Anyone else feeling gourd about autumn??
There’s the stunning foliage to enjoy, apples to pick, donuts to eat, and we can’t leaf out all the pumpkin spice spice, baby! So put away your summer goggles and cozy up with a mug of cider. Let’s make your fall bucket list.
Have A Spooky Movie Marathon
Chilly weather is perfect for indoor activities, like binging all the Harry Potter films or watching Hocus Pocus. Make it extra fun by hosting a themed night with spooky food and costumes.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch (And Carve a Pumpkin)
Channel your inner Charlie Brown and head to a local pumpkin patch. Handpick your decorative gourds, grab a few mums, and hop on a hayride. Bonus points if you have hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte while completing any of those activities.
Want to make an extra-special pumpkin this year? Go batty with these templates from the National Park Service.
Go Apple Picking
If you’re anything like us, apple picking is just an excuse to eat an apple donut. (No judgment if you skip the picking, buy a bag of apples, and snuggle up with a dozen donuts instead.)
Check out a Fall Festival
The Chicago area is chock-full of autumn activities. Lincoln Square Apple Fest, the annual Fall Festival at the Nature Center, or head out to Elgin for the famed Nightmare on Chicago Street.
Take a Hike
Literally—take advantage of the crisp weather and golden light. Head out of the city to explore nearby Matthiessen State Park or the Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, or go hog-wild and make the drive to Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin.
Host a Bonfire
Hosting a fall gathering can be the simplest thing: Cook up a vat of chili, build a fire, roast some hotdogs, and have a s’mores tasting in the backyard. Combine it with a BYO pumpkin carving party and you’ve officially started your friends’ favorite new tradition. (Let us know what time to be there.)
Plan for Christmas (seriously)
We want you to live in the present, revel in the autumn, and eat lots of pumpkin pie. We also want you to have a peaceful December: Take some time now to make your lists and budget for the holidays. Here’s a checklist from Minted to help you have a stress-free holiday.