Fall in Love With Fall
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Cheap Dates
October 2, 2008 - 11:00pmIt’s the start of our favorite season in Ithaca — Autumn! Crisper days, changing leaves, hot cider at CTB, an outburst of plaid — it’s a great cozy time before the town ices over and walking to class is as daunting a task as Mallory and Irvine’s journey up Everest. Normally we would rave about the Apple Festival (our favorite festival ever), but that was last weekend. Autumn seems like the perfect time to hold hands and snuggle together for warmth, but what else is there to do in the fall? Never fear, Cheap Dates is here with plenty of ideas for ways to keep warm and enjoy fall with your sweetie without breaking the bank as the days get cooler and shorter .
$ When we think of fall, the first thing that comes to mind is foliage. Ithaca abounds in fall foliage; it is considered by many to have the most beautiful fall scenery in upstate N.Y. Head over to Robert H. Treman State Park on Route 13 for some of Ithaca’s best autumn landscapes, or wander through the park’s many hiking trails with your sweetheart and get lost in the rich red and gold hues of the trees. Take a break and sit by the 115-foot Lucifer Falls, where you and your honey can enjoy a quiet moment alone, away from the hustle and bustle of campus. End the date with a stop at Smart Monkey Café, which uses only organic, local ingredients in its deliciously prepared food. Don’t miss the smoothies!
$$ If you went to the Apple Festival on the Commons last weekend, you are probably still licking your lips thinking about all the delicious apple recipes, and if you didn’t get to go, you can still enjoy this fall staple. If you didn’t know already, Cornell has it’s own orchards right off campus. What better way to spend a day than walking around in scarves, picking a basket of apples together? It doesn’t matter whether you prefer your apples crisp or soft, because from mid-summer to fall the orchards grow 50 different varieties of apple! While you’re there pick up pawpaws, pumpkins or maple syrup. The orchards are located on Route 366, across from the Vet School, and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday. If you don’t get a chance to get to the orchards, or aren’t so fond of the outdoors but still want some of that great cider, you can find it at Olin Library Café! It’s great for a pick-me-up between classes.
$$$ The best part of fall, in our opinion, is definitely the food. Although it’s not quite time for Thanksgiving yet, we suggest taking advantage of the fresh produce and cooking a spectacular fall feast for you and your sweetheart. If you want to plan your menu ahead of time, check out Gourmet or Food & Wine Magazine for mouthwatering fall recipes such as fig and prosciutto flatbread or butternut squash ravioli with Swiss chard and pine nuts. If you’re not the cooking type or don’t have a kitchen handy, head over to Wegman’s and browse through the prepared foods section. Take home a carton of butternut squash soup, a hearty loaf of artisan bread and a pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream for a fall feast your significant other will never forget.