Colgate University’s Mid-Term Recess begins on Oct. 7, which means many students are heading out for the weekend. Whether driving, flying or taking public transportation, one question persists: which tunes will define this scenic autumn escape? 

1. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” — John Denver (1971)

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is the perfect tune to complement a windy drive through the roads of Upstate New York. Take note of the changing foliage that paint the hills and the stretches of bright red apple orchards. Let the country roads take you home — quite literally. 

2. “Montezuma” — Fleet Foxes (2011)

Anyone headed west toward Rochester or Buffalo might pass the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, a near 10,000-acre nature preserve famous for the migratory birds that stop to rest and feed there. “Montezuma” by the Fleet Foxes captures the essence and beauty of this spot. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you pass by the scenic channels and swamps that compose the refuge.

3. “4Runner” – Rostam (2021)

“4Runner” by Rostam captures all the excitement of a day on the road, including long discussions about obscure topics, spontaneous detours to see local attractions and quick stops at the gas station to stock up on snacks. In our busy college careers, it is a refreshing change of pace to be stuck in a car with so much free time. Take advantage of this opportunity to appreciate the scenery beyond the Hamilton area and make memories with your travel companions. 

4. “Home” — Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (2009)

Heading home can provoke plenty of nostalgic feelings. “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros encapsulates the flood of mixed emotions when driving through your hometown and seeing your high school, favorite breakfast restaurant or childhood best friend’s house. Whistling along to this song is a must as you reminisce on these old memories and work past any bittersweet feelings.

5. “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” — Taylor Swift (2021)

To get through a long travel day, you’ll need some longer songs that never get old. “All Too Well” is the perfect tune to get your spirits high as you make your way down the road. Feel free to sing the lyrics as loud as you’d like — especially the one that goes, “Singing in the car, getting lost upstate.” Before you know it, you’ll reach the destination only a few replays of Swift’s top hit later. 

6. “Road Trippin’” — Red Hot Chili Peppers (1999)

Hopefully you aren’t getting lost on your way home, but sometimes it can be fun to drive and pretend like you have no destination. In “Road Trippin’,” the Red Hot Chili Peppers describe the carefree feeling of heading out on the road with nowhere to go. 

“Road trippin’ with my two favorite allies, fully loaded we got snacks and supplies / It’s time to leave this town, it’s time to steal away / Let’s go get lost anywhere in the U.S.A.,” sings the hit band.

7. “Saturday Sun” — Vance Joy (2018)

Nothing beats a perfect fall day when the sun is shining through the cracks in the tree canopies and the leaves are delicately spiraling down toward the ground. This fall break, relish these warm, breezy days to the light and carefree tune of “Saturday Sun” by Vance Joy and take in every moment away from the books. 

8. “Rivers and Roads” — The Head and the Heart (2011)

Is there someone at home who you’ve been particularly missing? The Head and the Heart understands the gloom of being far from the people you love and care about. Acknowledge this heavy-hearted feeling but keep in mind all the joy and peace that come with a happy reunion — even if it seems many “Rivers and Roads” away. 

9. “Stubborn Love ” — The Lumineers (2013) 

Embrace the sound of American alternative folk through the delicate instrumentation featured in “Stubborn Love” by The Lumineers. Let the high-energy beat of the drums propel you forward to your final destination and the ornate sound of the strings smooth out any leftover academic anxiety from the week. 

10. “Take It Easy” – Eagles (1972)

It always feels like a mad dash to leave campus on Friday amid the excitement of farewells and packing bags. “Take It Easy” by the Eagles is a good reminder to be patient and intentional, even during this Friday afternoon frenzy. By slowing down, we embrace the calm nature of this much-needed fall break and lean into the relaxation to come.  

11. “Girl from the North Country” — Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash (1969)

Central New York brings out the country in us, especially when driving past farm after farm. Don’t forget to point out clusters of sheep and highway farm stands as you make your way to this weekend’s destination. Blaring on the speaker, the tender voices of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash will blend seamlessly in “Girl from the North Country,” setting a peaceful and contemplative tone for your journey. 

12. “Canyon Moon”  —  Harry Styles (2019)

“Canyon Moon” is a high-energy song that’s perfect to set the tone for reconnecting with loved ones. Visiting your friend nearby? Back home to see your family? Wherever it may be, embrace a lighthearted attitude through the gentle strumming of the guitar as Styles reflects on happy memories with people he loves.

13. “Thunder Road” — Bruce Springsteen (1986)

The opening song of Springsteen’s third studio album “Born to Run” isn’t just fitting because it has the word “road” in its title. This is the perfect anthem for embracing the fun and adventure of escaping an academic routine for a few days. Allow the classic sounds of piano and saxophone in “Thunder Road” to uplift your energy as you head into the recess and take advantage of a few days of freedom.