From a mock Stars Hollow to the Rocky Mountains, photography staffers share how they captured fall break on camera.
Lindsay Glaccum, Staff Photographer
This fall break, I was fortunate enough to visit the beautiful city of Sedona, Arizona, which is famous for its red rocks. As someone who grew up in a humid, forested area, I was surprised by the natural beauty of the desert. I hiked, admired art galleries, visited famous landmarks and spotted wild pigs. At the end of my trip, I even tried a piece of cactus candy made from the fruit of prickly pears.
Faiza Islam, Staff Photographer
This fall break, I, along with a few friends from high school, took a road trip from Nashville, through Tennessee’s windy, hilly country roads, to visit Honeysuckle Hill Farm for their famous fall festival. We enjoyed caramel apples, apple cider frosted drinks, plenty of fun games like paintball and apple blasters, a hayride, a corn maze, a mechanical bull ride and, of course, pumpkin picking! The festival is mainly targeted toward families, but we still had a bunch of fun. It’s around 40 minutes from campus and a Tennessee childhood classic — I totally recommend a visit as the fall weather begins to kick in!
Michael Tung, Staff Photographer
This year, I shortened my fall break trip home to Dublin, Ohio to visit a friend’s family in Lexington, Kentucky. During the visit, I had the opportunity to experience the Vanderbilt-Kentucky football game and immerse myself in the culture of the city. Some of the highlights included attending my first authentic horse race at Keeneland, witnessing a Vanderbilt football victory, enjoying local barbecue and exploring a collection of historical artifacts displayed at my friend’s home. My most favorite memorabilia of all was the signed photograph of Thomas Jefferson!
Royce Yang, Staff Photographer
Fall’s passage through the southern lands brought with it moments of convergence between history and modernity. Along the parkways of Atlanta concealed the immense arteries of a thriving metropolis that guide travelers and commuters alike through corridors of steel and remembrance. Farther afield in the tranquil gardens of Marietta, time lingered, mingling whispers of the past with the fleeting dance of nature’s creatures. As relics of commerce and culture told their stories in quiet repose, this brief autumnal respite from academics unfurled with measured grace.
George Albu, Staff Writer and Photographer
I spent my fall break on campus, taking great care to prevent myself from just laying in my dorm for all four days. A big part of my break was spent touring the Tennessee Crafts Fair at Centennial Park over the weekend, bringing vendors from all over the Southeast to sell their handmade goods. Overall, the weekend was full of mornings by the lake and evenings window-shopping in the fresh air.
Naomi Alvarado, Staff Writer and Photographer
The charming town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania made all my “Gilmore Girl” dreams come true. Nestled in the Poconos Mountains, Jim Thorpe is the perfect place to hike, sightsee or grab a cup of coffee. Although I am from Connecticut, northeastern autumns never fail to amaze me.
Alex Brodeur, Staff Writer and Photographer
I spent my fall break in Nashville, which gave me the opportunity to explore more of the city. I started off by going to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens with a friend to explore the grounds for the first time, and I attended the Belmont Symphony Orchestra Concert later that day to support fellow members of the marching band. I was lucky enough to review and photograph the Vampire Weekend concert at Ascend Amphitheater for The Hustler. I also visited a nearby farm stand with some friends and then watched Vanderbilt’s football team beat the University of Kentucky that night. Overall, it was a very rewarding and exciting fall break!
Shayna Kar, Staff Writer and Photographer
I went back home to New York over fall break. The weekend lined up with the major Hindu religious festival of Durga Puja, celebrating goddess Durga’s triumph over evil. I enjoyed spending time with friends and family and taking part in the celebrations. I also admired the colors of fall and another solar flare earlier in the week that led to an amazing viewing of the northern lights!
Emily Park, Staff Writer and Photographer
I spent my fall break back home in New Jersey! It was so nice to see my family and dogs again, as well as catch up with some high school friends.
Alessandra Salvini, Staff Writer and Photographer
This fall break, I visited my friend at the University of Colorado Boulder. Boulder, Colorado captivated me with its breathtaking natural beauty — mountain peaks, rolling green hills and vibrant skies, creating a perfect harmony between nature and city life. I enjoyed going on hikes, attending the local farmers market and viewing the aurora borealis for the first time. It was a memorable first time in Colorado, and I hope to go back!
Isabella Bautista, Life Copy Editor
I spent my fall break hiking, driving, stargazing and spelunking in Shenandoah National Park — the fourth national park I’ve gotten to check off my bucket list. Though fall in the mountains is always a magnificent experience, it wouldn’t have been a proper break without a quick detour home to see my rabbits before flying back to Nashville.
