Now that August is officially over and September has made its way into our lives, I thought I would come up with some fun activities for you and your pals to try this fall. We all know the #PSL and Ugg Boots are making their way back, but we’ve all tried that drink and worn those boots already. It’s time to get creative with what we do this fall! Of course, indulge in your favorite latte if you want to… I’m just here to open up the world to other things you can try this upcoming chilly season. I mean, it's practically famous for bad weather, warm clothes, hearty meals and giving thanks – my fall bucket list has items to get you in the proper spirit.
1. Serve at a soup kitchen.
Everyone enjoys a good old-fashioned hearty meal in the fall. Take this as a time to help others in need and to also gain a sense of gratitude. Fall and winter months are a time for giving thanks and for giving back. Help others in your community by sharing something that you love with them. If there isn’t a soup kitchen near you, you can donate food items to a local food bank, or even go around town distributing meals that you prepared to those in need.
2. Speaking of soup, make a healthy crock-pot meal.
Like this one! There is nothing quite like the aroma of a crock-pot meal cooking all day in your home. I love going to school or leaving to run errands and coming home to such a delicious smell! Gather around the table with your family, friends or roommates and share with them the loveliest soup in all of the land. (Or any other recipe you may find on Pinterest.)
3. Pick apples from a local orchard.
Bundle up in your warmest attire to go pick some of fall’s ripest fruits! You can bring your friends, significant other, family, or heck, go by yourself! Collect as many as you can and then…
4. Perfect your apple pie recipe.
What good are fresh apples if they just sit around until they rot? Designate a day to creating the perfect cinnamon-apple masterpiece. Then bring it to your neighbor! A fun way to introduce yourself has never been made easier. If you bring them a fresh apple pie, I’m sure they’ll be more understanding next time you throw that random Wednesday night party in your apartment and the music is up a little too loud.
5. Go on a “fall drive” as my pal and I like to call it.
Get a chai tea to go and strap on your seatbelt before hitting the road. Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and the smell of the crisp air. Who knows where you’ll end up! Maybe you’ll end up staying for a night or two at the next location you find yourself.
6. Book an Airbnb in the woods.
Spend the weekend at a cabin snuggling up by the fire in your flannel shirt and wool socks watching "Hocus Pocus." Go on hikes and enjoy all of the beautiful fall scenery. You can even have a bonfire if the rental allows it and roast marshmallows! Imagine waking up and enjoying coffee/hot cocoa/apple cider out on the front porch in the fog while the sun rises. Honestly, there’s nothing better (if you ask me).
7. Get cozy for a cause with Love Your Melon.
This company was founded by two university students, Zach and Brian. They aimed to help the lives of children battling cancer by making hats to donate. The company has grown immensely since its birth in 2012. According to the site, “Fifty Percent (50%) of net proceeds from the sale of all Love Your Melon products are donated to Love Your Melon’s nonprofit partners in the fight against pediatric cancer.” You can become a campus rep for Love Your Melon here!
8. Cheer on your favorite football team.
Whether it is for your state's NFL team, your hometown high school’s football team, or even the high school football team in your college town, supporting a football team is a must this fall. Being outside in the cold weather hearing “TOUCHDOOWWWNNNN (insert local mascot here)!” over the loudspeaker is something that brings back so much fall nostalgia for me, and it’s likely that it can bring back (or create some new) memories for you, too!
9. Start exercising.
Fall is the time of year when hearty (and oftentimes unhealthy) meals are served at the dinner table. While it is nice to indulge, it’s great to stay on top of your health, too! Make it a little easier on yourself this coming spring when it’s time to get in shape for summer and consistently exercise year round, starting this fall. You can even get started by going on a simple walk or hike and exploring all of the beauty that your town has to offer this season.
