I don't know about you, but fall is my favorite season. Especially when you live in New England.
Massachusetts's fall foliage is absolutely legendary. Leaves turning from green to a red-gold, farmhouses selling pumpkins and apple cider right at their doorstep and stark white spires from town churches illuminating against the scarlet maple leaf-piles in front yards.
It shouldn’t come to a surprise that the New England milieu has produced the perfect backdrop to the fall season. With russet-red barns and white farmhouses, steepled churches and village greens, every colonial building in Massachusetts is a welcoming sight for the new season.
I absolutely LOVE this time of the year, mainly because this what I get to look forward to every time fall comes to Mount Holyoke's campus:
Massachusetts's fall foliage is absolutely legendary. Leaves turning from green to a red-gold, farmhouses selling pumpkins and apple cider right at their doorstep and stark white spires from town churches illuminating against the scarlet maple leaf-piles in front yards.
It shouldn’t come to a surprise that the New England milieu has produced the perfect backdrop to the fall season. With russet-red barns and white farmhouses, steepled churches and village greens, every colonial building in Massachusetts is a welcoming sight for the new season.
I absolutely LOVE this time of the year, mainly because this what I get to look forward to every time fall comes to Mount Holyoke's campus:
Don't you just want to breathe in that crisp Autumn air after looking at that?
Yes, there are many reasons why so many people love fall – besides ordering a pumpkin spiced latte at Starbucks – but what most people look forward to when this time of year rolls around is Halloween.
So, if you're like me, and love the new fall weather but want to make the most of your Halloween experience, then count on these tips to help you get hyped up for spooky holiday.
#10: Binge Watch A Bunch of Horror Movies Until the End of October
Come on! How can you NOT watch at least one horror movie during the month of October? If you're a true cinephile then you might have taken on the "31 Days of Horror" challenge and attempt to watch a horror movie a day all the way up to Halloween.
But it's a fact when October rolls around that you're not going anywhere – and I don't mean that in a creepy Freddy Krueger way. Sure you might want to jump into a pile of crispy leaves or chill at your local Starbucks with your pumpkin spiced lattes . . . but you could also be watching Roman Polanski's Rosemary's Baby.
Why not stay in with your Netflix and get into the true Halloween spirit by watching Nazi zombies attack and eat stupid college students from Dead Snow. Or watching Regan MacNeil spider-walk downstairs from The Exorcist.
The choice is yours. Although, after watching this scene from The Exorcist, it will scar you for life.
But it's a fact when October rolls around that you're not going anywhere – and I don't mean that in a creepy Freddy Krueger way. Sure you might want to jump into a pile of crispy leaves or chill at your local Starbucks with your pumpkin spiced lattes . . . but you could also be watching Roman Polanski's Rosemary's Baby.
Why not stay in with your Netflix and get into the true Halloween spirit by watching Nazi zombies attack and eat stupid college students from Dead Snow. Or watching Regan MacNeil spider-walk downstairs from The Exorcist.
The choice is yours. Although, after watching this scene from The Exorcist, it will scar you for life.
Man, I wish I was that flexible.
And don't get me started on that 180 degree head spin.
#9 Decorate, Decorate, Decorate
And don't get me started on that 180 degree head spin.
#9 Decorate, Decorate, Decorate
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So you're watching horror movies and stuffing your candy drawer full of king sized Hersey Chocolate Bars and bags of Candy Corn. Now it's time to get your door into the Halloween spirit as well. Whether you live in an apartment complex or a college dorm room, you can get creative with some simple ideas to decorate your door.
Target, Walmart, or any Dollar Store in the area will have a ton of fun and easy Halloween-themed products.
Or if you would rather decorate your window instead, anything from construction paper monsters and and black cat silhouettes will definitely give your windows much more character.
Target, Walmart, or any Dollar Store in the area will have a ton of fun and easy Halloween-themed products.
Or if you would rather decorate your window instead, anything from construction paper monsters and and black cat silhouettes will definitely give your windows much more character.
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So take a stab at decorating your dorm room or apartment doors and windows with whatever spooky ideas inspire you.
#8 Get the 4-1-1 On What's Happening On Halloween Around Your Area
#8 Get the 4-1-1 On What's Happening On Halloween Around Your Area
Corn mazes!
Haunted Houses!
Halloween Parties!
Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain!
Oh my!!!!
Before you even purchase that costume, it's important to know on a first hand basis what kind of Halloween celebrations are going to be happening in your area. Check the newspaper, bulletin boards and Facebook early in the month to plan your Halloween extravaganza.
The chances of spotting an event for a a Halloween themed pub crawl, costume contest or horror flick are really high. You just have to look in the right places.
Haunted Houses!
Halloween Parties!
Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain!
Oh my!!!!
Before you even purchase that costume, it's important to know on a first hand basis what kind of Halloween celebrations are going to be happening in your area. Check the newspaper, bulletin boards and Facebook early in the month to plan your Halloween extravaganza.
The chances of spotting an event for a a Halloween themed pub crawl, costume contest or horror flick are really high. You just have to look in the right places.
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Just remember, stay clear of that spooky abandoned house on the corner of your street. You know, the one that everyone claims in haunted.
Also avoid burials grounds.
That's just asking for trouble if you and your friends are up to mischief.
#7: Cocktails Anyone?
Also avoid burials grounds.
That's just asking for trouble if you and your friends are up to mischief.
#7: Cocktails Anyone?
Black Devil Martini
As the saying goes: It's 5 o'clock somewhere.
As the saying does NOT go: It's Halloween somewhere.
And although it is true that Halloween only happens once a year, whose to say that Halloween can't happen early?
Pick your poison to get you in the mood to do the Monster Mash.
Just to name a few creepy cocktails to get your spine-tingling:
The Mr. Hyde Potion
As the saying does NOT go: It's Halloween somewhere.
And although it is true that Halloween only happens once a year, whose to say that Halloween can't happen early?
Pick your poison to get you in the mood to do the Monster Mash.
Just to name a few creepy cocktails to get your spine-tingling:
The Mr. Hyde Potion
Aren't these drinks just to die for?
#6: BUY ALL THE CANDY!!!
Whether it comes in bulk or king size, having a treasure trove of Halloween candy within reach will put the premium on your personal expression for Halloween.
Or, you know, make you gain weight. But who cares? It's Halloween. You're suppose to eat a lot of candy. Eating Halloween candy essentially prepares you for eating that big Thanksgiving meal come November. So start prepping.
Of course, no one needs to tell you that candy corn (that is, if you like candy corn) is the official candy for Halloween. But if you want to broaden your horizons and break away from the stereotypical Hersey Chocolate Bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups then try and resist the urge to eat these delicious snacks when you refill your candy drawer next to your bed:
Pop Rocks
Or, you know, make you gain weight. But who cares? It's Halloween. You're suppose to eat a lot of candy. Eating Halloween candy essentially prepares you for eating that big Thanksgiving meal come November. So start prepping.
Of course, no one needs to tell you that candy corn (that is, if you like candy corn) is the official candy for Halloween. But if you want to broaden your horizons and break away from the stereotypical Hersey Chocolate Bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups then try and resist the urge to eat these delicious snacks when you refill your candy drawer next to your bed:
Pop Rocks
Crunch Bars
Swedish Fish
Galaxy Bar
So if you're someone who has a serious sweet-tooth at this time of year, then don't even hesitate. Find that perfect treat without getting tricked.
#5: Read a Good Horror Novel
If you are not one for scary movies, but personally enjoy a good book, then why not plan your schedule around a book a week for the month of October? Depending how fast of a reader you are, you can fit in as many suspenseful, thrilling and mind-bending novels that you can get your hands on.
As the fall weather proceeds to get colder, one of the best things you can ever do is curl up with a good book while sipping on some hot cider.
When there is a chill in the air, anything good would be under Edgar Allen Poe's dark poetry and grim stories. Dracula and Frankenstein are obviously two of the best books to read when this time of year rolls around. However, if you want something new and more modern, anything written by the King of Suspense himself, Stephen King, will certainly have you counting down the days to Halloween.
As the fall weather proceeds to get colder, one of the best things you can ever do is curl up with a good book while sipping on some hot cider.
When there is a chill in the air, anything good would be under Edgar Allen Poe's dark poetry and grim stories. Dracula and Frankenstein are obviously two of the best books to read when this time of year rolls around. However, if you want something new and more modern, anything written by the King of Suspense himself, Stephen King, will certainly have you counting down the days to Halloween.
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#4: Pumpkin Carving Party
Nothing says Halloween more than carving pumpkins. Whether you want to aim for the standard triangle eyes and toothy grin, or challenge yourself with an intricate design, you'll certainly feel the holiday spirit.
Or, you know, maybe some of that cold pumpkin goo.
Either way, hosting a pumpkin carving party is the best way to get together with your pals. Create a Halloween themed playlist to listen to while you and your friends are carving (i.e. "Ghostbusters," "I Put a Spell on You," "Thriller").
Or, you know, maybe some of that cold pumpkin goo.
Either way, hosting a pumpkin carving party is the best way to get together with your pals. Create a Halloween themed playlist to listen to while you and your friends are carving (i.e. "Ghostbusters," "I Put a Spell on You," "Thriller").
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In addition, after you're done carving your pumpkins, you can bake the pumpkin seeds and snack on them!
Just remember, don't carve your pumpkins too early in October or it won' t survive Halloween night. Once cut, a pumpkin lasts for about four to five days before starting to rot.
#3: Participate in a Halloween Themed Bar Crawl
Just remember, don't carve your pumpkins too early in October or it won' t survive Halloween night. Once cut, a pumpkin lasts for about four to five days before starting to rot.
#3: Participate in a Halloween Themed Bar Crawl
Other than New Years Eve, Halloween dominates the nightly bar scene. If you and your friends already have a costume in mind, then there's only one other major decision to make: where are you going to drink first?
Usually these bar crawls happen before Halloween, but most of them begin the day of. In addition, there are some towns who host annual bar crawls, in which you register for the crawl. You pay for a wristband that will gain you free admission into the participating venues along with drink specials. Other bar crawls you just show up and pay for the drinks.
There really is no wrong way to participate in a bar crawl.
Just remember to drink responsibly . . . and avoid making out with anyone dressed up as a zombie.
Usually these bar crawls happen before Halloween, but most of them begin the day of. In addition, there are some towns who host annual bar crawls, in which you register for the crawl. You pay for a wristband that will gain you free admission into the participating venues along with drink specials. Other bar crawls you just show up and pay for the drinks.
There really is no wrong way to participate in a bar crawl.
Just remember to drink responsibly . . . and avoid making out with anyone dressed up as a zombie.
#2: Get Your Snack On
If you're not a fan of the horror that comes with Halloween, and you're looking to celebrate the holiday in a less gruesome fashion, then cooking Halloween themed snacks is a sure way to savor the holiday spirit.
Here are a few ideas to help inspire you to make that best Halloween culinary treat:
Mini Candy Corn Layer Cake
Here are a few ideas to help inspire you to make that best Halloween culinary treat:
Mini Candy Corn Layer Cake
These culinary creation are sure to hit the spot.
#1: Get Creative with Your Costume
When it comes to choosing a Halloween costume, it can sometimes be exhausting.
Deciding on what you're going to wear on the only day of the year when it's socially acceptable to dress up and walk around without anyone thinking that you're crazy. It takes a lot of effort to make an executive decision about a costume choice.
Sometimes people will dress up as politicians, celebrities or things that have occurred in our current events (I mean a sexy Donald Trump wouldn't be a bad costume idea).
But if you're like me and I love Halloween, but have been known to put your costume off until the last second, you can still put together some awesome Halloween outfits the week, the day, and even the night before Halloween.
Deciding on what you're going to wear on the only day of the year when it's socially acceptable to dress up and walk around without anyone thinking that you're crazy. It takes a lot of effort to make an executive decision about a costume choice.
Sometimes people will dress up as politicians, celebrities or things that have occurred in our current events (I mean a sexy Donald Trump wouldn't be a bad costume idea).
But if you're like me and I love Halloween, but have been known to put your costume off until the last second, you can still put together some awesome Halloween outfits the week, the day, and even the night before Halloween.
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So as you can see there are plenty things to help get you excited for Halloween.
Enjoy the fall weather as well as the rest of your October.
Because before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving!
Kind of a terrifying thought when you think about it.
Enjoy the fall weather as well as the rest of your October.
Because before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving!
Kind of a terrifying thought when you think about it.
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