Time to fall for fall: a fall masterlist
‘Tis the season of pumpkin pie, spooky movies, and cozy weather
Isabella Sanchez / Assistant Arts and Culture Editor / The USD Vista
Leaves aren’t the only thing falling this season ─ we are too. Despite the fall season starting in September, the “real” seasonal festivities begin in October. For some students, when the first of October hits, it immediately conjures feelings of excitement for what the month entails: Trader Joe’s seasonal treats, scary movies, football, and Halloween (and lots of pumpkin spice, of course).
When the stress of deciding on a Halloween costume and worrying about those impending midterms all become too much, it is important to relax and enjoy one of the most festive seasons of the year. This Vista guide will be your go-to resource whenever you want to (pumpkin) spice up your fall mood.
If you are in the mood to cover your eyes with a blanket…
“Sinister”
According to a 2020 study, this horror film holds the title of the scariest movie of all time – which is nothing short of the truth. True to its name, “Sinister” follows true-crime writer Ellison Oswald (Ethan Hawke) in his attempt to put out a best seller after a 10-year dry spell. So, when he discovers a film of a family’s murder, he seizes the opportunity to move his family into the victims’ home in hopes to solve the mystery. When he finds a box of old films in the house, Ellison learns that there is something sinister within the house’s walls. A nightmarishly awful blend of true crime and the paranormal, this horror flick pleases and scares all viewers. So turn off the lights, turn up the volume, close the blinds, and enjoy not being able to sleep for a while.
If you are in the mood to bring home a fall souvenir…
The Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch
Photo courtesy of Taylor DeGuzman, The USD Vista.
What is the fall season if there is no trip to a pumpkin patch? The Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch never fails to put San Diegans in the fall mood. It is now open until Nov. 8th. From small to large pumpkins, tractor rides, and apple cannons, the Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch has the perfect lineup of seasonal activities. Whether one is in the mood for a more relaxed stroll around the patch to find the perfect pumpkin, or for a heart-thumping scare in the haunted corn maze, this pumpkin patch will guarantee to get visitors in a festive (or spooky) fall mood. Added bonus — it is perfect for getting that aesthetic fall-themed picture on Instagram.
If you are in the mood to listen to mystery, murder, and mayhem (oh my!) while walking in between classes…
“Casefile: True Crime”
With a mysterious, anonymous Australian narrator, this award-winning true-crime podcast has a chilling feel as it digs deep into the circumstances and investigations of both solved and unsolved cases. It is not for the faint of heart considering the narrator goes deep into the grisly details of each case. The episodes range from 20 minutes to an hour and a half. Don’t know where to start? Have a listen to some of “Casefile’s” most popular episodes on all streaming platforms: “Case 50: Jennifer Pan,” “Case 36: Amok,” and the three-part episode “Case 76: Silk Road.” With expert storytelling, “Casefile” makes it very clear that sometimes fact is scarier than fiction.
If you are in the mood to eat a fall-themed treat but want to ditch the overdone pumpkin spice…
Pillsbury Shaped Ghost and Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Photo courtesy of Isabella Sanchez, The USD Vista.
The fall season is not truly complete without the purchase of Pillsbury’s ghost and pumpkin themed signature sugar cookies. With Halloween around the corner, this iconic cookie is the best holiday treat. So, forget candy ─ these are the only fall treats that are needed (and are only $2.69). With an only 12 minute bake time, these festive cookies can be popped in the oven in between study sessions or right before class. One bit of advice, though: they are always sold out, so make sure to go to a local grocery store and snag them before they are gone.
If you are in the mood to switch it up from a classic Pumpkin Spiced Latte to other fall drinks…
Holsem Coffee
Located on University Avenue, this modern coffee shop rolls out their delicious seasonal fall menu just in time for the start of October. Despite Pumpkin Spice Lattes (PSL) being the usual fall drink, there’s always time to try something new. At a price of $5.25, their Cookie Butter Cappuccino features cookie butter and espresso topped with the perfect amount of nutmeg, while their Apple Spice Tea Latte entails a spiced apple cinnamon flavor. While we all love a classic PSL, check out these other autumnal drinks to celebrate the season! Sometimes the San Diego sun makes it hard to feel like it’s actually fall, especially being in a beach town. Don’t fret, though, as this fall guide will be sure to bring on those festive vibes.