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Are you exploring Franklin & Marshall College for the first time this fall? In town once again for ? There鈥檚 something for everyone on campus in autumn. 

To make the most of your visit, browse the list below for ideas to fill a one-day visit to Lancaster (or longer). If you鈥檙e in town for True Blue, check out downtown and Lancaster Central Market. See the True Blue Weekend schedule of events. 

1. Pick Your Own Pumpkins and Produce 

Venture 30 minutes off campus to (Ronks) to pick pumpkins and sunflowers or explore a five-acre corn maze. See a complete list of .

The county is home to dozens of orchards and roadside stands. Spend an afternoon picking your own apples, peaches, pumpkins and more. is a six-mile drive from campus. 

If you prefer a more scenic route, explore hidden gems nestled among Lancaster鈥檚 bountiful farmland. Find to purchase Amish-made jams, jellies, flowers, baked goods and more. (Insider tip: Bring cash, as many stands do not accept credit cards.) 

2. Go on a Ghost Tour

Combine history and Halloween with a This candlelight walking tour takes you through 300 years of downtown Lancaster鈥檚 long-forgotten mysteries.

If jump scares are your thing, check out a nearby haunted hayride or 鈥渇rightmare鈥� house. Students love (Lancaster) and (Mountville), consistently rated among the top haunted attractions in America. 

3. Find the Best Foliage 

Short on time? You can catch a glimpse of nature鈥檚 beauty right on campus! The entire campus, formally recognized as the Caroline Steinman Nunan Arboretum, has earned national awards. And just one mile from campus, the 50-acre Spalding Conservancy has been used in F&M coursework and research since the 1980s. This urban conservancy serves as a natural laboratory for students and local environmental groups. .

Want to get off campus? is just four miles away from F&M, offering 544 acres for hiking, biking and horseback riding. 

For hikes just outside the city, view the .

If hiking isn鈥檛 on your agenda, try a . The county is home to more than 25 鈥� each with a story to tell. Many of these architectural beauties are adjacent to quaint  towns and villages lined with restaurants, shops, galleries and attractions.

4. Explore the Restaurant Scene 

just spotlighted Lancaster as a must-see city when it comes to farm-to-table dining. For the best locally sourced cuisine, .

Lancaster is also home to several farmers markets. F&M students love venturing to , the oldest continuously operated farmers market in the country. , opened in 2022, offers a 30-seat bar and large food hall with 12 chef stations featuring local, regional and international cuisine. 

5. Check Out Campus Happenings

With the fall semester in full swing, there鈥檚 plenty to see on campus, too. Cheer on the teams, visit the Phillips Museum of Art, catch author craft talks, book signings and open mic nights at The Writers House and more. 

See the fall splendor of campus for yourself. For virtual tours and info sessions, see

Students List Favorite Fall Traditions

Autumn marks the commencement of classes, athletic seasons and countless campus traditions at F&M. Check out this list of fall favorites, curated by our very own students!

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Top 5 Things to See When You Visit F&M

Our College campus is adjacent to bustling downtown Lancaster City and a sprawling conservancy. From minor league baseball games to art galleries, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your visit.

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Top 5 Winter Activities Near Campus

Planning a winter visit to F&M? A snowy stroll around campus will quickly warm up your day. From cozy cafes to concerts and shows, discover winter in Lancaster.

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