Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Fall break is a time to catch up on your work, your sleep, and your life outside of Swat. Beautifully timed so that you can relax just enough to be thrown off schedule when you come back, it’s still one of the best ways to unwind as the tension of first semester rises and the temperature drops. For those of you heading home, be sure to relax and use a little time to enjoy the things you always take visitors to but never bother with yourself; museums, concerts, even the beach can be a neglected highlight.
For those of you staying in the area, have no fear, there are still ways to catch up on your culture. If you have a car, check out the beautiful Brandywine River Valley. WeÕre practically on top of it and at this time of year you can wander through gorgeous foliage in parks or check out artist communities like those located near the Wyeth homestead, which is now a beautiful museum. Another classic fall choice: apple or pumpkin picking at a local orchard. Philadelphia is also beginning to buzz with Halloween activities and now is an ideal time to go costume shopping in the city or King of Prussia (which you can access by taking the shuttle from Bryn Mawr). Thursday the 19th is the beginning of Arts and Culture Week in Philadelphia, kicked off with a night of free theater. Meanwhile, the Kimmel Center will be presenting everything from Tchaikovsky to Romantic Ballet.
So in sum, regardless of what you do with your time off, enjoy your break!