Fall is such a magical time of year. The change in seasons signals a shift both within ourselves and the outer world. We watch as the leaves begin to change from bright, vivid green to red, orange, yellow and golden hues of fall foliage. The temperatures begin to drop from the hot, humidity of summer to warm, cool, crisp fall days calling for sweater weather. While the summer feels endlessly busy, the fall signals a shift into a slower, more introspective phase of the year. We begin to cozy up in our homes– cooking soups, reading books and watching movies with our loved ones and nourishing our bodies by tuning into this quieter part of ourselves.
Fall is unique because it symbolizes this transition into winter, where we can still enjoy the outdoors without freezing our butts off. The fall season provides ample opportunity to get outside, explore and enjoy nature. There are so many fall activities to do with family and friends and make the most of this beautiful time of year.
If you need some ideas and inspiration here is the ultimate fall bucket list to help you enjoy your fall foliage season to the fullest. What’s on your fall bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
The Ultimate Fall Bucket List
Invest in Some Cozy Sweaters
One of my favorite parts about fall is sweater weather. Sweaters are so cozy and comfy and bring on feelings of safety and warmth. There are so many fun fall trends this year incorporating oversized sweaters and the sweater vest is back! Here are 10 of the Best Sweater Vests (And How to Style Them) as well as Cozy and Sustainable Sweaters for Fall.
Buy or Make a Fun Halloween Costume
Halloween is one the most fun parts of fall. A great excuse to dress up and act like a kid again. Maybe you haven’t always been a big Halloween fan, but it’s never too late. Buy or make a fun costume and get together with friends. It’s another reason to get together as a community and celebrate together. Here’s some low cost Halloween costume ideas.
Carve Pumpkins
Last year we started a tradition of hosting an annual pumpkin carving party. We served chili and cornbread and everyone brought their own pumpkin and carving tools. At the end of the evening we gave out prizes for scariest pumpkin, silliest pumpkin and most original. It was fun to see all the jack-o-lanterns lined up side by side with candles flickering inside at the end of the evening. It was also a fun way to get adults and children together with a little activity and healthy competition.
Go Apple Picking
Apple picking is an iconic fall activity. The apples are ripe and ready to go. This is a fun way to teach your kids about where we actually get apples from and then use your own apples to make cider, crisp or any other fun apple recipes. We love these 5 Healthy Apple Recipes from the Healthy Maven.
Make Apple Cider
If you have a cider press or know someone that does grab those freshly picked apples and make some cider. There is truly nothing better than fresh pressed cider, crisp from the apple. It’s a fun activity for children and adults alike. Looking to bump it up a notch? Add a little bourbon!
Fall Candles
I love a good seasonal candle. Brooklyn Candle is a great non-toxic candle company and their seasonal apple cider and toasted pumpkin candles look so nice! Farm & Sea candles are another one of my favorite and they have an amazing holiday collection with everything from applewood and white pumpkin to birchwood and spruce. Mmm I can smell it now!
Decorate Your House
One of the most fun fall things to do is decorate for the season. It’s a fun way to embrace the changing weather and cozier days ahead. If you are hosting any parties, it’s also a fun way to make your home look festive. There are so many ways to decorate for fall whether it’s adding some cozy throw blankets and candles, hanging a wreath or displaying pumpkins.
Visit A Corn Maze
Head to a corn maze for a picturesque fall experience. There are many corn mazes around New England to enjoy. Some have riddles and maps to make it from one end to the other. Usually they have a farmstand or shop to enjoy snacks and refreshments. Beware some corn mazes are haunted and are not for the faint of heart! Dead North Farm Land of Terror in Danville, Vermont sells out every year and is TERRIFYING. For a family friendly experience in Vermont check out Hathway Farm in Rutland! It’s a blast, especially for kids. In Rhode Island, the Farmer’s Daughter is a must visit in the fall!
Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Make sure to save those seeds while pumpkin carving, because they can be made into a delicious snack. Roasted pumpkins seeds with herbs are so yummy. You can lay them out on a baking pan and coat them with olive oil, salt, pepper and any spices of your choosing. You can try cinnamon for a sweeter snack or garlic and chili powder for a more savory, spicy taste.
Go For A Fall Foliage Adventure
One of the most magical parts of fall is the changing of the leaves. In New England we are treated to such an incredible display of colors throughout the fall months. If you’re in Vermont, check out our Vermont Guide for all things fall foliage. For broader New England foliage check out the Best Places for Foliage in New England and our recent post on Where To See Fall Foliage this year.
Watch Scary Movies
We are big scary movie fans in our house and fall feels like the perfect time to indulge. My husband and I used to do a scary movie every night in October but having a child has put a bit of a damper on that. We love the old classic scary movies like Halloween, Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, Scary Movie and Silence of the Lamb. If you’re not into the scary flicks you can still partake in some Halloween movie fun with classics like Hocus Pocus, Beetle Juice and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Listen to Spooky Podcasts
I tend to listen to true crime podcasts no matter the season, but fall is especially fun to get in the spirit. Try podcasts that explore hauntings, witches and other Halloween themes. Morbid is a true crime podcast that often dives into all things spooky each fall. Check out some more of our podcast recommendations in our recently updated list of The Best Podcasts To Binge Right Now.
Drink Pumpkin Spiced Lattes
Why not indulge, tis the season. Honestly, the pumpkin spice flavor is a bit much for me sometimes and can make me feel a little sick. I ask for half the usual amount of flavoring/syrup and this is usually just right. It only comes once a year, right? Why not?
Eat Pumpkin Ice Cream
Pumpkin ice cream is an undercover delicious treat. I feel like it doesn’t get nearly the credit it should. While the maple creemee takes all the attention, the pumpkin is secretly amazing too. Give it a try at a local homemade ice cream shop. You won’t regret it!
Make Fall Cocktails or Mocktails
Fall is a lovely time to cuddle up with a delicious cocktail either warm or cold. Try this easy old fashioned mocktail recipe. If you’re in the mood for something cozy, try this bourbon fall cocktail recipe.
Read Spooky Books
I love a good spooky fall read. There is nothing better than cozying up in bed or under the covers on the couch and becoming entwined in a horror, suspense or mystery story. Try The Winter People, The Sanatorium, The Guest List or The House Across the Lake. If you’re looking to avoid the scary stuff, try All Souls Trilogy, it is a fun series with a witch, otherworldly theme and romance.
Make Fall Soups
Warm, nourishing soup is exactly what our souls and bodies need during the fall. With lots of root vegetables in our gardens to harvest at the end of the season what better time to whip up some yummy soup recipes. Last week we did a round up of our favorite Delicious Soup Recipes for Fall.
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