Best fall activities to do around Lexington

Embrace the autumn and check out these fresh outdoor spots

CHARLOTTE DROSS

Although our world seemed to come to a halt in March, the crisp autumn air has arrived — and brings along with it a plentitude of fall activities to explore. Take advantage of the nice weather while it lasts and discover attractions in and around Lexington: from pear picking to a drive-in movie.

Lexington Farmer’s Market:

Looking to fill your fridge with fresh, local produce? Wanting to treat yourself with a fall-themed dessert? Look no further: the Lexington Farmer’s Market will get you out of the house and give you a good excuse to try every pumpkin-themed treat you could possibly imagine.

From fresh produce to handmade per- fumes to bushels of lavender, fight the fleeting autumn blues with some fall festiv- ities to brighten your week. Whether you plan on spending all morning there or are just stopping by before class, try the farmer’s market to support Lexington’s local vendors and your own mental health.

The outdoor market is held through October on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind Southern Inn, and indoors starting in November from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lexington Presbyterian Church.

Season’s Yield Farm:

If you’re craving something a little heavier than fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market, try Season’s Yield Farm instead. Located a little over 20 minutes from Lexington, the food offered at the farm surely makes the trip worth it.

This family-run business specializes in making breads and pastries, but also offers fresh produce and maple syrup.

Visit the farm on Oct. 31, a designated “Bread Day,” to place and pick up your order that day, or pre-order your food through their website before you go.

If you’re craving time in the peaceful countryside, or perhaps just wanting to sink your teeth into a freshly-baked loaf of banana nut bread, hop in your car and make your way to Season’s Yield Farm.

Virginia Gold Orchard:

The onset of fall marks another milestone as well: the beginning of pie season. If you’re hoping to find some fresh fruit to fill your desserts with, try visiting the Virginia Gold Orchard.

This small, family-run pear farm specializes in growing Asian pears, and they harvest up to 16 different varieties every fall. Other items on the menu include raw honey, pear cider, apple cider vinegar and pear syrup.

The orchard is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. September through December. Head on over to the Virginia Gold Orchard now to test-taste some deli- cious, hand-picked pears.

Hull’s Drive-In:

Forget a night of binging Netflix in bed — spice up your movie-watching experience with a trip to Hull’s Drive-In Theatre. Throw some blankets and pillows in your trunk, pack the movie popcorn and candy — and you’re all set to go.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. with a double feature screening every night. Hull’s is the first non-profit, community-owned drive-in, so the proceeds will be going towards supporting a good cause as well.

So, gather up a group of friends, throw on some comfy clothes and pile into the car for a night of cinematic-filled fun.

Outing Club Gazebo:

Certain spots on campus tend to be photographed more than others. Scroll through Instagram or Snapchat stories any given week, and you’ll be sure to see a picture of the Colonnade covered in leaves or the Pole houses from the outlook across the Maury.

Another place to add to your list of photogenic spots is the Outing Club Gazebo. This pavilion offers an ideal location for enjoying the fall weather and the scenic view.

Walk there and pack dinner! Enjoy a serene meal in nature with a Lexington sunset painting the sky.