Alternative Activities for Family Day

Every year, during the last weekend in September, Marist holds the less-than-notorious Family Day, or weekend, depending on how long you can convince any family members to hang around. Sure, an outdoor BBQ with your traditional dogs and burgers is a great way to reconnect with family you haven't seen in one whole month, but maybe you're a Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or even a Freshmen who would rather play a different tune this year. I don't blame you, and I'm here to help.


1) Go apple picking!

This time of year is prime for plucking delicious apples almost anywhere in the North East. We're particularly fortunate in this area; if you drive across the river, before you even hit the little town of New Paltz, you will be bombarded with "Pick Your Own!" "Orchard Open!" "1 Mile Away!" signs. There must be an orchard for everyone. You could literally spend all weekend just visiting different orchards. Either way, it's an option. I went this past weekend and it was a wonderful way to enjoy the last bits of summer outdoors.


2) Go pumpkin picking!

Clearly I am advocating that you enjoy the early harvest of fall, because my next suggestion involves yet another natural treat. Grab a pumpkin for decoration, to salt and bake the seeds for a treat, or to paint silly faces on. It's a bit too early for carving, but I see no harm in enjoying those seeds early on. Most orchards also have a fair amount of pumpkins or other gourds for your choosing, so don't worry about needing to look too far.




3) Visit nearby locales!

There are plenty of places nearby that can be a welcome relief to the glamor and fast-paced lifestyle of Poughkeepsie, you know, for those who just need a break. Traveling North on Route 9 for a measly 20 minutes will land you in Rhinebeck, the very place where Chelsea Clinton was wed this summer. I don't have any pictures for this event, but I was there this last weekend for the giant flea market on the Dutchess County fair grounds--they have events going on throughout the fall, so take a look at www.dutchessfair.com to see what's happenin'. Rhinebeck itself is a charming little town full of boutiques and restaurants. Conversely, 20 minutes across the river will land you in New Paltz, another small and amiable town. No pictures here either--but after apple picking, I wandered around Main St, which is full of shops and restaurants as well.

Hopefully, something here appeals to all of those who would prefer to go out and do something new or appropriate to the season. Don't forget to enjoy your family!


-Sarah Dubrule