Safe fall fun: Local fall activities for students

Fall is here and that means the days spent outside are dwindling. But there are still many ways to enjoy the season — with beautiful foliage as the backdrop. Check out this list of fall activities students can participate in while abiding by COVID-19 safety measures.  

Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms 

One way to get outside and enjoy some fall festivities is by visiting Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms, a Lehigh Valley favorite. The farm is free and is located in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, just about 30 minutes from campus. 

You can go apple picking, visit cute animals and pumpkin pick right from their patch. 

The farm hosts a Fall Festival on Saturdays and Sundays where guests can participate in activities like an apple cannon toss and walk through a corn maze. The festival will run through Nov. 1. 

Apple picking from their orchard is their most popular attraction. It is a great way to safely spend time with friends and enjoy the crisp air. The beautiful scenery makes for a great photo opportunity as well.

The farm has safety protocols to ensure their guests are safely enjoying the season. Face masks are required at all times and they will limit the number of people allowed in the orchard at a time. 

“Guests have been more than accommodating to the protocols that have been put in place,” said Josh Grim, one of the owners of the farm.

Unangst Tree Farm 

Another opportunity to enjoy the fall season this year is by visiting Unangst Tree Farm located in Bath, Pennsylvania, about 20 minutes from campus. 

The farm offers a variety of attractions, such as walking through a corn maze and pumpkin picking. 

Unlike some other local farms, the pumpkin patch at Unangst is one where the pumpkins are still on the vine, so customers get the full experience. They also have corn mazes that range in size and difficulty. The large maze is $7.50 to enter.

Trudy Unangst, office manager at Unangst Tree Farm, said the farm has been lively and is a pleasant environment overall, even with COVID-19 restrictions put in place. 

“People I think are just so happy to be out and have some normalcy with their family and friends,” she said.

Local cafes 

Cozy up with a handcrafted fall beverage at one of the local cafes off-campus. With so many cafe options available within walking distance, it is a great way to support local businesses and enjoy the fall weather on the weekends. 

 The Joint Coffee Co. is just a short walk over the bridge in North Bethlehem and has been serving up handcrafted coffee beverages for years. 

You can enjoy a cappuccino, iced coffee or a pumpkin spice latte in their outdoor dining area in the Sun Inn courtyard. 

Cynthia Nguyen, manager of the Bethlehem location, said business has been steady since they reopened, but is still slower than usual. She said supporting local businesses during these times “keeps the area functioning.”

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor 

Another way for students to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall season in the Lehigh Valley is by visiting the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. You can access the trail at entrances just over the Lehigh River.

Students can go on a run, bike ride or enjoy a picnic while admiring the bright fall foliage. It is a great opportunity to stay active and have some fun while maintaining a safe distance.

Enjoy a meal at local restaurants

Students can visit some of the many off-campus restaurants offering outdoor seating on a fall night with some friends. Enjoy a quick walk to restaurants like Roasted, Rakkii Ramen and El Jefe’s Taqueria for a nice meal out.

 There are also many restaurants on the North Side, like Urbano, the Flying Egg and Fegley’s where students can enjoy a meal and walk around town on the weekends.