As someone who grew up in California, the closest thing I got to fall (or autumn) was through all the content I consumed. From Instagram posts to holiday movies, I saw the key features of fall: crunchy leaf piles, a chilly breeze, and ombre streaks running through the trees. However, it wasn’t until I finally got to Yale where I saw the magic happen in real life.
Therefore to highlight the uniqueness of a New England Fall, I am dedicating this entire post to the trees lining Yale’s streets and all the wonderful activities that stem from the season.
Not pictured: me speed walking to get to class on time
In my morning rush to Old Campus to get to my lecture at Linsly-Chittenden Hall, I forgot about the time crunch I was in as I marveled at the trees along the sidewalks of High St.
Golden hour picture I forced my photographer friend to take
Walking down the street from the Humanities Quadrangle, which was recently renovated in 2021 after 30 months of hard work, the long trek down Alexander Walk towards Timothy Dwight was rewarded with a majestic view of leaves changing colors in the setting sun.
Now you might think I am exaggerating the importance of this transition in season, I am here to assure you that this is a common sentiment. This season is a big deal! From residential colleges to the entire Yale hospitality team, everyone has something to celebrate this season with festive pop-ups that will get anyone in the mood to pull on a scarf and pick up a pumpkin.
Intruding Silliman to eat some snacks
Festive pop-up
Starting from Silliman college, I immediately felt the effects of fall with the sight of picnic blankets on the ginormous lawn and tiny huts filled with fall treats waiting for hungry college students in need of a pick-me-up.
Innocent toy hamster sprayed by water in a carnival game
Increasing in scale, the reputation of fall is solidified through the transformation of Old Campus for the infamous Fall Fest offered annually. Here, you can enjoy carnival games and specialty foods offered by the different residential dining halls.
Fun times at an apple orchard while my friends posed for “candid” photos
Lastly, in a post dedicated to fall, I need to finish with the most crucial event for any experienced fall-enthusiast: apple picking! With many orchards within minutes of driving from Yale, no fall would be complete without a trip to the orchards for “candid” fall photos and a bag of delicious crisp apples.
So for anyone who has yet to experience the brisk, refreshing air of a New Haven fall, I hope this (completely unbiased) post has piqued your interest in celebrating the last few days of this glorious season.
