Breathe it in—the fresh, cool air of October (and November). The leaves are changing, the PSLs are PSLing, and it’s time to slip on your favorite sweater—bonus points if it has Snoopy playing in fallen orange leaves. There is a reason why fall is the best season (oh, we’re getting controversial now), but wait… how can we make this season even better? Oh, I know! Planning cute date ideas specific to the autumn season. Ugh, I’m so jealous of all of you who have partners to go on these dates with—or you’re single like me and now you have a plan for when you DO go on a date this season (manifestation ladies… it never fails). So, here are five dates I hope will guarantee you and the person you’re going out with a reason to “fall” in love this fall.
1. Apple Picking
One of the amazing things about SLO is that we have so many beautiful, natural features and agriculture growing around us. When I think of fall fruit, I definitely think of apples (shout out to Apple Hill—I love you Northern California), and what is cuter than picking apples on a first date? Reason one why this is a great date—if the conversation gets awkward you can pick fruit and make comments about them “oh look how round this one is, gross I think a bird got this one, hmm I wonder what type of apple this is?”. Reason two—you can playfully toss the apple at your partner—how cutesy, how flirty. Reason three—after you’ve connected with nature, gotten adorable pictures, and bought some fresh (organic?) apples, the possibilities are endless. You could make candied apples, caramel apples or applesauce/butter/cider! The date doesn’t have to end at the farm so why not make a sweet treat you can bond over? Some places you can go to are SLO Creek Farms, Cal Poly Swanton Pacific Ranch’s Organic U-Pick Apple Orchard, and Jack Creek Farms (Templeton).Â
2. Haunted Houses and Mazes
Maybe harvesting fruit is not the vibe, but what about paying others to scare you? That could totally be romantic, “ahh keep me safe from all these ghouls, my wonderful date.” I am not the biggest fan of being scared in a random place I don’t know (crazy, I know), but I have friends that LOVE that about fall. You could even dress up—couples costume moment—and walk through these once-a-season extravaganzas. Personally, I prefer corn mazes, but haunted houses are spooky and only make sense during this season. Whether or not my friends/date are racing to beat everyone in the maze or taking our sweet time, a maze is a great way to get to know someone and how they think! Some places you and your date can go to are: The Haunt in Atascadero, Haunted House | Nightmare on Main Street, and Brookshire Farms.
3. Halloween Movie Marathon
Whether or not you like being frightened or spooked, there are so many movies made with fall vibes in mind. Horror—iconically an October genre—could be quite romantic (**swoons** oh I’m quaking in my boots I’m so scared). Imagine cuddling up under a nice, fuzzy blanket with some popcorn and Mac n Cheese while watching The Conjuring, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Poltergeist, or The Ring. Maybe scary movies are NOT your thing, and that’s totally ok, instead you could have a throwback Halloween movie marathon with Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, Halloweentown, Scream, or Corpse Bride. Out of the new thriller/Halloween movies, I’d recommend Totally Killer (it was honestly really cute, I’d rewatch for sure), The Black Phone (the acting is PHENOMENAL), and Ready or Not (suspenseful, twisty, and overall, well done). And, if you’re lucky enough to live in a house, having a movie marathon on Halloween and passing out candy to trick-or-treaters, all of that makes for an ADORABLE date night!!
4. Stargazing and Bonfires
Grover Beach at night is spectacular. A fun, little date could be driving out to the beach to stargaze and even starting a bonfire. I don’t know about you, but I love me a good s’more, but it has to be made over a bonfire surrounded by nature. Sweet treats, the sound of the ocean, and the twinkling stars overhead—what could be more idyllic? Imagine the amazing conversations you could have out there — plus this is a great location that will draw multiple crowds out at night (unlike the abandoned mercury mine… yes there is a funny story behind this comment, so shout out to my friend for telling me his Cal Poly first date silly story). This could be a great way to end the night—especially if you incorporate some of that homemade apple goodness that you both made together.
5. Last but not least—Pumpkin Picking and Carving
Pumpkins are probably the most famous symbol of fall, so why not go pick one and carve it up? You could head over to The Pumpkin Patch, Brookshire Farms, Avila Valley Barn, or SUNNY ACRES PUMPKINS and pick anything you want. Then you and your partner could carve together and roast the pumpkin seeds (add some Old Bay seasoning… YUM!). I don’t think I’ve met someone who doesn’t like getting their hand dirty and scooping out the pumpkin guts— but if you get grossed out, you have a whole other person to do it for you!
There is something special about the seasons changing—we feel like a whole new person with a fresh start. Whether you are newly single, have been single for a while, or are in a loving and committed relationship (situationship? Oh goodness), these five date ideas could be a great start to finding or keeping romance. Remember, you deserve love and happiness… so I hope these ideas bring a little magic to your dates!