Local Fall Activities That You Can’t Miss Out On

Sitting on the fourth floor of Romney Hall, I can’t help but become captivated by the scene outside the window. Orange and yellow leaves cover the ground as a light breeze moves through the few still left in the trees. It’s the perfect picture of a fall day in Bozeman. Like anyone who’s spent a fall here, I am well aware that days like these won’t last long.

   This is why everyone should get out these last two weeks of October and try out some amazing fall festivities cropping up all over Bozeman.

   Fall may be a quick season here in Montana, but luckily for us there are still lots of ways we can enjoy this time before we wake up and see that campus has been covered by two feet of snow. Over the last week, I’ve spent my time venturing around Bozeman exploring all the best ways to enjoy this time of year and now I’ve got a list of favorites that I urge you all to explore as well.

• At the top of my fall to do list is a visit to Rocky Creek Farm, which is less than 15 minutes from campus. A friend and I arrived at the farm on a cool, cloudy morning and were blown away by the farm and the beautiful surrounding area. We walked around all morning exploring the apple orchard, rows of flowers and visiting with the different animals. If you make reservations ahead of time you can even have a hay wagon ride through the farm. Before you leave be sure to stop at the farm stand to pick out a pumpkin, fresh veggies and apple cider. Rocky Creek Farm offers the perfect way for you to get the most of these last days of fall.
•  Next up for you is Bozeman's indoor farmer’s market. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. till noon at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, the farmer’s market has a great selection of fresh vegetables, homemade treats and handcrafted goods. Live music from a local musician accompanies you as you explore everything on offer. The number of vendors may be smaller than the usual summer market, but from frozen filets of Alaskan salmon to fresh baked pastries, the indoor farmer’s market offers everything you could want. There’s no better way to spend your time than getting high quality goods while supporting local vendors and craftspeople.

The 8th grade class at Anderson school has been scaring the residents of the Gallatin Valley at their annual haunted house for over 20 years. After a brief hiatus, this event is back this year for a festive night of spooky thrills on Oct. 27-28 from 7-10 p.m. All proceeds from ticket sales go towards the 8th-grade trip to Washington, D.C.

   Our fall season may come and go pretty quickly here in Bozeman, but there are so many great things to take advantage of before the snow starts falling. Even if it’s just a drive up through Hyalite or a walk up one of the countless trails around town, I urge you to do it. Get out and enjoy this beautiful time of year because as we all know, it certainly doesn’t last long.