By Prisha Garg ‘26

Fall at Catlin Gabel School (CGS) is a season of contrasts. The rush of college essays and tests meets the comfort of pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and fog-draped mornings over the Fir Grove. Between deadlines and drizzle, something is grounding about this time of year.

The smell of rain on leaves, the smell of baked goods, and pumpkin stir the feeling that Portland has finally hit its main character era. So before winter sneaks up, here’s a guide to help you slow down and actually enjoy the best of fall!

Pumpkin Patches!

You can’t go wrong with a trip to Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch, especially if you’re trying to recreate that perfect golden-hour photo. There are so many exciting attractions offered here for all ages, such as the hay ride, the cow ride, the pumpkin patch itself, the scary basement, a bunch of yummy treats, the corn maze, and much more.

Students also love Bella Organic Farm’s Haunted Corn Maze, a mix of jump scares and muddy sneakers that’s become a fall tradition for many. If you’re looking for something cozier, Topaz Farm serves up cider, doughnuts, hayrides, and the perfect fall vibe.

Cafe and Chill spots

Nothing says fall like a warm drink in hand. When the weather turns gray, the Portland cafe scene comes alive. Try Coava coffee or Never coffee for creative seasonal drinks. Closer to campus, Lionheart Coffee co and Jim and Patty’s are perfect for study sessions or post-practice hangouts. Lionheart Coffee is especially unique since they have no menu! You simply go up to the counter and ask for anything your heart desires, and I mean anything at all, and they’ll craft it up for you.

And for the book lovers, Powell’s books in downtown Portland or Cornell Farm cafe and nursery offer the coziest corners to read, think, or simply relax.

Movie nights & marathons

For many, fall officially begins when the lights dim, the blanket pile grows, and the opening credits roll. Movie nights are the ultimate low-effort, high-vibe tradition, a way to hang out, unwind, and pretend that the homework can wait just a little longer.

Classic favorites include “Hocus Pocus,” “Coraline,” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” while others lean into thrillers like “Us” or “Get Out” for the full spooky-season effect. Shows that are popular during this time are “Gilmore Girls” and “Heartstopper.” Some students even go all out with themed snacks, caramel popcorn, apple cider, and pumpkin cookies, turning any random Friday night into a mini fall festival.

Food and Flavor

Fall food just hits different. Whether it's baking pumpkin bread, making soup on rainy nights, or sipping apple cider during study breaks, this season is all about comfort. Student favorites include pumpkin pie, mac and cheese, caramel apples, and cinnamon rolls.

A few students even shared through a survey that they bake cookies or banana bread for their friends, small traditions that make the season feel special.

Catlin Favorites & Hidden Gems

Of course, not all fall fun requires a big trip; sometimes, the best spots are the ones right under our noses.

One anonymous student cites, Portal Tea on 23rd is a crowd favorite for rainy afternoons, cozy lights, warm drinks, and the perfect spot to people-watch or study. For those who want to soak in the beauty of the season, another student says the Japanese Garden is unmatched when the leaves turn; every path looks like a painting.

A student also recommended Plumper pumpkin patch, a smaller, family-run alternative to Sauvie Island that's “so cute” and less crowded. And for those who’d rather skip the mud entirely? “Go shopping downtown when it's raining”, one student said. Portland has an abundance of thrift shops.

While some students head outdoors for hikes or pumpkin picking, others prefer to stay in, reading or planning a horror-movie night complete with themed snacks. Some might even opt into trick-or-treating because you’re never too old to get candy from your neighbors. One student even said, “WE are not too old for trick or treating,” which is true; WE are never too old.

No matter how you celebrate, fall seems to bring out the softer side of Catlin's life, less about grades and more about gratitude.

Between classes, practices, and college essays, it’s easy to forget that there's beauty in slowing down. Fall reminds us that joy doesn't have to be big or planned; sometimes it's just a walk across campus under orange trees or the sound of rain while you study. Karen Heredia explained that fall is by far her favorite season, largely because of the traditions that come with it. She goes on to say that “Wearing sweaters, watching shows like Gilmore Girls, and celebrating Halloween are so cozy and full of nostalgia–they make fall the season I look forward to all year.”

So grab a sweater, make some cider, and let yourself enjoy it.

REVIEW: The best fall activities