Historically, September is a monster month for albums.

The Beatles’ Abbey Road (1969), Beck’s Sea Change (2002), and Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska (1982) were all released as fall began.

Maybe it’s the crisp air and changing colors, or maybe it’s the return of Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks, but whatever the catalyst is, fall is a great time for song writing.

So get outside this month with your guitar and notepad and see what you come up with. Whether you’re hitting up open mic nights around town or just entertaining your friends around a bonfire, hit up these spots when you need some inspiration. Without further ado, I present the top three places in DeKalb to write a song.

3. The courtyard outside Douglas Hall

Just outside the west entrance to Douglas, there is an enormous circle-shaped courtyard that is perfect for sitting down and penning a great ballad. You can sit and watch people walking to Stevenson and Grant and perhaps gain some inspiration from being in the heart of a bustling west campus.

2. Prairie Park

Located north of Lincoln Highway and west of Annie Glidden, this expansive area is filled with dense forests and fields, with the Kishwaukee River cutting through it all. Get your Bon Iver on and surround yourself with nature. This location is sure to lead to some deep songs, or at least some

mosquito bites.

1. East Lagoon

This place is straight out of Walden. A beautiful lagoon surrounded by trees and bushes, this has to be the most peaceful place on campus. Marvel at the beauty of the natural scenery or appreciate the original architecture on the east side of campus.

So now, go forth and write the next great American song. Just make sure you thank me in the liner notes.