On Oct. 12, OPTIONS hosted an apple and pumpkin picking trip, to much success at Baugher’s Orchard. Autumn is often a nostalgic time for college students, and because Loyola attracts many New Englanders and Mid-Atlantic residents who are partial to a particular fall experience, a trip to an orchard was the perfect way to commemorate fond childhood memories. Though Baugher’s Orchard is roughly 40 miles from campus, it was an easy bus ride to reach the rural outskirts of Westminster, Maryland. 

Baugher’s was quite busy mid-Saturday, but that only added to the friendly atmosphere. Students blended in well with the hoards of families and children eager to pick apples and pumpkins. Faces were full of smiles even as it started sprinkling, and it was apparent that the student leaders of OPTIONS chose a satisfactory location. 

The cost of this trip was $5, which covered the bus ride and hayride to the apple orchards. Upon arrival at Baugher’s, students were given the liberty to explore the myriad of hidden areas of the farm. In addition to picking apples and pumpkins, there were also multiple food stands that had dozens of meals, snacks, treats, and drinks inspired by the apple itself. Pony rides piqued interest in young children while adults could conveniently shop in the orchard’s market and its little stands.

OPTIONS trips like these are popular among students for their reliability, reasonable prices, and exciting opportunities to venture off campus to experience Maryland and the surrounding area in a new way. 

“I can’t even eat apples,” Allison Pollock ‘23 said, “but this was still a really fun trip—great way to leave campus for cheap.” 

Trips like these fill up quickly, however, and OPTIONS Executive Board member Adina Cohen ‘22 commented that this apple and pumpkin picking trip filled up in less than two days. There are four more trips for the fall 2019 semester, but don’t fret if these fill up. OPTIONS will surely be back in the spring with another slew of adventure-packed trips to ensure students are always able to have a little fun. 

Upcoming Trips: 

Saturday, October 26: Hersheypark in the Dark at Hersheypark

Saturday, November 9: Washington Capitals vs. Vegas Golden Knights at Capital One Arena

Saturday, November 23: Aladdin at the Hippodrome Theater

Saturday, December 7: Movie Night at Towson Cinemark

Feature Image: Courtesy of OPTIONS Instagram page.