There's something eerily beautiful about the changing of the seasons. The leaves, in their dying days, dress themselves in an array of earthy colors that make us feel warm and at home despite the increasingly chilled temperatures. With those chilled temperatures comes opportunities to live our fullest amongst the death and decay of the fall foliage. If you find yourself in a post-summertime sadness, don't fret. Check out this list of activities that will help you to embrace the Fall season:
1. Carve pumpkins
If you're looking for a therapeutic, leisurely activity, gutting and carving pumpkins is a great option! No one will judge you for buying the stencil set from the grocery store; we can't all be artists. If you decide that carving just isn't for you, you can always paint a masterpiece pumpkin instead.
2. Enjoy a hay ride
Let someone else do the driving for once; sit back and enjoy the view. What better way to appreciate the Fall atmosphere than by going for a little ride?3. Get lost in a corn maze
Just don't watch 'Signs' or 'Children of the Corn' before entering. Bring a friend and a flashlight and conquer the unknown together!4. Travel back in time to the Renaissance Faire
If for any reason other than awesome history: turkey legs.5. Pick your own apples
Research local apple farms and get carried away! Not only will you be overwhelmed by the abundance, you'll also find yourself eager to keep picking. Before you know it, you'll have 11 pounds worth of apples and a tiny hole in your wallet- all for a goodreason, of course.
6. Build a bonfire
While this may be a summer activity for most, lounging around the fire in a hoodie with friends in the midst of the crisp cool air is the best way to relax. Kick off your shoes, unwind from your stress and indulge in some s'mores.
7. Hand out candy to trick-or-treaters
Or throw your own Halloween party! As much as it pains me to admit, most of us are too old to participate in the annual trick-or-treat night as tricksters, so why not be a treater instead? You don't have to buy the king-size candy bars to be the hottest candy spot on the block. Throw on a spooky sound track, hide behind a mask and wait for the action.
8. Have a Fall foliage photo shoot
Grab an old Polaroid and make your own props; have fun with it! Dress yourself up in festive layers and cheese real wide for Mom- you know she'll want to see. Or, if you prefer to be behind the camera, get your pet out of the house for a while and let him pose instead.
9. Bake warm treats
Nothing beats a home-cooked meal and especially home-cooked treats. Fall is the perfect time of year for zucchini bread, pumpkin logs, apple pie and more. If you're not the best at baking, try making your own candy apples or popcorn balls. Pinterest is a great website for finding recipes, especially if you're a beginner.10. Enter a haunted house if you dare
I'm great at convincing myself that I can handle the suspense until right before I get inside. Test your guts and give it a shot! Click here to see the top 15 haunted houses in the US in 2015.11. Go on a nature hike
Channel your inner Thoreau. Go explore the beautiful woods around you. Appreciate the simplest form of life and leave all of your worries behind for a while.
12. Tailgate and show support for your favorite football team
I, for one, am not the most sports-minded person out there, but I always enjoy getting together with family and friends and bonding over good food, drinks and a little friendly competition from our favorite teams.
13. Take a countryside drive
If you ever find yourself looking for something to be thankful for, get in your car and drive without a destination in mind. God created such a magnificent earth and sometimes we are too wrapped up in our own affairs to acknowledge it. Driving anywhere with your windows down is the perfect opportunity to reflect- on what, exactly, is entirely up to you.
14. Run a race
If marathons aren't for you, ease into something like a Turkey-Trot or the Color Run! It really is the happiest 5k on the planet. The best part about these races is that you don't have to run to participate. Walking to the finish line gets you there just the same.
15. Make your own homemade apple cider
Because hot apple cider is amazing no matter who makes it or where it's from- but trying your hand at a homemade cup would be so rewarding.
16. Build a fortress and have a scary movie marathon
Is there any better way to ring in Halloween? Get the popcorn ready and shut out the lights...refer to this list of horror films if you can't decide what to watch first.
17. Collect and press leaves
No, I'm not taking you on a trip down memory lane to your biology class in high school. This activity is actually incredibly interesting and therapeutic. Who knew there are so many types of leaves? Maybe do some research about what you find; press them dry then put them on display during the autumn months.
18. Tour a winery
Even if you're not a wine-o, wineries are fascinating! A lot of work goes into making this magical drink- more than you could imagine. There are special processes that occur for specific types of grapes; you'll feel so intelligent every time you sip a glass of wine after going on a tour because you'll be able to tell all of your friends and family how it's done.
19. Roast pumpkin seeds
I'm a Fall foodie, what can I say? This is the best time of year to make and try delicious seasonal delicacies. After gutting your pumpkin (see activity #1) don't just throw away the innards- that's the best part! Instead, throw them in the oven and top them with your favorite seasonings for an awesome movie marathon snack (see activity 16). Check out this awesome website for tips and recipes for making the best seeds.
20. Have a DIY craft day
Pinterest is the throne upon which the most well respected DIY craft ideas sit. For the most part, they're cheap and easy, too! This idea is perfect for if you're in need of a stress-free weekend or perhaps a way to spend a rainy day.