It’s the first week of Fall / Autumn, and to say that I’ve been excited about this season for a while is a bit of an understatement. In case you missed it, I’ve been posting constantly about it for the last month! Today, to celebrate the start of Autumn this week, I thought I’d bring back my yearly tradition of celebrating Fall with a bucket list of affordable things to do during the next 3 months. (You can read last year’s bucket list here).
From the falling leaves to the crisp nights and the harvest foods that we’re going to be consuming as the weather changes, today’s post is in celebration of all things Fall: and by writing this years Fall bucket list, I can’t even begin to express how excited I am for what the next few months will hold.
Mile in My Glasses’ Fall Bucket List
2019 Edition
Drive Through the Woods with the Windows Down
The smell in the air. What could be a better start to a Fall bucket list than something that wraps all of my favourite things about Fall into one? The fresh air, the incredible Fall foliage – (blasting Taylor Swift’s Red album as though nobody can hear me.. ) – on those dry, sunny days during the start of the season: taking a long drive with the windows down is one of my favourite ways to pass the time.
Read Some Great Books
It’s no secret that I love reading, especially during Fall. There’s something in the air that makes me want to curl up with a comfy throw and a good book (and not to mention that my TBR pile is longer than my arm). Brushing up on some great book suggestions, and immersing yourself in a story is one of the many things that I love about the season, especially with the paranormal: ghouls and spooks haunt the month of October – it’s a season of believing in the unbelievable and letting yourself be a child again.
Invest in Some Essential Fall Wardrobe Pieces
The start of Fall brings a whole new set of wardrobe essentials with it into focus. From flannels to denim jackets, rugged boots and distressed denim (which are a staple for every season if I’m honest), missing out wardrobe essentials on a Fall bucket list just seemed wrong. Stocking up on anything and everything in tones of green, brown and red is the name of the game for Fall, and with so many thicker pieces, it’s so much fun bundling up for the events that will be held outside during the next few months.
From firework shows to bonfire nights and crisp evening walks, Fall brings colder temperatures that match layering up and staying cosy to celebrate a season of change and excitement.
Go Stargazing
With the nights drawn in, the stars are out a whole lot more than they were in the Summer. One of my favourite things to do with Scott has always been to stargaze, and when we’re out and about (especially in areas of low light pollution), taking an eye to the stars and seeing what’s above is one of our favourite activities. There’s something about stargazing that puts your entire life into perspective: when you’re looking at these huge planets splayed out in front of you, it matches a season of harvest, gathering with loved ones and being thankful perfectly.
Make a Fall-inspired Recipe Twice (At Least!)
It’s not a Fall bucket list without the mention of food – that’s just a given. In particular, the range of foods that you can make during Fall. From the savoury comfort food that reigns king to the fluffy desserts that get my heart (literally) skipping a beat.
Re-decorate Your Living Space
I’m going to be following up this point with a post on affordable interior decor for your living space, but it still needed a mention on the Fall bucket list. Decorating your space for the Fall months is so much fun, and a great way to celebrate the season too. Buy comfy, thicker throws and bring those burnt oranges, khaki greens and cool greys inside to make your place feel festive and cosy for the transition (extra points for pumpkins and harvest fruits as decor!)
Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that visiting a pumpkin patch is one of my favourite annual traditions (which is why I mention it on every Fall bucket list!). Scott and I have always loved the trip during mid-October to our nearest patch: picking a pumpkin and carving it as a Jack-o-Lantern for our windows. It’s one of those traditions that I started as a child and want to do for years to come.
Another side to this is using the insides of the pumpkin to make great food. From soups to pasta, there are so many uses for pumpkin in food (and all of them are delicious!).
Go Trail Running
This might apply a lot more if you’re actually into running: but getting out among the pines and jogging nature trails is one of my favourite ways to watch the seasons change. With the reds, orange and browns that bloom through the Fall months – going jogging among the towering trees and seeing all of the colours come into focus first hand is a big deal for me. Especially when the trees start losing leaves and you’re crunching your way through the path – that’s always so much fun and a great addition to a Fall bucket list!
Spend a Morning at the Farmers Market
A Farmers Market. How could I not? If you’re lucky enough to live in a town or city that has them – make time to go! If it’s a weekend morning or a mid-week jaunt, you get access to so much incredible, fresh produce to pick from: and you can really taste different from store-bought. I love perusing the aisles of a Farmers Market during a cloudy Saturday morning, and with the focus on freshly picked fruits and veggies during Fall, everything tastes 100x better with them included.
Make a Meal From Food You Bought at a Farm Shop
As a season, Fall is all about the harvest. So what better time to take harvested veggies and turn them into some great meals? If you have a local farm shop, that’s perfect! If not, perhaps browse the fresh grocery section of your nearest supermarket. I’ve always been a huge ambassador for supporting local businesses, and shopping at local farm shops is one of my favourite things about living quite rurally. We have access to some amazing amenities, and the vegetables that you can pick up from local farms is not only cheap – but incredibly tasty, too!
Donate What You Didn’t Wear Last Year
I try to donate clothes at the beginning of every season, going off what I did and didn’t wear the season before. I can usually see which pieces I was constantly reaching for, and those that I don’t think I wore as often as I should (and know that I won’t be reaching for in weeks to come) are the first to go.
Having my wardrobe on a constant declutter is great not just for me being able to make sure that I’m making good use of my clothes, but by keeping my pieces minimal and my outfits essential (especially since I don’t have a huge wardrobe, so any space saved is a bonus!).
Host a Scary Movie Marathon
Is anything better than a scary movie marathon during Fall, seriously? Always a favourite on my Fall bucket list, Scott and I love a good scary movie marathon. Also, with the trend of “scary” TV shows, we love a good binge session of those, too. Our favourites are always the American Horror Story franchise (Roanoke was my favourite – which is pretty controversial since it seems everybody else hated it… ), and we liked the reiteration of the Scream franchise as a TV show (which is now being redone and supposed to air again towards the end of this year).
Pick Up a Pumpkin Spiced Latte
Would it even be a Fall bucket list if the pumpkin spiced latte didn’t get a look in? Visit your local Starbucks and let yourself indulge. A Pumpkin spiced latte on a brisk evening during the Fall is practically the perfect match.
Or – if you’re not quite a pumpkin spiced type of person, the salted caramel mocha being released this year is sure to be a winner, too.
Volunteer on the Weekend
With a season focused so intently on giving, this is a great way to give back. Whether you’re volunteering a few hours, or an entire day – taking some time away from your own life and schedule to aid others is such a fantastic and worthy way to spend time. Whether you’re helping out at a soup kitchen, a shelter or a local charity – making time to give back is so important.
Go on a Hike
There’s something therapeutic about the crisp Fall air. Spend time outdoors: go for a hike among nature. Don’t push yourself too hard, instead focus on the changing colours, the beautiful foliage and how lucky we are to be among such beauty. After all, Fall is “the year’s last, loveliest smile.”
Spend Some Time at a Local Museum
I’m a secret museum nerd – I love them. And the amount of museums spread across the globe is pretty staggering, too. Spend some time visiting them: the majority are free, after all. Take in the exhibits and immerse yourself in topics you’ve never learnt before. Soak it all in and appreciate the wonders of the world. An underrated Fall bucket list item, take note of how incredible and wonderful this big wide world is, with all the information packed into it.
Pick Up a Hobby You Haven’t Tried Before
Fall is a great time to throw yourself into passions you didn’t know you ever had. Try a hobby that you haven’t been making time for, or make time for something you know that you love. Dedicate time to yourself so that you can fulfil those things you’ve never been able to get round to and make the season as crafty as you can.
Make a Range of Fall-Themed Desserts
With the start of Fall comes a whole array of delicious desserts: from pies to cakes and everything in-between. Dedicate so time to bring Fall to life with specific recipes. Like these ones, and this one too.
Visit Your Local Sunflower Field
Almost as iconic as a pumpkin patch, the blooming fields of sunflowers are a great sign of the Fall season to come. Spend some time among the yellow flowers: have a photo shoot and marvel at the blossoming colour.
Go Apple Picking (and Make Apple Pie!)
I’ve been lucky enough to grow up with an apple orchard at the bottom of my garden, meaning that making apple pie was a season staple in my house. During those cloudy Fall weekends, we would collect the apples, take them inside and either batch-store the ones that didn’t become pie (or crumble) that day, and make the most delicious dessert to have after Sunday dinner with the rest.
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Not as common in the UK, but much loved wherever they are. Corn mazes are a great way to get into the Halloween spirit – go and explore, trying to find your way to the centre and then back out again! A great way to spend a Fall afternoon.
Attend a Bonfire Night Party
To me, Fall always feels like it’s over once we’ve celebrated Bonfire Night. In the town that I live, the Fall months are book-ended by little festivals that take up a few weekends from September to October. In the beginning, we host a fireworks festival in the central park: everybody gathers under the shining lights with hot chocolates and festival foods, this always feels like the start of Fall to me as it’s the first night-event that I associate with the season.
And then, in the first weekend of November, the Bonfire Night event is held. Similarly, everybody gathers at the central park in the town, to watch the bonfire be lit and fireworks launched in celebration of Guy Fawkes Night. There’s usually traditional theme park rides, festival food trucks and a lot of music being played – which makes for a fun night out wrapped up in coats and scarves.
Carve a Pumpkin
And put it in your window for Halloween! There are so many designs you can do on pumpkins: from the intricate to the traditional. Carve up a pumpkin (and save the insides for some delicious recipes!). Most of all, have fun with it!
Go For a Walk on a Foggy Morning
The light mist that descends during the early hours of Fall mornings is to be enjoyed. Especially as the slow start of the season begins. Wake up a little bit earlier one weekend, throw on your comfiest sweater – a thick coat and some boots. Go and explore the same streets you know and love, but transformed into a misty-Fall wonderland. Such a great way to say hello to the season of harvest!
Brush Up on the Spooky Roots of Local Folklore
This was a fun one I really wanted to throw in at the end. Folklore is so interesting, and everywhere across the globe has its own myths and legends about times that have passed. Spend some time this season digging into your own myths – what supposedly happened in your hometown or nearest city? Brush up on the details and find out more: a spooky and fun way to celebrate Fall.
What’s on Your Fall Bucket List?
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