Students often stress over what do with their families during the University-sponsored Family Weekend. Many families plan their weekends around the various events that the University puts on—the president’s address, the tailgate, or the tent party, to name a few. While these events provide useful ways for families to engage with the University, they can be repetitive for those who have attended Family Weekend in the past. For students who want to switch up their Family Weekends and take part in activities outside of the University, here are a few fun and original ideas.

Selinsgrove Market Street Festival

On Sept. 24 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and just a few short minutes’ drive down Route 15, Selinsgrove is hosting their annual Street Festival on downtown Market Street. Only about 20 minutes from the University, Selinsgrove would be a great place to venture with families, especially on its most popular day of the year. The Street Festival has activities for every family member, including games, music, and food. Local vendors at this event are selling jewelry, clothing, food, and other hand-made crafts, and live bands will be playing throughout the day. The Selinsgrove Market Street Festival is a great opportunity to get off campus and experience an authentic Pennsylvania fair with family members.

Fero Vineyards and Winery

The Fero Vineyards and Winery is a 10 minute drive from campus and an excellent place for students to go with their families. This 12.5 acre vineyard in Lewisburg would be a beautiful place for families to visit for wine-tasting, or even just a scenic walk. The Fero Shop on the vineyard’s campus sells home-crafted wines and offers social tastings throughout the day. Fero Vineyards and Winery is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays, so it would be a great place to stop in the afternoon before dinner.

Ard’s Farm Market

Ard’s Farm Market, about 10 minutes from the University, is a great place for families to go for decedent food and festive activities. The Ard’s Corn Maze (open from 12-9 p.m. on Saturdays and 12-6 p.m. on Sundays) is a fall favorite, perfect for groups of friends and family. Ard’s also offers autumn staples like pumpkin patch hayrides and a number of classic corn games. The rustic Ard’s Farm Market shop, located in the main building of the campus, sells homemade, authentic prepared foods. Check out Ard’s Restaurant, also located in the main building, known for its rich, all-American dishes.

Susquehanna River Activities

The Susquehanna River is one of the most impressive and noteworthy features of Lewisburg, and is definitely something to see with family, especially this time of year. Take your family for a scenic hike along the river or head over to Bucknell Landing, the canoe and kayak dock behind the University on River Road. Rafting or Kayaking down the Susquehanna River is a fan favorite activity  for University students that would be a great adventure to take part in with family.

Shopping in Downtown Lewisburg

Downtown Lewisburg has a number of small shops and markets that are definitely worth checking out with family members this weekend. Unique to Lewisburg, boutiques like Dwellings and Retrah sell collections of clothing and accessories that are great for gifts. For all things Orange and Blue, head into the Bucknell University Official Bookstore which sells every University-themed item imaginable. Another great spot to go to with families is the Campus Theatre, which stands out as one of the most notable venues on Market Street with a lot of interesting University history associated with it. There are plenty of delicious restaurants and lunch spots on Market Street as well, so it won’t be hard to spend a full day getting to know Lewisburg.