Regardless of Saturday's forecast, get out and cheer on your Oles at Manitou Field, where the home squad will attempt to beat Gustavus for the fifth time in a row for the first time in St. Olaf football history. Bring your parents, grandparents, siblings, you name it and pack the stands with black and gold.

Homecoming, to be remembered as the week in which Alice and Wonderland made an unheralded comeback, should be remembered for other things as well. Homecoming is a melting pot of Ole-ness. Current students. Alums. Faculty. Staff. Parents. Grandparents. Siblings. Everyone is an Ole. Share your St. Olaf heritage.

For those that have parents and relatives visiting for the weekend, perhaps a night or day off-campus is in order. Northfield and the surrounding area provide plenty of opportunity for a meal or activity. Here are five suggestions to get you started:

1. Northfield Golf Club - For those of you that golf, what I am about to tell you may shock you. With a tee time, our own Northfield Golf Club is offering extremely reasonable green fees. With a St. Olaf ID, fees are $20 for 18 holes and $10 for nine. The green, flat, relatively easy course can be played quickly on a Sunday. Get on the phone, call Dad, and have him bring your clubs. This deal is good through the first snow, so you have some time for a few rounds.

2. The Tavern - Suggest this to Mom and Dad for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Located in the Archer House in downtown Northfield, sit down and take in Northfield culture and history.

3. Nerstand Big Woods State Park - Located only 15 minutes from campus, Big Woods State Park offers the perfect opportunity to see autumn in full force. The state park has plenty of walking trails and a waterfall in the midst of large, colorful maple trees perfect for a weekend stroll.

4. Cannon Valley Bike Trail - The Cannon Valley Bike Trail is 19.7 miles long and extends along a former Chicago Great Western Railroad line which connects the cities of Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing in beautiful southeastern Minnesota. Ride along several overhanging cliffs, wetlands and the Cannon River as picturesque Minnesota scenery is displayed.

5. Carleton Arboretum - Your local outdoors option, the Carleton Arboretum is conveniently located across the river and spans adjacent to Carleton College. You may visit the more popular Upper Arb, site of the majority of trails (including bike trails). If you're into observing natural wildlife, check out the hidden Lower Arb and do so.

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