Ahh! Everyone’s most beloved season is finally upon us, Fall. I mean what is not to love about Fall? The leaves turn into beautiful displays of yellow, oranges, and reds. The slight chill turns the air ever so crisp. This marks the official beginning of sweater and scarf season. This is personally my favorite season because it allows every lady to still dress to impress without having to add too many layers to stay warm. Fall also gives us Halloween, our spooky season, during which it is completely appropriate to stay in on a Friday night with friends, family or your special someone to watch scary movies with a variety of snacks. Now that the magic of fall is upon us, it can be hard to narrow down what to actually make time for. Here is my list of must-dos for Fall.
1. Apple Picking
Obviously, apple picking is a Fall MUST. This is one of my favorite activities because it allows you to spend time with your friends and family. On top of this, it is like the perfect introduction to Fall because you are out in the fields surrounded by all of the brilliant colored leaves in the fresh apple-scented air.
If you are in the Massachusetts area, I have found two amazing apple orchards for you.
First, is Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, MA. This family-owned farm is complete with a gorgeous apple orchard, a bakery, hayrides, and farm animals. The bakery’s specialty is mouthwatering Apple Cider Donuts awarded Best Cider Donuts in New England from the NECN viewers. Little can rival the essence of Fall as the first bite of a still warm from the fryer of an apple cider donut. Parlee Farm also houses a large, indoor farm stand with their home-grown product.
This image was taken from https://parleefarms.com (apples).
This image was taken from https://www.flickr.com/photos/tracylee/56555313 (barn picture).
Second, is Honey Pot Hill Orchard in Stow, MA. This adorable little farm is full of different things to discover. First and foremost, there are gorgeous apple trees to fulfill all of your baking and Instagram capturing needs. This orchard offers the cutest little farm store, complete with a bakery and a selection of veggies, jams, fruits, and flowers. They also offer three different mazes. The first maze is bound to be a New England favorite, “The Big Green Monster Hedge Maze.” This maze is the mother of all mazes. It is a 1.5 mile in length that includes six bridges and a gazebo. There is also both a “Mini Monster Hedge Maze” and “The Tunnel Maze.” Each maze was created for different age groups. For all you animal lovers Honey Pot Hill Orchard has a wide variety of different farm animals for your viewing pleasure. I mean what is not to love about cute little goats.
These images were taken from https://www.honeypothill.com/activites (both)
2.Sip Hot Chocolate
Listen up everyone – an incredible steaming mug of hot chocolate is probably the world’s greatest culinary invention since fried chicken. It is a drinkable dessert perfectly satisfying when the temperatures begin their fall plummet.
Oakleaf Cake Bake Shop has an impressive array of different hot chocolate flavors. Each is personally crafted making a decadent, rich chocolatey drink that leaves the consumer wanting more. As a perfect finishing touch the drink comes dressed with a fluffy ball of love, a homemade marshmallow. A melt in your mouth decadent treat.
This image was taken from https://www.mustbethemilk.com/best-hot-chocolate-destinations-new-england/
The Met Back Bay is the chicest, little spot on Dartmouth and Worcester Street. This restaurant will allow you to give in to all your cravings at once. Cannot decide what flavor to choose? Don’t! Order the flight of hot chocolates and indulge in the classic, spiced Mexican, Dulce de Leche, and Peppermint hot chocolate. Then pick your favorite.
This image was taken from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-5215805/The-craziest-hot-chocolate-US.html
3. Leaf Peeping
Part of the allure of Fall Is the seasonal change from the brilliant greens of the summer before the impending winter whites- a simply magical time of fall’s warm color pallet is on full display. It provides hope to all that the new year is on the horizon. I believe leaves play a big role in the concept of out with the old and in with the new. Therefore, during the Fall season, you absolutely have to get out and enjoy the view because it will not last for long.
One of the best places to view falls display is the Bird Park in Walpole, MA. This little slice of heaven is perfect for social media-worthy Fall pictures, a little stroll, or even a picnic. Choose a mild day, take along your basket full of crusty bread, a slice of yummy cheese and toast to the end of yet another bathing suit season! At the Bird Park, you can work off that picnic hiking the trails, viewing the gorgeous meadows and while spotting the local wildlife.
This image was taken from http://visitingnewengland.com/blog-cheap-travel/?p=5892 (pond).
This image was taken from http://www.visitingnewengland.com/birdpark.html (bridge).
4. Craving everything pumpkin?
Ok – admit it, we all have our own idea of the perfect pumpkin. Part of the fun is the search, it is the perfect foil of shopping in nature! The perfect pumpkin is somewhere out in the patch. The hunt is on to find the perfect decoration for your front steps or other decorating needs.
Wilson Farm is located in Lexington, MA the star of this location is the pumpkin selection. Here you can always shop their farm stand with lots of different options of homegrown fruits, vegetables, and more.
This image is taken from http://www.wilsonfarm.com/v2.0/home.php (tractor).
This image is taken from https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g41643-d4961054-i154234243-Wilson_Farm-Lexington_Massachusetts.html (pumpkin).
Now that you have found your pumpkin soulmate, you have options. You can either leave it as is or you can paint or carve it. It is truly up you. There is nothing like fall decorations to bring out your inner Joanna Gaines.
5. Watch Spooky Movies or Movie Marathon
The image is taken from https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/33777065930337533/
It is almost as though it is a holiday stable. How best to connect with this spooky season? Watch those scary movies! Fall marks the beginning of cuddling time. Therefore, you are free to snuggle up with your person and binge watch movies. Here are some spooky movies on Netflix right now:
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Carrie
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Coraline
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The Sixth Sense
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Scream
6. Take a Day Trip to Salem
The decorations during the month of October in Salem are definitely worth the trip alone. Take a day just to wander in and out of the different shops this historical city has to offer. Feel free to become immersed in the atmosphere. Be in the moment and explore with your friends or loved ones just how far Salem has come from it is less than inclusive roots.
This image is taken from http://www.darkmoonhealingart.com/samhain-salem-haunted-new-england-retreat/.
A town that has the history of executing witches now embraces their resident witches. This town is famous because it is centered around the history of putting women on trial. It is as though every woman is able to connect with this town because you feel as though you are also a part of history, due to your gender.
This image is taken from https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2017/10/20/salem-best-….
7. Drink Apple Cider or Bake
Apple Cider is another Fall drink that is sure to get you in the spirit for the season. Who does not love a drink that can be served hot or cold, sparkling or not, with cinnamon or caramel, hard or not? So many options!
Baking or a least attempting to bake sweet treats are the perfect companion to cider. It is a perfect first date activity – make anything from seasonal apple or pumpkin pies to chocolate chip cookies.
This image is taken from https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/the-great-pumpkin-pie-recipe/.
8. Attend a Local Football Game
It is time to break out your best fuzzy socks and head to a game. This event is purely fun. Tailgate the day away with your friends while cheering with gusto for your favorite team.
9. Have a Picnic
This photo is taken from https://www.midwestliving.com/food/entertaining/pack-the-perfect-fall-picnic/
This activity is worth mentioning twice! Make it a day trip. Take a snuggly blanket and snag a couple of your favorite sandwiches and really enjoy the Fall landscape, whether at a meadow or at our now deserted beaches. Take in the now earlier sunsets, just sit and enjoy the moments.
10. Attend a Local Farmers Market
This is the ultimate in shopping local. At farmers markets, you never know what you might discover. Make it a quest to find the hidden gems your area has to offer. I guarantee you will be in for a surprise. You could find a bouquet of flowers, different cheeses, or even your new favorite dessert.
The Andover farmers market is a locally managed market with lots of different vendors. They have such a wide variety of things to try and see, you could not possibly be bored.
This image is taken from http://www.northshorekid.com/event/north-andover-farmers-market