The beginning of November is always that tricky part of the year. Many of us are still riding that Halloween wave, while others are already putting up Christmas lights and playing Mariah Carey. No offense to those in the latter group, but we still have a month and a half of fall left, and I would not like to waste it thinking about what my Christmas movie lineup is going to be. The one issue? How do you spend the remainder of Fall when Thanksgiving and Halloween have already passed?! Please do not worry any longer, for I have you covered.
1. Â Â Shopping and Stocking up on Fall Merchandise
As a fall lover, one thing I am very thankful for is that the Capitalism world is all about pushing the Holidays early. So now is the time to strike! Get that clearance Halloween candy, buy the rest of the apple and pumpkin-scented candles and self-care products, and be sure to check the grocery stores for any discounted cranberries, asparagus, and squash.
2. Â Â Attend a Beer, Wine, or Food Event
It is a great thing that food and alcohol can be enjoyed any time of the year! Vineyards, farmers markets, and breweries are all still trekking on. Try and look up if there are any events happening in or around your town this month; you can always make a day of it. For those who live in the Windsor-Essex area, the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market is open until December 10th.
3. Â Â Go to a Corn Maze
Growing up, my favourite thing to do in the Fall was to visit a giant corn maze that was only minutes away from my house. It would take hours to do, had a different layout every year, and was always open until the snow hit the ground. Since we are having such an abnormally warm Fall season, there is still hope for those who love to get lost in mazes. There are also other kinds of outdoor mazes open all throughout the year that you can always try and find as well.
4. Â Â Go On a Hike to See The Leaves
Before the average temperatures drop below zero, make the most of the warmer weather and hike in a park or on a trail. For those who live in Ontario, Ontario Parks has created an incredible website for monitoring the leaf colours in Provincial Parks. You can use it as a general guide for how the leafage is holding up in your area. Â
5. Â Â Go Camping
Camping is one of those activities that you either love or hate. If you like it, why not go one last time before the snow hits? Just imagine drinking fire-roasted coffee or hot chocolate, all bundled up around a campfire, surrounded by beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves. Sounds heavenly if you ask me.
6. Â Â Take a Road Trip
If you really want to enjoy the rolling, colourful hills, the best way to do so is by going on a road trip. Pack a cooler with sandwiches and snacks, gather up some friends (or just yourself), put on your favourite playlist, and hit the open road. You can explore ghost towns, go to a historical area, go geocaching, or even try some urban exploring. Just make sure to stay safe.
7. Â Â Have a Baking and Cooking Day
Now that Halloween has passed, stores are pushing to get rid of all those pumpkins and Pillsbury Halloween cookies. Take over your kitchen and bake up a storm with cookies, muffins, and pies. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, then cooking may be the best way to go. Roast some pumpkin seeds, make a nice hearty soup; the possibilities are endless!
8. Â Â Watch Your Favourite Fall TV Shows and Movies
When all else fails, Netflix and Disney+ will always have your back. There is never a bad time to rewatch the Twilight movies or Gilmore Girls, but why not do it during this perfect season?
        All my fellow Fall lovers deserve to enjoy the most of our season and not have it overshadowed by Christmas and the snowy weather. Go out and enjoy what remains! It’ll be a long 10 months of waiting until next September, so let’s make the most of it.