By Amber Knox
Photo credit: Maebri Knox
It is officially fall, and although the High Plains may not have hillsides covered in gold and red leaves, the campus of Eastern New Mexico University is the most picturesque place you’ll find in Portales. Sidewalks weave through manicured lawns dotted with trees starting to turn the warm colors of fall. Students can get their favorite seasonal warm drink at one of the coffee shops on campus as they walk to class on the chilly mornings. Warm temperatures still prevail throughout the day, not yet allowing for the cozy knits of the season. Still, the occasional evening thunderstorm is the perfect setting to curl up under a blanket and binge-watch something new or feed our need for nostalgia.
Autumn has always seemed to inspire tradition in humanity. In ancient times, the traditions were based on superstition and survival. In our own way, we continue what our ancestors started.
We may not have the ancient Samhain fires to ward off evil spirits, but there is no shortage of friends sitting around firepits late into the night. We may no longer have to fortify our shelters for winter, but we do pull out the fall décor, cozy blankets, and switch from cool to heat on the thermostat.
It seems that all the ancient cultures had some variety of a seasonal drink. We may not have the mulled wine originating in the second century, but on occasion, you can get mulled wine and even hot chocolate wine at Enchantment Vineyards. Cider made its appearance in 55 BCE, and The Well in Portales is serving a spiced version as well as other seasonal drinks for those of all ages.
We may not have the German Oktoberfest, which began in 1810 as a Bavarian royal wedding and is now possibly the most famous festival of the season, recreated around the world, but locally, the Williams Livestock Ranch will be hosting its own version on October 25.
We may not have to stockpile food, but we do get a fresh slew of new releases to binge, keeping us sustained through the cold days ahead. Netflix recently released the drama House of Guiness from the creators of Peaky Blinders. Set in the 18th century on the cold, wet streets of Ireland and based on the family who brought us the stout, this show has all the ingredients of a fall favorite. If you prefer something a bit more heart-pounding, HBO Max is introducing the new paranormal series IT: Welcome to Derry, set in the world of Stephen King’s IT, on October 26. Or to lighten those winter blues, Hulu’s new series Chad Powersstarring Glen Powell as a disgraced college quarterback, may be more your cup of pumpkin spice tea.
Speaking of college football, we cannot forget the cultural event of the season. Tailgating. The ancient Romans held gladiatorial contests in the fall, the Irish held the Tailteann Games, and we have football. The ENMU football schedule can be found at https://goeasternathletics.com/sports/football/schedule. And we can’t forget about volleyball. The ENMU volleyball schedule can be found at https://goeasternathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule/2025.
Whether you prefer the toasty cozy aspects of fall or the chilly outdoors, there is something for you at ENMU and around Portales.