Happy Fall! I admit, it hasn’t totally felt like fall to me, as I have yet to wear a sweater all day. But, it is October and the time to do all the Fall-weather things is now!
Here is a list of things I look forward to doing every fall, and a great list to refer to when you’re making your weekend plans:
Apple-Picking
We actually did this for the first time this year, and I’ve clearly been missing out! I didn’t realize it was such a “thing” until we moved to New Jersey, but I somehow always managed to skip apple season and jump straight to the pumpkins. It’s so fun!
Put those apples to good use:
Homemade Applesauce
Apple Pie with Chai Spices
Honeycrisp Apple Sangria
Apple Crisp (GF/V)
Homemade Apple Cider (This also makes your house smell amazing!)
Apple Cider Mimosas
…or just eat them fresh!
Bonfire (and Bourbon?!)
The crisp chilly nights of fall are PERFECT for sitting outside by the fire in a comfy hoodie. Make some fun drinks with friends, chat, and relax!
Visit the Pumpkin Patch
Pick out your pumpkins to carve, pumpkins to decorate, and pumpkins to cook/bake with. Many farms also have other fun activities too, including hayrides, games, corn mazes, etc. We did this at the same time we picked apples, since it was all conveniently at the same place. Make a day of it!
Hiking with Friends (and your pups!)
Summer gets quite warm and humid for me to fully appreciate the great outdoors, but fall is the best! The crisp air is perfect hiking weather and if you’re lucky to live in a place with seasons, the leaves and foliage are delightful.
Have a pumpkin-carving party (or painting/decorating, with little ones)
This basically feels required in the fall season. It is so fun to see what everyone comes up with, and making a mess can be fun! Put newspaper under the tables/work area for easy clean-up, and save the seeds for roasting.
Make chili
Chili is great for rainy/cold days, and I think of Fall as the start of perfect “chili” weather. There are a million recipes for chili and everyone has their own version of what perfect chili is. For fall flavors, this vegan Pumpkin Walnut chili is great! It’s made in the instant pot, but I’m sure you could adapt it for your slow cooker. There are so many great chili recipes and whether they are in the instant pot, slow cooker, or stove, they are almost always super easy and simple (See below for topping ideas).
Host a game night
I love playing games and I think it is such fun and easy entertainment. If you have friends over for a game night, making your own chili bar would be perfect! Suggested topping options: Sour Cream (I actually use greek yogurt!), shredded cheese, chopped onions, sliced scallions, BBQ sauce (I think this is super weird, but Chris adds it every time), Hot sauce, tortilla chips, crackers, and/or diced avocado.
Take outdoor family photos
The colors of the changing leaves are insanely gorgeous, so take advantage of nature’s perfect backdrop.
Host a “fancy” fall dinner party
It doesn’t actually have to be fancy, but many recipes I get excited to cook when I have people over for dinner tend to be perfect for the fall season, and they sound fancier than they actually are. Also, mini pumpkins are such cute decor. Some favorites:
- Butternut Squash Risotto with Brussels Sprouts and Chestnuts
- Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese and Dried Cranberries (I haven’t actually tried this one yet, but it looks/sounds so good!)
- Caramelized Onion & Apple Tarts with Gruyere and Thyme
- Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
- Smoked Gouda and Apple Flatbread with Kale and Apple Salad
- Cranberry Apple Brussels Sprouts Salad
Comment and share the fun fall traditions you look forward to; I’m always looking to expand my own checklist!