Fall is my favorite season, and not just because of the perfect, not-too-cold, not-too-hot temperature or the changing leaves. I appreciate fall for all of its accompanying activities, such as fruit picking and haunted house. I’ve listed a few of my personal favorite local activities below:

1. 1. Butler’s Orchard. This one is a classic. Located only 30 minutes from school in Germantown, MD., Butler’s Orchard offers a variety of Fall-themed activities, such as hayrides, pumpkin picking and a corn maze. Butler’s Orchard is open every day, except Mondays, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
   2. American Plant Store. The plant store has been a longstanding tradition for my family. The American Plant Store off of River Road in Bethesda, Md., hosts a free haunted house during the entire month of October. While it’s not super elaborate, it’s still a fun spot to visit. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
   3. Markoff’s Haunted Forest. While I have never personally been, I have heard great things about this haunted forest that offers several different trails through a forest in Poolesville, Md. The haunted forest is running on Oct. 31, Nov. 2, and Nov. 12 starting at 5 p.m.
   4. Homestead Farms. This farm is a great place to go apple, strawberry or pumpkin picking! The farm is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   5. Zoolights. Every Sunday starting in late November, the Smithsonian National Zoo decorates its exhibits with elaborate light displays. The exhibits are very beautiful and there are often vendors selling hot cocoa or apple cider. Zoolights is open starting Nov. 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. “The lights make it seem so much more special to be at the zoo, especially because most of the lights are shaped like animals,” senior Naomi Jaray said.

All of these are great places to visit during the Fall months. Most of the spots are low-budget and located fairly close to school. If you have the time, I would highly recommend checking out any of these spots over a weekend.