‘Write’ Uptown: Celebrating fall in Oxford

Hi Sally,

Fall is here and it is my favorite season of the year! Can you give me some ideas of how to celebrate Fall/Halloween in Oxford?

Thanks,

Lindsey 

Lindsey, thanks for your question! I love fall as well, and in Oxford it’s undoubtedly the most gorgeous time of year with so much to do. Whether you are looking for something a little spooky, something fun, something educational or something in between, Oxford is the place to be when the leaves start to to change.

Let’s start out with some good old fashioned Halloween Trick-or-Treating. My favorite part of Halloween in Oxford is the Oxford Parks and Recreation Uptown Trick-or-Treating. No, I’m not a child of age to take part, but there’s something so special about seeing the happy faces of children dressed up as their favorite superhero, princess or animal. It takes me back to my childhood.

This year the Parks and Recreation event will feature fun games, balloon artists, face painting and mascots Uptown. Don’t forget about the pet parade put on by the local Lions Club; that’s the best part! All of this is on Thursday, Oct. 24 and starts at 4:30 p.m.

If that doesn’t quench your thirst for some Halloween fun, make sure to stop by the free annual “Howl at the Moon” event at the Oxford Community Arts Center from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 29. With Halloween-themed games, a selfie-station, face painting and pumpkin’-chunkin’, this event has something for everyone! Don’t forget to dress up for this family-friendly event!

If you aren’t looking for a spooky Halloween event and just want to enjoy the changing of the leaves and the chill in the air, fear not (pun intended) — Oxford is the perfect place to be in autumn. One of the best places to see changing leaves in Oxford is Hueston Woods. Whether you take a scenic drive around Lake Acton, hike on one of the park’s many trails or participate in a nature program, the abundance of trees at this beautiful state park is perfect for leaf peeping.

Another great idea for leaf peeping, which is a term used for those who love to travel and photograph the changing of the leaves, is to take a self-guided walking tour with a good cup of local coffee or a hot cider. You can find multiple walking tours such as the Black History Tour, University District Walking Tour, Uptown Historic District Walking Tour and Western College for Women Walking Tour on Enjoy Oxford’s website, www.enjoyoxford.org or pick up a paper version at Enjoy Oxford’s Office at 14 W. Park Place Ste C.

Don’t forget to write to me with your question for next month’s article at write.uptownsally@gmail.com. Have your question submitted by Nov. 4 to have it considered for the Nov. 15 article.

Sally Roi is a lifelong resident of Oxford and a Miami University graduate. She has worked at several local businesses and is now operations manager for Enjoy Oxford.