Fall in Amherst is a special time and arguably the best season. As the leaves turn we are here to help you find the best ways to enjoy it. This special season should be shared with those special to you. Below are some great ways to enjoy the season and all it has to offer. Whether you have a car to get there or plan to take the PVTA we have different locations to make the most of these months. 

Mike’s Maze in Sunderland, MA 

Bus Friendly: Yes, take PVTA bus route 31 

Mike’s Maze in Sunderland creates a brand new Corn Maze each year for its visitors. This year, you and your significant other will be challenged with movie trivia along the way. The 8-acre maze isn’t the only activity you can do, there are also other attractions including riding in a horse-drawn carriage, pumpkin picking and even firing a potato cannon–something I’m sure will be memorable.

You and your partner can also enjoy some food at their “corn cafe” which includes fall favorites like cider and cider donuts. The maze is open on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission on Fridays for Students is $10 and $14 on Saturdays and Sundays. You can drive or take the PVTA bus route 31 to get there. The bus runs every 40 minutes on weekends, and you can check the schedule on the Transit app.

Bashista Orchards & Cider Mill in Southampton, MA 

Bus Friendly: No

Bashista Orchards is open daily (except Monday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for picking apples. To reward yourself after apple picking, visit their store that has apple cider, apple donuts, pies, maple products, bread and more. If you have a car this is a great place to check out with your partner! 

Atkins Farms Country Market in Amherst, MA

Bus Friendly: Yes, take PVTA bus route 38

This market has all the fall favorites. Visit and shop around with your partner, while enjoying the bakery items, flower shop, candy shop and ice cream shop. Grab some food from the deli or sushi bar afterward and sit at a table outside. You can also buy pumpkins to bring back, but if you’re living in the dorms, there are other signature fall items to bring home with you. You can take the PVTA bus route 38 to get there, which runs every 40 minutes. 

Six Flags Fright Fest in Agawam, MA 

Bus Friendly: No 

If you have a car and are seeking some adventure with your partner check out Six Flags. You can choose to have an exhilarating day by checking out all the rides Six Flags has to offer. Or, up until November 6th on Saturday and Sunday, Fright Fest will be happening–although it starts after sunset. Six Flags has a little bit of everything for the perfect fall day. You can have your S.O. try to win you a prize from a carnival, or you two can just walk around while snacking on some classic carnival food, such as cotton candy, corn dogs and fried dough.

Amherst Farmers Market in Amherst, MA 

Bus Friendly: Yes 

The closest option for some off-campus fall fun is the Amherst Farmer’s Market. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in downtown Amherst. The farmer’s market runs until November 19th and offers a wide array of products. Products range from bakery goods to dairy items, flowers, maple syrup, handcrafted items and more. The market is walkable from campus, but also accessible through various bus routes that run through downtown. Just check the PVTA Transit app to find the best fit for you! 

McCray’s Farm in South Hadley, MA

Bus Friendly: No

McCray’s farm is a great place to pick a pumpkin, but stay until night, and you and your significant other can experience much more. Until the end of October, they offer the “Monster Mash Scream Park” at the farm. $30 admission gets access to haunted hayrides, the Massacre Manor, and more. The Monster Mash opens at 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you aren’t looking to get scared, you can enjoy a hayride at the farm during the day. Hayrides go out on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can have a cozy bonfire date as well because the farm offers bonfires! This activity is best suited for someone with a car, because although you can take the bus, it takes about an hour and a half to get there. By car, it takes 22 minutes.