Fall is easily my absolute favorite time of the year (it was even eulogized by the great poet John Keats). It brings with it many wonderful things to do from having a quiet cozy day inside to getting out and exploring the seasonal attractions that you can only do during this time of the year.
So, from staying in and reading cozy mysteries under blankets by the fireplace to cool strolls through pumpkin patches with warm apple cider, I’ve rounded up all the fun fall activities to do this year!
1. Read Mystery Novels
What is it about crisp air and clouds that make for the perfect mystery night? There’s so much to do here, but one of my favorite things to do during the fall is read mysteries. Under a pile of warm blankets.
2. Make Candy Apples
Caramel apples are one of the best things about Fall and they are one of the easiest treats to enjoy.
3. Go to a Haunted House
There are a variety of haunted houses that pop up with the start of Fall and as All Hallow’s Eve draws closer and closer. Let the restless spirits kick off your harvest celebrations – and give you ideas for your own fall decorations.
4. Go on a Haunted Hayride
Ok so sometimes these are also part of a a haunted house experience.
BUT.
Much of the time they are also a separate thing to do in their own right.
5. Upgrade Your Sweater Collection
You are going to be outside a lot in the cold and brisk air, so you might as well add a new sweater to your collection. You deserve to feel comfy and cozy during this time of year and the best part is that sweaters do that and look great.
6. Walk through a Corn Maze
Take a stroll through Fall’s greatest invention: the corn maze. This is one of my favorite things to do in the Fall, however I have to warn you this isn’t going to be a short venture. I’m really bad at them and tend to get lost—but if you get lost with the right kind of crowd it can turn in to a really great time.
7. Visit an Orchard and Pick Apples
Stroll through an orchard picking apples. Enjoy the fresh, cool air and the crunch of the frosted grass under your feet. Savor these rare hours which are slow and full of friends, family, and reflection.
8. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
This is simply a must do activity for Fall. One of the great things about Fall is the emphasis on time spent together. Fall is the time to slow things down a little and enjoy the people around you—and one of the best ways to do that is a nice walk through a pumpkin patch. Be sure to take a few back with you!
9. Carve Pumpkins
After you’ve found a few great pumpkins to take home it’s time to put them on the porch for everyone to see. You can also find ways to add them to your dinner table as essential fall decor. Most importantly, take the time to carve a few that are going to sit outside. And of course don’t forget to share it on Insta.
10. Create a Wreathe of Fall Leaves
Or if you are like me, you just have to buy one. A quintessential piece of décor that you will want to adorn your door with, there are an abundance of DIY tutorials online to create one that matches your vibe.
11. Take the Ultimate Cabin Vacation in the Mountains
I have always loved the mountains, cabins, and ski lodges. Even during these tricky COVID times, you can still find a way to take an exciting adventure to a log cabin, whether it’s far far away or near to you. And of course once you get there its time to break out the fall scented hand soaps.
12. Go Wine Tasting…In Napa
Yes, technically you can go wine tasting at a convenient regional winery. However if you really want to enjoy a gorgeous fall day there is no better way than to do it in wine country. Bask in the foliage of yellow, red, and orange leaves that ignites the rolling, hilly vineyards of Napa Valley and the cool Northern California air the as you imbibe the legendary red vintages.
13. Watch the Leaves Change
There are a number of simple ways to see the brilliant red, yellow, and orange leaves that spread across all the trees during Fall. You can go on a walk through your favorite tree-lined city street to see the foliage, go to the local park, or you can go on a drive through the countryside and even up into the mountains.
14. Roast S’Mores by the Fire
What goes perfect with a crackling fire besides trusted companions and stories? S’mores of course! This is a great one to combine with either a camping trip or an outdoor movie night.
15. Go on a Camping Trip
I’ve always thought Summer is too hot to go camping, but it’s one of the best things to do in the Fall. The chill in the night air is much more welcome than the heat! If you bring a treat like spiced pumpkin butter you might find yourself to be the most popular person around the campfire.
16. Octoberfest
Fall is the time of great beers. The Germans know how to celebrate this the best, and thankfully many an Octoberfest can be found in a town near you. So go forth and taste the great fall brews.
17. Drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Every. Single. Day. I make it a point to enjoy pumpkin spice lattes and not only from Starbucks. Many coffee shops have a fun spin on them, so it’s worth exploring!
18. Host an Outdoor Movie Night
This brings all the great Fall things together. Get out your favorite plaid shirt, a nice comfy sweater, a wool blanket and if you want light a small fire and enjoy a movie under the stars. Skip the popcorn and go for an assortment of fall treats from mulled spiced cider, and of course toast with cinnamon apple butter.
19. Enjoy a Warm Apple Cider
Reap the rewards of your adventure to the local apple orchard or just hit the store and grab some cider. Williams Sonoma has a brew that uses Granny Smith apples as well as a few others from Washington state; simply mix it with water and enjoy. You can also add some mulling spices to give it an extra special Fall flavoring.
20. Light Up those Candles
If there was ever a time of year to enjoy scented candles, it is definitely and without question now. Fall candles come in a range of pleasing smells from sweet smelling pumpkin pecan waffles to earthy red apples and leaves. They even specially make pumpkin candles so be sure to check those out as well.
21. Make and Eat Frosted Pumpkin Scones
In addition to enjoying things like pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin scented candles you might as well embrace the frosted pumpkin scones. Yes, at the same time. Was that really a question?
22. Hit the Local Fall Festival
If you want to combine all the great things about Fall into one place, it’s your local fair that celebrates autumn. Hayrides, corn mazes, apple cider, crisp air, and of course sweaters, cardigans, and vests will be on full display—and as much plaid as possible.
