Fall in Boston is what brought so many of us to Boston University — or at least it did for me. It’s the crunchy leaves, the warm clothes and walking Commonwealth Ave with a Chai latte — not really, I’m more of a black coffee person, but I want to stick with the fall vibe I got going on.
But like any other long romantic daydream, it’s unoriginal. Once the autumn season finally spreads its wings, the “must-do” fall activities become overcrowded, overpriced and just plain overrated. Don’t worry, though, I’m here to un-gatekeep my greatest secrets on how to enjoy Boston fall to the fullest without wasting your money or time.
Overrated: Waiting far too long for a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks
This is a little bit hypocritical for me to say, but I honestly never got the hype of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I think all barista drinks just taste better locally, yet PSL season is a massive cultural experience for the fall.
Still, spending 25 minutes in line at the Warren Towers Starbucks for a cup of sugar water with a splash of cinnamon is not the fall vibe I want to go for. But also, no judgment if you’re looking for a quick alternative to get a little taste of that fall vibe on the way to class.
Do this instead: Get a fall-themed drink from a local coffee shop
Got more time for the full experience? Head to Cannonball Cafe on Dorchester Ave and grab their cinnamon bun latte, pomegranate americano or pumpkin s’mores latte. They have all the best unique barista concoctions without the tourist-trap energy. Plus, you can actually find a seat to study.
Overrated: Autumn leaf viewing on the Esplanade
Yeah, the Charles River is pretty cool and a great place to stroll around in between classes, but the Esplanade is not the place to go to take your Instagram pictures to kick-start your fall photodump. The Esplanade becomes so overrun with tourists that you might not be able to even get a photo without a wandering pedestrian in the background.
Do this instead: Find other leafy pastures
Hop on the Orange line at Park Street Station and head to the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. It’s an underrated fall wonderland with endless trails and fiery maples. If you wander in deep enough, you’ll have the entire photo spot to yourself.
Overrated: Standing in line for Mike’s Pastry Cannoli
No hate on Mike’s Pastry, but the crowds during the fall are no joke — not to mention that you’re kinda screwed if you forget their “cash only” rule. Last time I was there, I felt very rushed as people were crowding the lines while I prepared for my name to be called, placed my order and then was left on the street with a box of cannolis with nowhere to sit and eat it.
Do this instead: Quality pastries at a quieter spot
Instead of waiting in the chaos at Mike’s, walk a few blocks to Modern Pastry or Bova’s Bakery. I think they’re just as authentic as Mike’s, but with a lot less chaos and tons of indoor seating. I personally love Bova’s Bakery since they’re open 24 hours a day and their pastries still taste freshly made.
Overrated: Apple Picking at the most Instagrammed orchard
Trekking an hour to Honey Pot Hill only to find acres of barren trees and fighting the little kids off the ladders for the “good” apples that are barely hanging on? Never again. Especially when I got too greedy and half my haul ended up rotting in my kitchen after the other half was force fed to my roommates in the form of apple pies, fritters, crips and cobblers.
Do this instead: Pick a better spot for apple picking
Check out Belkin Family Lookout Farm in Natick. Take the Lansdowne Express train to Wellesley Square and take a quick eight-minute Uber ride to the farm.
They have smaller crowds — since, I admit, it’s kind of a pain to get there — and actual cider on tap. And for our friends who are over 21, the Belkin Family Lookout Farm also has a hard cider and beer brewery, so book a tasting for yourself. Not to mention, throughout the year, their orchard opens its doors for other fruit pickings, like peaches, strawberries, pumpkins and pears.
Overrated: Salem on Halloween. Just… Why?
Salem is a Halloween town all year long, so why go on actual Halloween just to get trampled by a stampede of dressed-up children. You’ll spend more time in line for the commuter rail bathroom than at any of the actual attractions.
Do this instead: Still check out Salem — but on any other day
Now for Salem, I’m not going to tell anyone not to go. There is no other town that does Halloween like Salem, but do not go on Halloween.
Instead, go in early October for the same spooky vibes without the chaos. That’s the beauty of living in Boston: you can take the commuter train anytime to visit the scary historical town of Salem. If you’re in the mood for something extra frightening, explore Somerville Theatre’s “Terror Thursdays” horror movie nights. Though their movie nights will not start until later in the fall, they are still showcasing horror movies like “the Long Walk” directed by Francis Lawrence throughout the week. This event is scary, cozy and you’ll lose your voice screaming at jumpscares — and not by yelling at crowds to move.
At the end of the day, Boston in the fall is still one of the best places to be a college student — but it’s even better when you skip the basic starter pack agenda.
Whether it’s swapping the Esplanade for the Arboretum, trading Mike’s cannolis for its neighboring bakeries or catching a horror flick in Somerville instead of braving Salem on Halloween, you’ll get the cozy autumn vibes without the stress. Make the best out of the season and find yourself a corner of Boston that feels like the fall of your dreams.