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Whether you’ve lived your whole life in a place like upstate New York or you come from a single-season home like me (hello, fellow Southern Californians!) the fall season is undeniably the most enchanting time of the year. Whether you enjoy taking in the changing foliage, tasting some seasonal ciders, or if you enjoy a good old-fashioned haunt, there is a little something for everyone in the Rochester area.

For those of you looking for that perfect fall pumpkin patch and farm vibe, consider checking out Wickham or Long Acre Farms. Both farms are family-owned institutions that have been a staple of the Rochester area for over 30 years. Wickham Farms offers an array of activities for all types of visitors: apple picking, a corn maze, farm animals, hayrides, cider tasting, seasonal savory and sweet treats, slides, trolley rides, and tons of games fit for both children and adults.

Long Acre Farms has as similar line-up up fall festivities for its guests, including a corn maize, wagon rides, delicious food, a winery, and tons of games, but Long Acre also does special events sporadically throughout the fall season. Several times throughout October and November they hold a Moonlight Maze adventure, a Murder Mystery dinner, cookie decorating classes, and so much more!

But if you were hoping for a bit more of a “spooky” fall season, and perhaps were thinking that a place like Rochester might not have what you were looking for- think again. We get ghoulish here too. You don’t even have to go very far from campus to explore our first spooky pick of the season: Mt. Hope Cemetery. Dedicated in 1883, Mt. Hope Cemetery is a classic example of a Victorian cemetery and contains a ton of history to go along with its gothic aesthetics. With over 300,000 graves, Mt. Hope is the final resting place of some well-known figures like Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and George Eastman. Mt. Hope is open to the public for walks, leisurely sightseeing, and tours almost every day of the year (typically closing before sunset). What better way to take in the fall foliage than with a walk through a classic cemetery?

For those who still enjoy a bit of history to their spooky adventures, but still want to get thoroughly scared, check out Rolling Hills Asylum. About an hour’s drive from Rochester, Rolling Hills Asylum ran from 1827 to 1974. During its over 100-year operation it accumulated thousands of patients who, supposedly, remain in the building to this very day (cue spooky organ music). Rolling Hills is famous as one of the most haunted locations in the U.S., and they truly play this claim up with their weekly tours and scary movie nights. During the month of October, you can even brave the Asylum’s paranormal phenomena by yourself and embark on a self-guided Ghost hunt!

But if making the trip out to Rolling Hills is a bit too much of an adventure (or perhaps, a bit too frightening) then don’t worry, Rochester has a lovely, haunted gem right within the confines of the South Town Plaza. Nightmare Manor is Rochester’s #1 indoor haunted attraction, and it runs every weekend between the last week of September to the first week of November. Enjoy almost a mile long immersive haunt with multiple scare zones and terrifying scare actors who are just waiting to welcome you to the Manor. Bring a friend, bring a date, or brave the Nightmare yourself- while the season lasts!

Finally, if you prefer a simpler fall vibe, specifically one that comes in the form of some delicious brews, Rochester is (thankfully) home to various hard cider breweries that really capture the spirit of fall in Upstate New York. Check out Mullers Cider House and Schutt’s Apple Mill for some classic brews. The Genesee Brewing Company puts out a seasonal brew in honor of Oktoberfest-that is only available from end of summer to October! And if you’re looking for a spot that’s got great drinks and activities in one, Blue Barn Cidery might be the place for you. Throughout October, Blue Barn holds pumpkin carving events, movie nights, an annual Boo Barn Bash, and extended late hours for Halloween day.

However you prefer to spend the fall season, Rochester has a little bit of something for everyone. So, if you’re needing a small break away from the grind of Grad school, take a moment and explore the festivities, haunts, and brews you have at your fingertips, here, in beautiful Rochester.