Every season has something to offer, but fall vibes are hard to beat. No matter how fun summer is – with its beach days and sunny backyard BBQs – it’s impossible not to feel excited as we bring our favorite cozy women's sweaters out of their hiding places. With the changing leaves, that crisp fall air, pumpkin spice everything back on menus, and spooky season on the horizon, that autumnal magic is palpable.
It's true that this magical season often seems to fly by. That’s why it’s important to welcome fall with all the fanfare it deserves. Read on for some of our favorite fall activities that’ll help you embrace the season in all its sweater weather glory.
This might feel obvious, but it doesn’t get more autumnal than a visit to your local pumpkin patch. Beyond being the perfect way to welcome fall, it’s also a seasonal activity that happens to be a lot of fun. Many pumpkin patches offer more than just pumpkin picking (although picking out a few pumpkins to carve for Halloween or to use as seasonal décor is a draw in and of itself), like corn mazes and hayrides.
A visit to the pumpkin patch is a guarantee to get into the spirit of the season and, of course, the perfect place for some serious Instagram-worthy photo ops. So, throw on your favorite flannel shirt and your cutest jeans, or whatever your go-to autumnal look is, and make sure your phone is charged for the ensuing photo ops. Bonus points if you find a pumpkin patch that allows dogs, and you get your pup in there, too – especially if you have a little pumpkin bandana or hat you can dress them up in (we’re smiling just thinking about it!).
Another great way to welcome the fall season is by hosting an autumnal dinner. You can do this potluck-style or create the menu by looking up seasonal recipes and libations. The key here is to make it feel like an autumnal farm-to-table experience for you and your guests, so definitely decorate your space accordingly, and if it’s nice enough out, consider hosting your dinner outside (just remind your guests to bring extra layers if you go this route!).
Go for recipes that include ingredients you can find at a local farmer’s market and opt for seasonal dishes and desserts that you might not see at Thanksgiving. That said, be sure to host your autumn dinner before November so it doesn’t get overshadowed by Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving plans.
Fall is the official start of sweater weather, so it’s time to get cozy. And it doesn’t get much cozier than a movie marathon. Queue up all of our favorite fall flicks, or if you’re someone who really loves spooky season, you can go with some classic horror movies instead.
Next, get comfy in your favorite women's pajamas, and get the space ready. Pull out your blankets and throws, and light a fall-scented candle on the coffee table. A movie marathon wouldn’t be a movie marathon without plenty of snacks, so make sure to keep the popcorn flowing or make the activity feel even more autumnal with some fall-themed treats, like some homemade pumpkin snickerdoodles or ghost and goblin-shaped sugar cookies.
While autumn is the perfect time to start embracing those comfy-cozy vibes, it’s also a lovely time for getting outdoors. One great way to welcome the fall season is with a hike at your favorite local trail. Hiking trails are often stunning in the fall, with the foliage showing off just for us, and it’s also a great time to get your hike on because it’s often not too hot or cold.
As always, you should check the weather in advance, and even if it looks like a clear day, don’t forget to bring a packable jacket just in case it gets chilly, windy, or even a bit rainy. And, as you would for any hike, be sure to pack a backpack full of essentials, like a First Aid kit, some trail mix, and a fully-charged phone to snap some epic autumnal pics.
These four activities are some of our favorite ways to welcome autumn – and we hope you agree. Fall has so much to offer, so make sure you take the time out to really embrace and celebrate the magic of the season. Don’t forget to save us one of those pumpkin snickerdoodles or leaf-shaped sugar cookies!