I can feel it coming in the air tonight… Autumn is nearly here! What a joy. I start to feel the excitement when the faint hint of crispness hits the air. Fall is my favorite season. There are so many great things to do in Fall. Somehow I always miss doing activities so this year I’ve compiled a short and sweet autumn bucket list.
Things To Do In Fall
Visit and Conquer a corn or hay maze.
Have you ever done one of these? I have never! I’ll have to commit to building a plan in advance. Movie magic makes them look to be a lot of fun. The location will surely be the perfect backdrop for some of the below ideas, too.
Make a pie from scratch.
I’m not going to tell you to make pumpkin pie. I get that it’s not for everyone. The pie making process is unique and a fun learning experience. I was just gifted my great grandma’s pecan pie dish and it has a recipe on it. Needless to say, I’m making pecan pie this year.
Pick out the best pumpkins at a pumpkin patch.
Usually, we don’t miss out on getting pumpkins. We do usually rush it and go to an underwhelming patch out of convenience. Supposedly healthy pumpkins last 8-12 weeks so I may take a chance and go early for best selection.
Make bird feeder pinecones (or paper tubes!)
A mega rewarding activity! I do enjoy seeing the birds enjoy the feeders. If you don’t have easy access to pinecones, you could try the same with toilet paper or paper towel tubes. Same concept. Spread peanut butter over the pinecone or tube. Then roll it around in bird seed. Tie a string around or through it and hang outside.
Carve a pumpkin.
While healthy pumpkins usually last 8-12 weeks, I’ve read that it’s best to pick a pumpkin for carving the week of. Last year I attempted carving with kitchen knives and I don’t recommend it. I’ll be picking up proper carving knives this year. And remember, cut the hole through the bottom of the pumpkin.
Roast pumpkin seeds.
Save the seeds from the pumpkins carved. Once washed off they can be used to make a delicious snack. I keep it easy by spreading them on a pan and spraying with oil. A shake of favorite seasoning(s) and roast at 350° for 15 minutes (tossing at least once) and they’re done. I like Japanese seven spice and my kiddo likes adobo seasoning but sweet flavors are yum too.
Attend a sports game (football and hockey season!).
A quintessential part of many people’s Fall. Sports. My family was never much into sports so I wasn’t exposed to that until I was an adult. I’m trying to find things my kiddo enjoys doing outside of videogames though. I’ve never attended a football or hockey game but I have gone to a couple baseball games the past few years. And I liked those!
Go “leaf peeping” aka a scenic drive to admire the tree colors.
An excuse to go for a scenic drive? Count. Me. In. There’s something magical about soaking in the beauty of colorful tree lined back roads. It would even make a great trip on the way to other activities on this list.
Visit a Farmer’s Market and/or Festival.
I’m embarrassed to admit I usually avoid these. Crowds tend to make me anxious but I am doing a lot better this year. I’ll be looking for inspiration, funnel cake, and perhaps a little trinket. Maybe even an easy going ride. I’m going all out this year, haha.
Put on some flannel.
An excuse to go shopping? I’m down. It’ll be cozy for going out to the festival or pumpkin patch. We could get in some cute matchy matchy photos, too. I’ve already started favoriting flannel shirts on Poshmark.
Go apple picking.
I have never been before and it was the wrong time of year the one time I’ve been to an orchard. “They” say fresh picked tastes the best. I want to try that for myself. As nice as it is outside in autumn, it’s just another excuse to soak in some sunshine and fresh air before the short days arrive.
Go for a hike.
Did I mention excuses to soak in sunshine and fresh air? Another activity that will satiate is hiking. If lucky, there will be an array of colorful leaves, crunchy leaves, and mushrooms!
Bake! Try these pumpkin muffins.
Sure, I plan on making a pie. But I enjoy the baking experience. Especially when they’re handheld like muffins, cupcakes and bars. Could even attempt using fresh pumpkin from carving or fresh apples from picking. Either way, it’ll be a delight for the senses to smell the spices essential to Autumn baking.
Autumn is my favorite season for a lot of reasons. Most of all I enjoy the weather and temperatures. It makes it more enjoyable to do things like baking without heating up the house and doing outdoor activities without getting bundled up. I’m looking forward to crossing off all these things to do in Fall off my autumn bucket list.
