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Sunset overlooking the pumpkin patch, as photographed on Oct. 11, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Faiza Islam)
Sunset overlooking the pumpkin patch, as photographed on Oct. 11, 2024. (Hustler Multimedia/Faiza Islam)
Faiza Islam

IN PHOTOS: A beauti-fall break

Staffers turn over new leaves with a few days away from classes.

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.

About the Contributors
George Albu
George Albu, Staff Writer and Photographer
George Albu (‘27) is majoring in medicine, health and society in the College of Arts and Science. When not working for The Hustler, he enjoys watching video essays, exploring Nashville and going to the Rec. He can be reached at [email protected].
Naomi Alvarado
Naomi Alvarado, Staff Writer and Photographer
Naomi Alvarado ('27) is from Stamford, Connecticut, and is majoring in medicine, health & society and human & organizational development in Peabody College. She enjoys playing guitar, watching the Bachelor and talking about Taylor Swift. Around Nashville, you can find her at a country music concert or walking in Centennial Park. She can be reached at [email protected].
Isabella Bautista
Isabella Bautista, Senior Staff Writer and Photographer
Isabella Bautista (‘26) is double majoring in mathematics and biological sciences and minoring in psychology on the pre-medical track in the College of Arts and Science. She is from Easton, Pa., and previously served as Deputy Life Editor. When not writing for The Hustler, she can be found spending hours alone in a piano practice room, photographing Vanderbilt squirrels with her digital camera or reading up on penguin evolution in her research lab. She can be reached at [email protected].  
Alex Brodeur
Alex Brodeur, Staff Photographer
Alex Brodeur (‘27) is a student in the College of Arts and Science majoring in culture, advocacy and leadership and minoring in art history and musicology. When not taking photos for The Hustler, you can find him performing with the Spirit of Gold Marching Band, visiting museums with the History of Art Society or attending concerts. He can be reached at [email protected].
Lindsay Glaccum
Lindsay Glaccum, Staff Photographer
Lindsay Glaccum ('27) is a sophomore in the Blair School of Music majoring in music performance with a minor in French. Besides playing in all sorts of concerts at Blair, Lindsay is often doodling, writing music or doing graphic design. She can be reached at [email protected].
Faiza Islam
Faiza Islam, Staff Photographer
Faiza Islam (‘27) is majoring in public policy and minoring in sociology in the College of Arts and Science. In her free time, she enjoys yoga and journaling. You can reach her at [email protected]
Shayna Kar
Shayna Kar, Staff Photographer
Shayna Kar ('28) is from Goldens Bridge, New York, and is majoring in neuroscience and medicine, health & society in the College of Arts and Science. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, crocheting and watching movies. You can reach her at [email protected].
Emily Park
Emily Park, Staff Writer and Photographer
Emily Park ('28) is from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, and is majoring in engineering science in the School of Engineering. In her free time, she enjoys baking, swimming and traveling. You can reach her at [email protected].
Alessandra Salvini
Alessandra Salvini, Staff Writer and Photographer
Alessandra Salvini (‘27) is majoring in human and organizational development and political science in Peabody College. Outside of The Hustler, she loves being outdoors, visiting coffee shops and listening to live music. She can be reached at [email protected].
Michael Tung
Michael Tung, Staff Photographer
Michael Tung ('26) is majoring in computer science. He is currently a staff photographer and is originally from Dublin, Ohio. His interests are photography, engineering, all things aerospace and music. He can be reached at [email protected].
Royce Yang
Royce Yang, Staff Photographer
Royce Yang (‘27) is majoring in political science in the College of Arts and Science while minoring in music performance and legal studies. He can occasionally be observed curating an extensive collection of Bach or attempting to identify helicopters around the Medical Center based on their noise. You can reach him at [email protected].
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