A new season is almost upon us! Autumn — or fall, if you prefer — is the perfect bridge between the dog days of summer and the indoor activities that characterize winter.
School is back in session, the weather is often ideal, there’s a lot to see and do outdoors, and people’s thoughts begin to turn toward the holidays. But before we skip past September, October and November, here are a few ideas of fun activities to add to your autumn bucket list.
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- Decorate your home with things that feel like autumn.. Display a pumpkin-scented candle, a leafy garland, harvest-colored placemats, a bouquet of fall flowers, and some decorative hand- or dish towels.
- Unpack some cozy sweaters. Consider treating yourself to a new one. True, many fall days may still be too warm to be “sweater weather,” but donning a harvest colored pullover on the first cool night will feel amazing.
- Sample some special autumn beverages. Seek out some homemade apple cider or indulge in a pumpkin spice latte or two. Collect recipes for fall cocktails and mocktails to serve at your next get-together.
- Spend a whole afternoon or night outdoors. Go hiking or kayaking in the woods. Schedule a fall photoshoot for your family or friends. Borrow a tent and camp out under the stars.
- Plan a scenic foliage trip. Locating places where leaves are at peak color on a given weekend is easily done. And, you’ll also enjoy the foliage seen from the car or train window en route to your destination
- Dream up an autumn-themed treat for your next party or just for yourself! Bake an apple or pumpkin pie. Make some pumpkin bread or a batch of caramel apples. Arrange a charcuterie board featuring treats in fall colors.
- Spend a day at a harvest fair or fall festival. Nothing captures the spirit of autumn like farm animals, baked goods, music, contests, and rides.
Go pumpkin or apple picking, or explore a corn maze. Venues that offer these activities also often feature such extras as hayrides, music, and apple cider.
- Build a nighttime fire and invite over some friends. Sing songs, roast hot dogs, or toast marshmallows for s’mores.
- Attend a football game. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy homecoming parades, cheer and dance team performances, halftime shows, and of course the game itself.
- Get a jump on your holiday shopping and planning. Use a calendar or things-to-do list to organize your thoughts and intentions. You’ll be glad you got an early start.
- Start a list of things you are thankful for. Your list can be a one-time activity or become a work in progress. Either way, this physical evidence of the good in your life can make you feel more grounded, not to mention very grateful.
“Autumn is a season to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have.”
While you tick off each activity on your autumn bucket list, take some time to make note of your best memories in a journal or notebook. And, don’t forget to add pictures — scrapbooking is another perfect bonus activity for a rainy fall day!
Your notes and photos can become the inspiration for a fresh bucket list for next autumn. And, hey, they can also serve as a jumping-off point for a winter list!
Happy Autumn!
