With its sunny days, crisp evenings and lovely colors, fall is the perfect time of year to get outside. Fortunately, autumn days lend themselves perfectly to many fun activities. Read on to discover ways to help make your fall season even better.
Apple picking is a time honored autumn tradition and a great way to spend a fall afternoon. Pick-your-own outings also help out local orchards, according to Travel + Leisure; for many small, family-owned farms, agri-tourism is an important source of income. This handy pick-your-own guide from National Geographic will help you find an orchard or farm in your area.
While carved pumpkins may be associated with Halloween, they're also a fun and easy way to spice up your home's decor for fall. Grab a couple brightly colored pumpkins, get out the carving supplies, and create your very own masterpiece. Remember, you don't have to make spooky faces (unless you want to, of course!). Consider carving a simple geometric pattern that'll throw lovely light patterns on the wall when you light a candle inside. For an easy pumpkin craft idea that anyone in the family can make, simply gather some colorful fall leaves, press them, then use glue to decorate your pumpkins.
Perhaps the quintessential fall activity, no autumn season would be complete without taking a walk through colorful fall foliage. Choose a spot that's easily accessible, pack up a thermos of hot chocolate or cinnamon-spiced apple cider, grab your camera and head out into nature!
Mmmm… there's nothing quite like the smell of baking pie to bring that fall feeling into your kitchen. Take a trip to your local farmer's market and choose the best seasonal produce, such as apples, figs, pears, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Using fresh local produce creates a tasty treat while supporting local farmers.
You might feel like gardening is over for the year, but fall is a great time to plant those gorgeous flowers that announce the arrival of spring. Pick a spot that receives full sun (at least 6 hours per day) with well-drained soil and plant away! Though you need to plant bulbs before the ground freezes, optimal planting times depend on your USDA hardiness zone and the type of bulb you're planting. Next spring, your work will be rewarded when daffodils, bluebells, and tulips fill your garden with color.
