By Megan Winslow
Staff Writer

The air is crisp, the first frost is on its way, and pumpkin flavored everything is everywhere. That’s right, fall has finally made its way back to Boston and with this season there are many great things to do in and around the city—even in your own hometown. From apple picking to state fairs, below you will find several things to keep your weekends busy.

Apple Picking

There is nothing better than an apple that is fresh-picked and in season. Unfortunately, the Boston Common does not have its own apple orchard (wouldn’t that be nice?), but there are many places that are just a train ride away where you can pick your own apples.
Belkin Family Lookout Farm has not only apple picking, but also hay rides, an animal farm, a burlap maze and much more. It is about a 45 minute trip on the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail.

Hiking

With the cool weather and dry air, it is the perfect time of year to go for a hike. If you have a whole weekend to spare and access to a car, the White Mountains should be your top destination. Not to mention the fall foliage would be an added bonus this time of year.
However, if a day trip is all you are looking for there are places to go that are slightly closer.

In Medford, which is off the orange line, Middlesex Fells Reservation has multiple trails. Although it is fairly close to the city, you wouldn’t know it when you got there.
In Ipswich, which is slightly farther than Medford, the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary has hiking, canoeing and over 12 miles of trails.

Fairs

Fairs and festivals are extremely common around New England this time of year. The Big E in West Springfield, MA is one of the most popular in the area. It runs from Sept. 16 to Oct. 2 and has an enormous array of activities from a horse show to a circus. It is on the other side of the state, but if you have a whole day and are looking to do something fun outside of the city, The Big E is a fantastic option. A one-day ticket costs $15.

Site Seeing

If you want to be outdoors, but maybe some place other than the Simmons quad or the Fens, the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is a beautiful place to go. The admission is free and it is a great place to stroll around, maybe relax and read a book, or take a picnic. With the leaves changing colors, the Arboretum is bound to be beautiful with over 15,000 plants on site.

At Home

If you really want to get into the spirit of fall, but don’t have a day to go somewhere or want to stay put, there are ways to do so in your very own home (or dorm room). You can carve a pumpkin, bake apple crisp or pumpkin bread, or watch a scary movie since Halloween will be here before you know it. “Halloween,” “Amityville Horror,” and “Paranormal Activity” are some good choices if you are looking for a scare.