By Elise Jackson, Contributing Writer
When brightly colored foliage falls and festive comfort foods are served warm, Asbury students look ahead to harvest time and holiday fun. There are plenty of opportunities for students to celebrate the autumn season, both on and off campus. This semester, experience the Kentucky countryside’s natural beauty and take advantage of all the events our community has to offer.
OFF-CAMPUS
- Eckert’s- Boyd Orchards This family farm and seasonal orchard in Versailles, just twenty minutes from Wilmore, offers apple and pumpkin picking along with hay rides and corn mazes. Check out the Apple Days Festival, scheduled for every weekend in September, and try their famous cider donuts or apple cider slushies.
- Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Fifteen minutes from campus in Harrodsburg, this gem of 3,000 acres of beautiful open land once owned by the Shaker community is now home to a museum, inn and public hiking trails. HarvestFest, which includes hayrides, live music, food trucks, a harvest market and a farm tour, will run Sept. 23 and 24.
- Raven Run Nature Sanctuary Nature enthusiasts are likely aware of Red River Gorge and Jessamine Creek Gorge, two perfect destinations for hiking and enjoying the beauty of fall. Raven Run, thirty minutes from campus outside of downtown Lexington, has gorgeous grounds and is ideal for students who want to stay in the area.
ON-CAMPUS
- Trail Rides at Equine Center Enjoy a relaxing scenic horseback ride through forested trails overlooking the Kentucky River. Each trail ride is guided by experienced staff at the Equine Center and steady, dependable horses. Future dates are Sept. 23; Oct. 7 & 28 (Special Halloween ride); and Nov. 4. The cost is $10 per student. For times and availability, check the Equine Center’s page on the Asbury website.
- Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Asbury’s Asian Student Alliance will celebrate the “Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival” on Sept. 30 from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. on the Reasoner Green/Archways. The ancient Chinese observed the movement of the moon and noted its relationship with the changes of the seasons and the agricultural production. Thus, the original purpose of this holiday was for the Chinese to express their thanks to the moon and to celebrate a successful harvest season. Also known as the “Moon Festival,” this cultural event will be set up similarly to a night market, with different booths serving food like “moon cake,” playing traditional games and lighting lanterns.
- Hit Up the Library Everyone has a certain book or movie associated with the fall season. What better time to get reacquainted with the Harry Potter series or pick up Robert Frost’s poetry? If there is autumn-themed literature you want to get your hands on but you don’t own, check out the Asbury Kinlaw Library and Jessamine County libraries.
