10 seasonal bestie dates to ~fall~ for

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As you may know, “cuffing season” is upon us, and many people might be getting a significant other this fall. I’m here to let you know that you don’t need a significant other to go on cute fall dates. That’s what your best friend is for.

In and around the Triangle, there are so many cool things to do and see with your bestie:

1. The State Fair

This begins this week! Grab your BFF’s hand and drag them to the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh between Oct. 13 and Oct. 23 for this fun opportunity, because nothing beats a giant corn dog or a Ferris Wheel ride.  

Bonus: if you head there this Friday, you get a discount with your student ID!  

2. Going to a Pumpkin Patch

This fall, you and your go-to need to check out Vollmer Farm in Bunn, NC for your autumn fun and pumpkin needs. This is a great place to go for all ages. From picking the perfect pumpkin to eating homemade ice cream, Vollmer Farms is the place to be. You can even stay later and enjoy a movie projected onto the barn. 

Added fun: when you get home, you get to carve the pumpkin into a masterpiece! We all know the joy of scooping out pumpkin guts.

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3. Videri Chocolate Factory

Or, heaven. If you and your pal are suckers for sweets, this is where you should go. Whether you want to watch the chocolate making process or straight-up buy it to snack on, the Videri Chocolate Factory in Raleigh is your ideal spot. Take a seat out on the balcony to enjoy some coffee and chocolate on a cool, crisp day. Oh, and the chocolate is organic. NBD. 

4. Movie Marathon

This is a DIY day of fun. Sign into Netflix, make a list of yours and your best friend’s favorite scary movies, and pop that popcorn. You two can binge through so many movies in one day, and your mom will be happy that you’re staying out of trouble.

5. Fright Night in Durham

If you like Halloween activities as well as charity, you have hit the jackpot with Durham’s Fright Night. This Friday, Oct. 14, you and your bestie can take a canned food donation and participate in a costume contest, play games or take a tour through the haunted house. Have a great time being spooky while supporting the Durham Rescue Mission. 

6. Haunted Forest at Panic Point

This one is for all you brave pairs out there. The Haunted Forest is open on weekends and on Halloween, and contains six spooky attractions for you to dare to enter. 

Bonus: College Night is Thursday, Oct. 27 and with your ID you receive a discount. I’m looking out for all of our wallets. 

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7. Picnic in the quad

This may seem super cliché and overrated, but hear me out. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this but the weather is amazing right now, and grabbing a blanket to hang out on in the quad would be so chill (ha, get it?). Also, you and your BFF are having a picnic, and food always wins. Therefore, you win.

8. Take a day trip to a State Park

If you and your friend have a car, this is a must. Fall sits beautifully on parks in North Carolina, and we all need to be nurtured by nature every once in a while. When midterms are over, take a day to breathe in the beauty at Mount Mitchell or Haw River State Park and just relax. 

9. Carolina Balloon Fest

From Oct. 21 to Oct. 23, you and your bestie can head to Statesville for this awesome festival that includes hot air balloons and many other attractions. Along with the flight of these balloons, you can go shopping in the Artisan Village, grab lunch at Eat Street or head to the Wine and Craft Beer Tasting Garden (if you’re of age, of course). All of this is accompanied by live music and you have the opportunity to meet the pilots. There is something for everyone here! 

10. Bonfires & S’mores!

Here we have the classic fall event for you and your closest friends. Get your group together, buy s’mores supplies and find a (safe) place to build a fire. You’ll all get warm and grow closer as you roast marshmallows and tell stories around the flames.

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I hope you’ve found at least one thing on this list to keep you and your BFF occupied this fall. There are so many more things to check out in the area! Keep your eyes and ears peeled, people, and go on fun and safe adventures!

@taygreymay

swerve@dailytarheel.com