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Summer has come to an end and it’s time to transition to fall. It’s finally a little cooler in the Bay Area so I’m ready for all the sweaters, pumpkin patches, and apple cider. I’ve compiled the ultimate fall bucket list of fun activities to try this autumn.
Ultimate Fall Bucket List: 20 Fun Activities To Try This Autumn
- Visit a pumpkin patch: This traditional fall activity is a must.
- Pick apples: I seriously miss this so much from our East Coast years. We visited some amazing apple orchards in New York and New Jersey. This Bay Area apple orchard was also a lot of fun last year.
- Bake pumpkin treats: I’m thinking pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie and/or pumpkin cupcakes. I’m into pretty much everything Half Baked Harvest makes. This cream cheese swirled cinnamon pumpkin butter bread looks amazing!
- Plan a fall picnic: This is such a fun fall date idea. With the crisp air and changing leaves, there’s nothing like an autumnal picnic.
- Watch Halloween movies: Check out this list of my favorite fall movies. You can’t go wrong with Halloweentown or Hocus Pocus in my book š
- Make pumpkin spice lattes: I recently got my first espresso maker. I’ve been having so much fun learning more about coffee and teaching myself to steam milk. If you don’t like pumpkin, I’ve been trying out other recipes and sharing them on Instagram. My favorite so far is a latte with sweetened condensed milk, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon.
- Sip spiced apple cider: I either get Trader Joe’s spiced apple cider or fresh cider from an apple orchard. I love having a cozy night and sipping some pipping hot apple cider. Bonus points for a cozy blanket and fall movie.
- Decorate the home for fall: I absolutely love decorating my home for different seasons.
- Pull out the cozy sweaters and scarves: Who else loves a chunky sweater with a cozy scarf?!
- Cook comfort foods: I made the ultimate cozy meal last fall. You’re going to watch to try the butternut squash pasta carbonara!
- Burn autumnal candles: I own way too many candles and need to use them more this year. These are my current candles – I picked these up last year.
- Visit a cemetery: This is such a fun October activity. I visited a couple historic cemeteries on the East Coast and they were fascinating. When we lived in New York, we went on a tour of Green-Wood cemetery in Brooklyn. This historic landmark was founded in 1838, spans over 478 acres and is home to over 570,000 permanent residents. They offer several tour options (daytime and nighttime). There is some amazing architecture and history to soak in. Right before we moved back to California, we visited Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, just north of New York City. We did the evening lantern tour and it was phenomenal.
- Take photos for the family Christmas card: Joe and I did a great shoot at the Palace of the Fine Arts in San Francisco last year. This year we’re taking our photos in Felton, which is on the way to Santa Cruz.
- Read thrillers or fall themed books: If I wasn’t spooked easily, I’d pick up some scary books. This is a great time to visit your local library or a used bookstore.
- Pick up seasonal goodies at the farmers market: Get your pumpkins, squash, apples, and fall florals. Need some recipes? Check out this cooking video I made last autumn.
- Organize a friends-giving: This is the perfect opportunity to make a fun recipe you’ve been wanting to try and have some quality time with your friends. The best part? It’s lower pressure than Thanksgiving and can be as casual as you want it to be.
- Curl up in front of the fireplace: There is nothing cozier than reading or watching a movie by a fireplace, especially if it’s raining outside.
- Make applesauce: This is a follow up to pick apples. My dad always did this when I was growing up. Applesauce is surprisingly easy to make and is a great pantry staple to have on hand.
- Go for a dark manicure: If you like to get your nails done (or paint them at home), go bold with a darker color. I just got a purple/red color on my toes last weekend.
- Decorate your front porch: I’ve enjoyed picking up a variety of pumpkins and mums to decorate my front porch. Fresh pumpkins are great because I don’t have to store them the rest of the year. I also jazzed up my front door mat by layering with this black & white doormat. Of course I change out my wreath every season too.
More fun fall ideas:
Best Bay Area Day Trip For Fall (Watsonville, CA)
