Can you almost smell the freshly roasted corn and cinnamon potpourri? Or how about the glorious scent of pumpkin pie wafting out from the oven with a side of mulled cider? It might still be warm out, but there's a slightly chilly breeze in the air, and that can only mean one thing: The fall season is upon us. With so many Autumn things to look forward to that are normally socially-distant safe, to begin with, it is possible that fall festivities won't be canceled this year.
Yes, the actual festivals might be put on hold, and waiting in line to enter the pumpkin field might be part of the new normal, but that doesn't mean autumn will be a total drag. In fact, with this list of all the things the fall months can be filled with, it'll be anything but - especially if everyone can follow guidelines, be patient, and go about things safely.
It's a great time to start following the local farms and markets since they'll be the first to announce plans for the fall season. Furthermore, this is a great time to be supporting local and shopping small - even if it means a shortened visit, purchasing things online, or simply sharing a post. It's time to fill the car with pumpkins, decorative gourds, and apples, and find the best carving tools around because fall will be here before anyone knows it.
Pumpkin And Apple Picking
For the most part, this kind of produce-picking is fairly socially distant, to begin with. It's easy enough to put space in between visitors with so many rows to choose from in an apple orchard and to give distance in a pumpkin field. After donning the perfect mask and grabbing some hand sanitizer or gloves, why not choose the best pumpkin for carving or roasting?
Apple picking is a great way to welcome in the fall and many orchards don't get busier until the later weekends, so now is a great time to start thinking about finding one. Many smaller farms might be offering apple picking and choosing one can be a good way to avoid the crowds. In 30 minutes or less, visitors will be walking out with a bag full of fresh, locally-grown apples... we can almost taste the apple pie.
Decorate The House (Inside And Out!)
Perhaps the most social distant of activities is decorating your own space. It doesn't take much to spruce up a room and get it ready for spooky (or fall) season. With so many sites offering carside pickup, this is safe and allows for all decoration browsing to be done online. Preorders for some decorations, such as those that Target rolls out, have already started. Other stores offer deals before the season, so now is a great time to scope out some early season decor.
Pinterest is a great resource for DIY decoration ideas as well, and this is especially great for kids! Pick an entire weekend or decorate straight up until the official start of fall and you'll have something to look forward to every week.
Make Some Leaf Art, Carve Pumpkins, Or Bake Fall Goodies
This is a fun way to recycle all of those leaves that are just lying around the yard (Oak leaves work well for this). This can even be done with a small hike or trek around town as you seek out the prettiest red, 0range, and yellow leaves. Press them between books before laying them out in an empty picture frame so they'll last forever.
Not feeling dead leaves? Try baking some Pinterest-approved chai cookies, making candy apples, or trying your hand at a pumpkin quick bread.
Invest In A Fire Pit (And Marshmallows... And Skewers... And Graham Crackers...)
Fire pits can be pricey but for a simple metal drum, they're usually $50 or less - this can even become a DIY project for those who are handy with bricks or cement blocks. For the autumn season, there's nothing better than a crackling fire right in the comfort of your own home. Jazz fire pit time up with some s' mores or toasted marshmallows and you've got a fall activity that never gets old.
Go For a Scenic Day Trip
What else is socially-distant? Scenic drives! For those who are lucky enough to live near prime leaf-peeping destinations, a long drive isn't necessary; for those who aren't, this can easily become a day trip. Pack a lunch, take some photos, and enjoy all that scenic overlooks have to offer an autumn-loving spectator.
Make Your Home ~Smell~ Like Fall, Try Making Your Own Candles And Oils
Decorating a home in all fall decor is fun, but having a home smell like a season is particularly awesome. Scented candles, essential oil diffusers, and incense are a great way to add some fun to a chill, fall-themed room.
However, it's also fun to make candles from scratch or mix a blend of personal essential oil favorites, and it'll be a scent that's unique to your home alone.