The Good Life – September-October 2014

to talk about — if you can’t have fun on a date at the fair, you might
consider applying for the job of the aforementioned zombie. And now
that you know how win your gal a giant stuffed bear and show off
your he-man strength on the High Striker, you’ve got this date in the
bag.
HALLOWEEN PARADE
If you think parades are only for holidays like the Fourth
of July, then you’re really missing out. Halloween parades
— devoid as they are of ties to history, war, or death — are
parades that can let it all hang out. People go just to be
kooky and have fun. There’s music, dancing, costumes,
and just a whole lot of people having a good time. If you
want to get dressed up, but costume parties aren’t your
thing, here’s your opportunity.
HAYRIDE
Hayrides abound this time of year, but if you’re
making a date out of it, be sure to pick a good one.
They’re frequently found at pumpkin patches, but these
are often tailored for the wee kiddies, and the ride
doesn’t last very long or go very far. Look for hayrides
that are offered by real ranches or farms, follow a nice,
scenic route, (if it’s under the moonlight, all the better),
and provide a little something extra like cider and hot chocolate,
traditional horse-drawn (as opposed to motorized) propulsion,
or a history tour along the way.
FOLIAGE DRIVE
Watching the green leaves transform into beautiful displays
of vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds is one of the best parts of
autumn. But driving through your neighborhood or walking
across campus just doesn’t give you a sweeping view of the
unfolding majesty. So hop in your car, pack a couple of
sandwiches for a picnic, and take a scenic drive through
mountain passes where you and your date can get an aweinspiring
look at the seasons’ changing of the guard.
This can be a stand-alone date, or something you
make time for en route to another one of these suggested
activities.
APPLE CIDER MILL
If you’re lucky enough to have an apple cider mill
where you live, take advantage of it for a casual afternoon
date. You can watch how the cider is made, sip on samples,
browse the kitschy products in the country store, and sit
down to eat some delicious donuts. Fall-tastic.
GHOST HUNT
It’s hard to imagine ghosts showing their pallid faces
when it’s 102 in the middle of July (even humans go into
hiding). But when the sun starts to set earlier and the
chilly air returns, the world seems considerably spookier.
Which makes fall the prime time for ghost hunting.
If she’s up for it, grab your lady friend and a couple of
flashlights and go explore an abandoned building where
specters have supposedly been spotted. If you’re looking
for a more low-key (and definitely legal) option, many
tours of reportedly haunted parts of town are offered this
time of year.
WEENIE ROAST
Let’s face it: there’s never a bad time for a weenie roast.
But the fall is peak weenie roast season. It’s chilly but not
freezing — the perfect time for cuddling by the campfire,
munching on hot dogs and s’mores, and engaging in
some good old fashioned fireside smooching.
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