When the leaves begin to change and temperatures begin to drop, it begins to set in that summer is but a memory. So, when you get the rare and coveted day off, what are you going to do? There’s the usual household chores: change out clothes, start the process of weather-proofing, get the furnace serviced…you know the usual. For fun, why not try something out of the usual? But, what?
The usual, just for the less adventurous among us, would be: county fairs, crop mazes, and car trips through the mountains to look at the beautiful fall foliage. Pretty colors. We get it…nature is awesome. But, you did that last year, and the year before, and the year before, and… Since we’re all running out of things to do, we would like to suggest these options:
- Visit an apple orchard. At harvest time, an orchard can be fun and educational. You can learn about the different types, pick and sample apple dishes. Many orchards will offer different activities relating to apples or the harvest. You can continue the fun by preparing dishes together when you get your harvest home.
- Head to a farm. A trip to a farm is like a trip to the petting zoo kicked up 10 notches. You can find all kinds of fresh, delicious produce to incorporate into fall treats, also. Many large farms—which there is sure to be a couple near you—offer many of the usual trappings of fall festivals/fairs like hay rides, hay bale hopping, face painting and many family-friendly activities.
- Host a bonfire. With a bonfire, you can bring the fun to you. If you want, you can make it a community thing and invite your neighbors and friends. Bonfires lend themselves to group sing-alongs, roasted marshmallows, and moonlight picnics! (*Make sure there are no restrictions in the area and make safety your top priority.)
The changing of seasons is the perfect time to find new ways to reconnect with friends and family. Think outside the box and try something new! Your family stopped complaining about the heat of summer, so before they start complaining about the cold of winter get out and enjoy all that the fall season has to offer!
