The Ultimate Fall Bucket List

Fall is such a magical time of year. The change in seasons signals a shift both within ourselves and the outer world. We watch as the leaves begin to change from bright, vivid green to red, orange, yellow and golden hues of fall foliage. The temperatures begin to drop from the hot, humidity of summer to warm, cool, crisp fall days calling for sweater weather. While the summer feels endlessly busy, the fall signals a shift into a slower, more introspective phase of the year. We begin to cozy up in our homes– cooking soups, reading books and watching movies with our loved ones and nourishing our bodies by tuning into this quieter part of ourselves.

Fall is unique because it symbolizes this transition into winter, where we can still enjoy the outdoors without freezing our butts off. The fall season provides ample opportunity to get outside, explore and enjoy nature. There are so many fall activities to do with family and friends and make the most of this beautiful time of year.

If you need some ideas and inspiration here is the ultimate fall bucket list to help you enjoy your fall foliage season to the fullest. What’s on your fall bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

The Ultimate Fall Bucket List

Invest in Some Cozy Sweaters

One of my favorite parts about fall is sweater weather. Sweaters are so cozy and comfy and bring on feelings of safety and warmth. There are so many fun fall trends this year incorporating oversized sweaters and the sweater vest is back! Jess did a round up of 10 of the Best Sweater Vests (And How to Style Them) as well as Cozy and Sustainable Sweaters for Fall.

Buy or Make a Fun Halloween Costume

Halloween is one of my personal favorite parts of fall. I love all things spooky and scary and enjoy a fun excuse to dress up and act like a kid again. It brings back so many wonderful nostalgic memories growing up in Woodstock, trick-or-treating in a town that literally felt like a movie. I wasn’t able to truly appreciate how special this was, until I became an adult and now get to take my son trick-or-treating down the same streets.

Maybe you haven’t always been a big Halloween fan, but it’s never too late. Buy or make a fun costume and get together with friends. It’s another reason to get together as a community and celebrate together. Join in on this fun tradition by handing out candy or taking your own little ones out and about.

Carve Pumpkins

Last year we started a tradition of hosting an annual pumpkin carving party. We served chili and cornbread and everyone brought their own pumpkin and carving tools. At the end of the evening we gave out prizes for scariest pumpkin, silliest pumpkin and most original. It was fun to see all the jack-o-lanterns lined up side by side with candles flickering inside at the end of the evening. It was also a fun way to get adults and children together with a little activity and healthy competition.

Go Apple Picking

Apple picking is an iconic fall activity. The apples are ripe and ready to go. This is a fun way to teach your kids about where we actually get apples from and then use your own apples to make cider, crisp or any other fun apple recipes. We love these 5 Healthy Apple Recipes from the Healthy Maven.

Make Apple Cider

If you have a cider press or know someone that does grab those freshly picked apples and make some cider. There is truly nothing better than fresh pressed cider, crisp from the apple. It’s a fun activity for children and adults alike. Looking to bump it up a notch? Add a little bourbon!

Fall Candles

I love a good seasonal candle. Brooklyn Candle is a great non-toxic candle company and their seasonal apple cider and toasted pumpkin candles look so nice! Farm & Sea candles are another one of my favorite and they have an amazing holiday collection with everything from applewood and white pumpkin to birchwood and spruce. Mmm I can smell it now!

Decorate Your House

One of my favorite fall things to do growing up was to help my mom decorate for the season. I can remember stretching spooky spider webs across the fire mantle and putting pumpkins out on our front steps. This is something I continue to do and enjoy. It’s a fun way to embrace the season. If you are hosting any parties, it’s also a fun way to make your home look festive. I’m loving some of the low budget fall decor from target like these pumpkins and this harvest truck. Of course if you are looking for something more classic and splurge-worthy the pumpkins from Simon Pearce and Farmhouse Pottery are always beautiful and will be something you can take out and enjoy each year.

Visit A Corn Maze

Head to a corn maze for a picturesque fall experience. There are many corn mazes around New England to enjoy. Some have riddles and maps to make it from one end to the other. Usually they have a farmstand or shop to enjoy snacks and refreshments. Beware some corn mazes are haunted and are not for the faint of heart! Dead North Farm Land of Terror in Danville, Vermont sells out every year and is TERRIFYING. For a family friendly experience in Vermont check out Hathway Farm in Rutland! It’s a blast, especially for kids. In Rhode Island, the Farmer’s Daughter is a must visit in the fall!

Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Make sure to save those seeds while pumpkin carving, because they can be made into a delicious snack. Roasted pumpkins seeds with herbs are so yummy. You can lay them out on a baking pan and coat them with olive oil, salt, pepper and any spices of your choosing. You can try cinnamon for a sweeter snack or garlic and chili powder for a more savory, spicy taste.

Go For A Fall Foliage Adventure

One of the most magical parts of fall is the changing of the leaves. In New England we are treated to such an incredible display of colors throughout the fall months. If you’re in Vermont, don’t miss Jess’s new site Vermont Foliage for all things fall in Vermont. For broader New England foliage check out the Best Places for Foliage in New England and our recent post on Where To See Fall Foliage this year.

Watch Scary Movies

We are big scary movie fans in our house and fall feels like the perfect time to indulge. My husband and I used to do a scary movie every night in October but having a child has put a bit of a damper on that. We love the old classic scary movies like Halloween, Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, Scary Movie and Silence of the Lamb. If you’re not into the scary flicks you can still partake in some Halloween movie fun with classics like Hocus Pocus, Beetle Juice and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Listen to Spooky Podcasts

I tend to listen to true crime podcasts no matter the season, but fall is especially fun to get in the spirit. Try podcasts that explore hauntings, witches and other Halloween themes. Morbid is a true crime podcast that often dives into all things spooky each fall. Check out some more of our podcast recommendations in our recently updated post, The Best Podcasts To Binge Right Now.

Drink Pumpkin Spiced Lattes

Why not indulge, tis the season. Honestly, the pumpkin spice flavor is a bit much for me sometimes and can make me feel a little sick. I ask for half the usual amount of flavoring/syrup and this is usually just right. It only comes once a year, right? Why not?

Eat Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin ice cream is an undercover delicious treat. I feel like it doesn’t get nearly the credit it should. While the maple creemee takes all the attention, the pumpkin is secretly amazing too. Give it a try at a local homemade ice cream shop. You won’t regret it!

Drink Fall Cocktails/Mocktails

Fall is a lovely time to cuddle up with a delicious cocktail either warm or cold. Try this easy apple hot toddy cocktail recipe. Later this week, we will be sharing both a cocktail and mocktail recipe from our new local quaint cocktail bar in Woodstock, called Au Comptoir. Stay tuned!

Read Spooky Books

I love a good spooky fall read. There is nothing better than cozying up in bed or under the covers on the couch and becoming entwined in a horror, suspense or mystery story. Try The Winter People, The Sanatorium, The Guest List or The House Across the Lake. If you’re looking to avoid the scary stuff, try All Souls Trilogy, it is a fun series with a witch, otherworldly theme and romance.

Make Fall Soups

Warm, nourishing soup is exactly what our souls and bodies need during the fall. With lots of root vegetables in our gardens to harvest at the end of the season what better time to whip up some yummy soup recipes. Last week we did a round up of our favorite Delicious Soup Recipes for Fall.

What are you doing to make the most of fall this season? What’s on your fall bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!