Ah, fall. The time of year beloved by many and thought of lovingly through its many traditions – changing colors, candles, warm clothes, Halloween and, how could anyone forget, pumpkin everything.

We all have our special traditions concerning the changing season, and as I’ve found my place at UK, I have wanted to extend my search for fun fall activities. Through my own experience, this is what seems to stick out.

One of the oldest (and best) fall traditions, especially here at the University of Kentucky and in Lexington generally, is attending football games.

Even though I have never been much into sports, I will forever love the joy of tailgating, putting on my favorite white-and-blue outfits and spending time with the people I love most cheering for the same team. Going to football games as a student will forever be some of my fondest memories, and going when the weather is cool and the trees are changing colors makes it an infinitely better experience. Plus, who doesn’t love concession stand food?

You don’t like the football craze? That’s fine, I can’t say I blame you. Luckily, Lexington might have something more your speed.

One of my personal favorite fall traditions is the Lexington Farmers Market, which takes place in Tandy Centennial Park downtown from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Though the Farmers Market is a year-round Lexington perk, I specifically love going in the fall when farmers and vendors bring pumpkins, breads, coffee, cider, pastries and many other seasonal goods that remind me of home and warmth. Making fresh baked goods and meals with these foods is so rewarding, and I look forward to it every year.

Sometimes, when I want a more hands-on fall experience, I try going to a farm or a pumpkin patch! If you’re willing to make the trip, Evans Orchard and Cider Mill in Georgetown has pumpkins, mums, apple cider and lots of other goods and family fun that can get you into the fall spirit.

If you’re more into the season in anticipation for Halloween, Lexington has some spooky experiences like Fright Nights at Jacobson Park and Wicked World Scaregrounds, both of which open at the end of September.

As a coffee fanatic, nothing like a nice transition from iced summer drinks to hot drinks for chilly mornings to get me feeling ready for the end of the year. Lexington is full of amazing places to get great coffee.

On campus, there are Starbucks and PJ’s Coffee to enjoy in-between classes, and if you’re willing to venture out into the greater Lexington area, there’s a lot more! Old School Coffee and Third Street Stuff and Coffee have some of my favorite drinks, both with great atmospheres.

If you want to enjoy the season but want to save money, get involved on campus! There are plenty of campus events and organizations that are free to join and attend, and many of which have plans for fall outings and activities that will get you feeling festive. Even just walking around campus or the city this time of year and seeing the trees change and decorations in and outside of homes and buildings is enough to make me feel happy and excited for another fall season.

As the temperatures keep cooling and with football season in full swing, I’m excited for what the season holds for me. But for now, I’m going to light my candle, get under my covers, and rewatch “Gilmore Girls” for the thousandth time.