Fall is a season that some are in love with (me!) and some do not. Fall is the sign of summer ending and of winter coming…this can sound pretty depressing. However, fall is full of bright colors, cool breezes, and fosters good times together before the snow blankets PA. This list will hopefully get you moving, get you social, and most importantly- get you happy this fall!
- Have a Bonfire!
A bonfire is a staple of the fall season, it promotes friends coming together and warmth. Get a group of friends and loved ones together, and (safely) burn a bunch of wood to get it going. Wood is extremely cheap, and it does not take much to start one up. You can even pick up some s’mores ingredients – who doesn’t love s’mores people?! This is a great event to bond, eat, and enjoy the cool but comfortable weather on a budget. One of my favorite fall activities is having a fire and just enjoying life with my boyfriend, friends, and family. DON’T forget bug spray though!
- Hit the Pumpkin Patch & Carve Them Up!
Pumpkins are surprisingly really cheap. With all the farms around us here in Millersville, there is a pumpkin stand of pumpkin patch every 15 feet!! I started this tradition last year with my boyfriend Andrew, we picked out pumpkins and carved them at his house before Halloween. I had never carved a pumpkin before, and it is seriously fun. You get to explore your creative side while also saving your packet change on an expensive date or hang out. The pumpkin and the carving kit cost us a total of $20 for both of us. And going to a pumpkin patch (or stand) and picking one out is a fun date in itself. Not to mention that once you are cleaning out the pumpkin to carve it you get all those seeds for a healthy, delicious, easy snack. This activity is truly a win-win-win!
What are you waiting for…get carving!
- Try New Fall Flavors
This activity is linked to one of my favorite things in the world -fall flavors.
Pumpkin – Apple – Butter – Pecans – Sugar – Spice – Soup – Poultry – Root Veggies This activity changes it up a little, while we all might know the staple pumpkin spice flavor there are so many others. This activity is almost like a challenge, look up some fall recipes you haven’t tried and cook them or bake them. Go to some local coffee shops and try new drinks of foods. Explore with a S/O or friends on a tasting tour of fall! This does not have to be expensive, or it can be an all-out indulgent binge. This will get you to socially connect, share opinions, and try new things in a pretty safe way
- Scary (or not) Movie Night
Fall is the sometimes better known as “Spooky Season”. Scary movies/Horror movies are a rite of passage during the fall months, whether you love them or hate them- everyone has watched a horror movie during Halloween at some point. I personally think that watching a nostalgic movie during fall connects me to the holiday. Although I do like scary movies my fall favorites are actually not scary at all – The Nightmare Before Christmas (I watch this at Christmas time as well), Hocus Pocus, The Adams Family, Beetlejuice, & It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. However, I also cannot function in fall without watching Coraline & IT. Fall movie nights are very easy and cheap to execute, you can do it alone for a little relaxation or watch with others for fun!!!
- Fall Fest
Fall Fest-like activities are always fun and always entertaining. There are always many spots, especially around Lancaster, where fall fest/fairs are taking place. Whether you like apple picking, pumpkin patches, apple cider, or hayrides there is always something to find. One of my favorite spots is Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. This is great place for families or just groups of friends. This past weekend (10/9) I took my two-year-old cousin to Cherry Crest, and we had a blast doing a tractor tour, holding baby chicks, and eating apple cider donuts. Cherry Crest can be a little pricey, but it has tons of stuff to do and it worth the admission. There are many different options as well if Cherry Crest isn’t your jam or you don’t live around the Millersville area.
Cherry Crest Website: https://www.cherrycrestfarm.com/
I hope that this list, though short, sparks some kind of fall spirit to come alive this year! Whether you love the Autumn season or…not so much these activities can cheer up the mood before the winter months. Warming up, socializing, and making fun memories are much needed after this roller coaster of a year. Happy Fall & Have Fun!!!!
Until next time:
HCXO,
Maddie Rose