With papers and prelims piling up in my planner, I decided to what any responsible student would when faced with mounting deadlines and multiple tasks to complete: I went to Apple Fest. This year was my first time attending the event, and I really just went to see what all the hype was about. Being brought up in the South, but born and having lived in the North/Midwest for a large chunk of my life, I missed the real changing of seasons and the warm, tasty, and interesting motifs of the fall. I’d give the festival a 8/10, knocking 2 stars because it was so crowded, I waited in line for the apple cider donuts for 15 minutes only to realize there was a $10 minimum for using a card, so I had to buy apple cider as well. However, it was well worth it!

I was also very surprised to hear that people from as far as 2 hours away were willing to make the trek all the way to Ithaca just to partake in the festivities. But with products like maple cotton candy, kettle corn, apple crisps, etc. combined with the fact that there’s not much to do here or in the surrounding towns, it makes sense why people show up. I recommend Apple Fest as a must do. If not to splurge on apple products, to get to know the greater Ithaca area better and get off the Hill.