Fall Leaves to Pumpkin Patches
As October nears closer, the Pumpkin Patches begin to appear on the scene among . Pumpkins are the stars of fall. They come in all shapes and sizes, therefore, you can use them inside or out. From picking the perfect one for your porch to using smaller gourds for decorating inside your home, a trip to the pumpkin patch is a treat whether your adults or children. For information on finding the latest fall activities you visit your states or cities Chamber of Commerence or subscribe to your state’s website. For Alabama’s try https://alabama.travel/festivals-and-events. Just about all states have a website for places to go and things to do.
Today our pumpkin patches are frocked with fun for both the wee ones, toddlers or parents and grandparents. I know we loved seeing the kids pick that perfect pumpkin and getting those perfect (or not so perfect) photos. They usually have treats like cookies, juice, hot chocolate or that hot apple cider for your enjoyment. Games and mazes are also big on the list.
Go On A Hayride
As your at the Pumpkin Patch, you can take a Hayride to where the pumpkins are grown so you can pick the perfect one for you. Remember it doesn’t have to be p-e-r-f-e-c-t-l-y shaped or huge to be the right one for each of you. We usually took one of the ‘not so perfect ones’ because we figured they “needed a home” as well and they would get left in the pumpkin patch all alone. We usually took several for decorating the porch and then one for each person to carve. You know we are all kids at heart so we are big kids at heart and want in on the fun!
There is nothing like going on a hayride on a cool autumn evening. Some hayrides are cozy and family friendly, while others are haunted for a spooky vibe for thrill seekers. We have a Haunted Hayride close to us and we had a tradition to go every year. We had a van so we would load the kids and their friends together and head out. It oh so fun and memorable! But, whichever you chose, it’s a fall-must-do to capture the magic of the season.
Carve a Jack-o-Lantern
Once you have picked your pumpkins, you can gather the family or friends together and carve them into glowing jack-o-lanterns. It is a tradition that adds creativity, gives a spooky touch and gives hours of fun for all there. You can turn the day into a cook out with hot dogs, drinks and making smore’s. What a memory to share later!
Admire the Fall Foliage
This is the perfect time of year to take a family drive and spend quality time together as a family. Or you could get a group of friends together for a scenic drive to check out the fall leaves and pumpkin patches along the way. You can stop and take a hike, take a picnic lunch or snacks on the trail. The leaves on the trees are usually breathtaking in the fall. The vibrant colors of different shades of reds, yellows and orange to gold are visible and all around. Green is still present with those evergreens also. It reminds us that everything changes and there is beauty in change.
Celebrate Halloween In Style
This is time we can really have fun. Costume parties are in full swing. You can also host your own and have a family friendly movie marathon outside or host a Spooky marathon for teens and adults. Everyone could dress up in costumes or wear their PJs, or just come as you want! Don’t forget the snacks or you could turn it into a cook-out and have hamburgers or hot dogs. Everyone could bring their favorite dessert. The main thing to remember is to make those memories. You don’t get a second chance necessarily. Halloween ideas are boundless.
Sip Season Drinks
Since Fall is made for pumpkin spice lattes, hot apple cider, and rich hot chocolate what better way to celebrate than a fire and warm cup of hot chocolate! The hot apple cider can be made family friendly or make a hot mulled cider with wine for a more adult gathering. Either one works for me!
Cozy Up By a Fire
Whether it’s an outdoor fire pit or a fireplace indoors, fall evenings are great with a fire. It doesn’t even have to be cold to enjoy a fire, especially outdoors! You can bring blankets, marshmallows and ingredients for smores, invite friends and family to join in. When you will have good company you’ve got the recipe for a perfect evening.
Go Apple Picking
If you have never been apple picking, add it to your bucket list! Not only is it a fun outdoor activity, but you will gather fresh apples for baking pies, crisps, or simply enjoying as a healthy snack. Don’t forget you can dehydrate them for use as snacks later. How about a get together and bob for apples…boy it has been a long time since people have done that. It’s time to get back to the basics with one legged race with burlap sacks too! Oh what fun I remember. Don’t forget to make those carmel apples too! What a treat they were.
Bake Fall Treats
This is perfect time of year to bake! You can make Pumpkin pies, apple crisp, and spiced cookies bringing the smells and flavors of the season to life. There is nothing like the cozy scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—pure fall splendor.
Take in the Crisp Autumn Air
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy fall is simply to step outside, take a deep breath, and soak in the relaxing (although busy) time of the year. As you realize another year is passing by just relax and enjoy. You can take a morning or evening walk around the neighborhood or park. While you are out also look for those great Halloween and fall decorations people put out; they can be so much fun! It can remind you of your childhood days or those of your children..just BREATHE and take it in!
Final Thoughts
Fall is more than a season—it’s a feeling! It is the warmth of a blanket, the crunch of leaves under your feet, the excitement of Halloween, and the sweetness of a pumpkin or apple pie. This bucket list is just the beginning. Embrace all that autumn gives you and make your own memories. It’s a time to slow down and enjoy the peace you get from this wonderful season God has given us. But make those memories–-because as our families grow up and life changes. Those memories are what we have to hang on to. Hopefully, those children and grandchildren remember them too!
Yes the fall foliage, the pumpkin patches and Halloween will be ending soon. The brisk fall air will be leaving us and winter will be here before you know it. Plan on a fall weekend get away to watch the fall splendor or plan a winter get away for the holidays. You can find savings on those by going here Savings and Benefits. You can save on everything from gas, hotel, and food. Also on clothing for the trip!
During this season take time to be you! Maintain your health and wellness. During the season, it is a time to reflect on the season passing and the ones coming up. As you do, check out the rest of my website at Life Unboxed with ArmieG to help with health and wellness ideas to maintain peace and harmony with all the holidays approaching.
So grab your sweater, a hot drink, and your favorite people—then check off these on the list of activities one by one. I wish all of you wonderful fall season. Stay tuned for another holiday feature coming up. Thanksgiving is just around the corner!