7 Fun Things to do in the Fall
For many people, autumn is the most wonderful time of year. The break in the temperatures is a welcomed reprieve from the scorching heat of summer. As the days get cooler and the leaves begin to fall, you can’t help but feel the crispness in the air. It’s that feeling that makes you want to break out your cardigan and go jump in a pile of leaves while sipping your favorite fall drink – can you say pumpkin spice latte, please? (Insert Heart Eyes Emoji) I was recently having a conversation with some friends, and we were talking about how all of the things that we enjoy about fall are associated with the cynical “basic” connotation that almost makes us feel guilty for enjoying them. However, my friend Lily said it well, “They’re basic because they are that wonderful! There is nothing basic about it; you just can’t help but enjoy all things fall!”
I am here to tell you that being basic is not a bad thing; in fact, it’s not a thing at all. So, sit back in your oversized sweater with your pumpkin bread and hot chocolate (with whipped cream and cinnamon, of course), and enjoy this list of seven FUN things to do in the fall!
- Go to a pumpkin patch!
This is one of my absolute FAVORITE things to do in the fall. Nothing get’s you into the spirit of autumn quite like a good, old-fashioned pumpkin patch. In the words of Linus from the classic 1966 Great Pumpkin Special, “You can look around and there’s not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see.” Nothing is as sincerely “fall” as a pumpkin patch; enough said. Today, most pumpkin patches have corn mazes on site which makes your trip doubly worth it! Getting lost in a corn maze is a great way to spend time with friends before selecting the pumpkin that is just right for you. Some farms offer hay rides, food/beverages, petting zoos and other activities that are tons of fun. Bring your friends, your special guy or gal, or fly solo and enjoy a perfect fall afternoon in the beautiful weather this season brings!
*In the age of COVID, some patches/mazes have been shut down and others have special measures in place for the safety of their community and visitors, so be sure to do some research before heading out your door to ensure that you are prepared.*
2. Once you have the perfect pumpkin… it’s time to carve it!
Carving pumpkins is a long-standing fall tradition. Originating in Ireland, the first carved pumpkins weren’t actually pumpkins at all – they were turnips! Despite the fact that the tradition is associated with the pagan holiday, it is a FUN, fall activity that can be enjoyed alone or with friends. Pick your pumpkin, choose your image or muse and start carving! Have a party where you invite friends to carve with you – you can have a theme for all your pumpkins or everyone can choose something unique to them. And be sure to save the pumpkin seeds to roast later for a yummy fall treat!
3. Visit an Apple Orchard
A juicy, sweet, crisp apple is the quintessential fall snack and going to an apple orchard to pick your own apples is basically like stepping into an autumn inspired movie. Most apple orchards have a variety of apples to choose from and they usually carry other apple themed products, such as cider, specialty jams or spreads, apple sauce, apple butter and more delicious treats! Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some fresh picked apples with your friends and family. Plus, it’s a great photo-op to add some fall aesthetics to your Instagram.
4. Try a New Recipe
With a bag full of hand-picked apples, it’s time to try a new fall recipe! With endless options online, you are sure to find a recipe that sounds good to you! One of my personal favorites is Apple Crisp topped with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Syrup. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try something a little more challenging like homemade apple cider or apple sauce. And don’t forget about your pumpkin seeds! There are several different ways to flavor pumpkin seeds for a sweet or savory treat. Pumpkin bread is another classic, crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a hot cup of coffee in the morning. And check out the many fall-inspired soup recipes that will warm you up on those chilly fall evenings!
5. Go for a Hike!
Fall is my favorite time to hike! You are no longer bogged down by the heat and humidity of summer and the fall foliage adds to the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation! With a brilliant, blue sky and the leaves on fire, there is no mountain that cannot be tamed. Hiking after an autumn rainstorm makes the leaves even more beautiful as the stark colors contrast the dark, wet bark on the trees. Hiking is an activity that you can enjoy with your friends or by yourself (or with your dog), and it’s a great way to get some exercise while refreshing your mind. As Nathaniel Hawthorne put it, “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house. So I have spent almost all the daylight hours in the open air.” Who wants to be inside when there is so much glory to behold in the beauty of the woods in autumn? NOT ME!
6. Have a Bonfire!
I know that I have said how much I love all of the things on this list, but a bonfire might ACTUALLY be my favorite fall thing to do! One of the best things about fall is that the days can be warm, but the nights are almost always chilly – perfect for sitting around a crackling fire. Cozy up to the warmth of the flames while listening to music, friends chatting, or the stillness of the night. No matter how you do it, there is no better way to spend a fall evening! And remember: no bonfire is complete without ingredients for s’mores so don’t forget the grahams, chocolate and marshmallows!
7. Decorate for Fall!
As much as I love Christmas and making my home look like a Hallmark Holiday Card, it is just as much fun to decorate for fall! I mean, come on, does it get any cuter than those miniature pumpkins!? I think not. Using an autumn color palette and fall-themed decorations, you can warm up your dorm/room/home to match your living space to the changing season. Bright pops of orange, maroon, and yellow can transform a space and autumn flowers, such as chrysanthemums or sunflowers, are great for bringing part of the outside world in. Top it all off with a fall scented candle and you are ready to enjoy your favorite movie in your cozy, fall-inspired room!
This list shares just a few ways you can enjoy yourself this season but the reality is that there are endless ways to have fun in the fall! We would love to hear from YOU! Share the creative ways that you have fun this season using the hashtag #funinthefall and be sure to tag The Daily Runner (@regentrunner) or post an image to our Facebook page so that we can share in the fun with you! God bless!
*All photos taken by Gabby Tyson on her fall adventures.
