Akron – Experience art with family, friends or significant other at the newly expanded, 12,000 sq. ft. Akron Art Museum – $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, children under 12 are free.

• Gory at the Quarry, Cleveland – Enjoy a fun-filled weekend at the Nelson Ledges Quarry Ninth annual Halloween celebration – $50 per person.

• Haunted Cleveland Bus Tours, Cleveland – Take a bus to Cleveland’s best haunted places. Tour the Cleveland Gray’s Armory and Cleveland’s oldest cemetery and see if you can catch a glimpse of “The Lady in White,” who guards the front gate -$50 per seat. Includes taxes, entrance fees, and beverage.

• Winery at Wolfcreek, Norton – Pack a picnic, order a pizza or buy snacks at the winery to enjoy with a bottle of your favorite wine – A small tasting fee will apply.

• Rent a pontoon boat, Portage Lakes – Explore the various 2,000 acres of connecting lakes -$75 security deposit. Prices vary depending on time of day and capacity. (www.burchslanding.com for more information)

• E.J. Thomas Hall, Akron – Enjoy the chance to cuddle with your loved one and enjoy a show at one of the Rubber City’s most romantic theaters – Ticket prices vary.

• Experience Nature at the Seiberling Nature Realm, Akron – The manicured gardens, abundant wildlife, ponds and the trails throughout provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing, intimate outing – Admission is free.

– Sources: www.cleveland.about.com, www.cleveland-ohio-funguide.com.

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On-Campus Activities

• Hot tub at the Rec – Kick back and relax at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center’s hot tub (free for Kent State students).

• Movie nights at the Kiva – Stop in and enjoy a wide variety of movies. Oct. 2: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas; Oct. 16: Sicko; Nov. 9: Grindhouse; Nov. 26: Zodiac.

• 8-Ball Pool Tournament – Do you have a good shot? Join this tournament and play Monday nights, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Rathskeller. You can watch Monday night football while you’re there.

• Wick Poetry Readings – If you enjoy poetry, this is for you. You can listen to others share their work or share your own.

• Throw around a football – Gather a group of students from your residence hall and hit one of the many fields on campus.

• “Intro to the Autumn Sky” – Enjoy looking at the stars? Get an up-close view at the Kent State Planetarium, located at Room 107, Smith Hall. Call (330) 672-7009 for reservations.

• Karaoke – Think you can do better than Britney Spears at the Video Music Awards? Prove it. Do your performance Thursday nights at the Rathskeller.

• Bowman Cup, 5K race/walk – Make a difference. Contact Paula Murray at (330)672-0465 to sign up. Check www.recservices.kent.edu for registration fees.

• Take a walk/jog – Not ready for a 5K? You can still enjoy the crisp scenery and get some exercise by taking a walk or jog on one of the jogging paths that run around campus.

• 2007 Alumni Homecoming tailgating party – Cheer for your team as the Kent State Golden Flashes take on the Miami Redhawks, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Alumni Lot across from the Stadium.

– Source: www.kent.edu.