The days are undoubtedly getting chillier, nights are coming quicker, and summer is slowly coming to an end. So what does that mean? In short, fall is coming. But the longer explanation is this: Everyone's favorite time of the year is slowly creeping in, whether celebrated with month-long horror movie nights or trips to one's favorite autumn scenery spots. For all the good things that fall brings with it, here are the top activities of 2020 that are making everyone's list this year.
Visiting The Apple Orchard
Check this out for some great apple-picking tricks and for those interested, some of the best apple recipes can be found right here as well. Apple season has finally arrived and for those who haven't visited an orchard yet - or ever - it's time to give it a whirl!
There's nothing better than an apple fresh off the tree and it's a great way to support small and local farms and businesses. It's also a great way to take in the sights and fit in a small day trip, especially when the leaves are changing and the trees are reflecting that scenic vibe we're all feeling right about now.
Picking The Best Pumpkin
The best pumpkin comes at a cost - and that cost is being able to get a little dirty and trek around the patch! Pumpkin picking is a beloved fall tradition and while some countries might not feature it as prominently as the US, it's definitely a custom that 2020 is worthy of.
Whether it be a pumpkin patch, farmer's market, or other pumpkin destination, the 'perfect' carvable pumpkin comes in many forms. Carving kits can be picked up for cheap at dollar stores and paints can easily be found at craft stores for a more kid-friendly version of pumpkin 'carving.' If nothing else, a few small gourds look whimsical and rustic on a porch or sitting in a front window.
Scoping Out The Best Haunted Spots
Feeling a bit more spooky? This year is shaping up to be pretty well-suited for socially distancing at some haunted locations. Be it a haunted hike or some other allegedly 'haunted' outdoor location, fall is the best time of year for an adventure.
Those exploring should be aware of their surroundings, never break trespassing rules, and always exercise caution, but there are plenty of guides out there for those looking to explore well-known areas. The US is full of haunted hikes as well, and even a historical battleground can exude a sense of spooky atmosphere this time of year.
Taking A Fall Hike And Soaking Up The Scenery
Scenic drives are great but scenic hikes are something that can be done at one's own pace and without guzzling gas. It's a great way to take in the sights from a higher elevation or while traipsing through a nearby forest and in most places, fall provides the perfect weather balance to do so.
Bring along a camera and plan a mini photography shoot - as it turns out, 2020 is shaping up to be a big year for discovering photography passions and immersing oneself in a creative outlet! If nothing else, it's a great excuse to dust off those 'ol hiking boots and put some yoga pants to good use.
Finding A Corn Maze And Then Getting Lost In It
Surprisingly, corn mazes can be a good socially-distant activity which makes sense, because it does involve getting lost before getting 'found' again. Many mazes have guidelines in place to ensure safety and since it's an outdoor activity, it's a great way to feel a little safer while celebrating one of fall's greatest agricultural offerings: Corn! Don't worry, though - it's not required to be a corn-lover in order to appreciate navigating a corn maze... however, it is suggested that no one watches Children of the Corn prior to entering the maze.
Every Autumn Recipe From Homemade PSL To Apple Everything
Pinterest practically explodes this time of year and that's all due to homemade recipes for just about everything, including one for a pumpkin spice late from scratch. Baking is a big part of fall culture as well and while summer brings with it things such as icebox cakes, BBQ food, and great mixed drinks, autumn brings cozy recipes, fall treats, hot cider, and warm cocoa.
It's a great time to explore the kitchen cabinets and pull out all of those baking ingredients or take a trip to the local farmstand and put those culinary skills to the test. It's also soup season - and nothing quite beats something that warms a person from the inside out.