Enjoying Autumn with Fall Fun Ideas

It can be bittersweet to say farewell to summer. Months of warm weather and sunshine are hard to beat and provide plenty of opportunities to rest and relax.

Just because summer has come and gone doesn’t mean the opportunity to enjoy recreation is in the rearview mirror. Fall is awash in opportunities to enjoy the fresh, inviting air and take part in the various activities that go hand-in-hand with this time of year.

Apple and pumpkin picking

Heading to a nearby orchard or farm and choosing fresh fruit is a hallmark of fall. In fact, these are some of the most popular places to visit on the weekends, as crowds of people clamber to grab their Granny Smith or Cortland apples. Call ahead to learn which varieties are ripe and plan to arrive early before the trees are picked clean.

Apple orchards and pumpkin patches can be dusty, muddy or messy, so dress accordingly for the environment, including closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Keep in mind that many of these establishments are cash-only. Bring cash and expect to have your bounty weighed upon checkout.

Wine tasting

September and October are prime months for grape harvesting, which means local vineyards may host special tours and events to take advantage of their growing season.

Fall also is a great time to visit a vineyard that offers tastings, as you can sit out in the sun and cool weather and enjoy a glass or two of the latest vintage. Follow local vineyards on social media or get on their email lists to stay on top of upcoming events.

Leaf peeping

The gradual depletion of chlorophyll in tree leaves is responsible for the amazing and colorful display Mother Nature puts on each fall. Everyone is treated to vivid panoramas of reds, oranges, purples, and yellows, making them ideal all-natural photo backdrops.

Plenty of people travel to more rural areas to witness leaves change color, and that means that country areas can get crowded. It always pays to plan a leaf-peeping excursion for early in the day to account for the possibility of traffic along the route. Make an entire day of it by seeing the sights, grabbing lunch, and hitting a farmer’s market while out and about.

Fall fair

Many towns hold off on their annual fairs and carnivals until the cooler months of the year. These are entertaining and boisterous events that can include everything from food and livestock contests to rides and amusements to musical performances.

As these fairs tend to last a couple of days to a week, it could be fruitful to look into whether they sell multi-day passes at a discount, particularly if you plan to attend a few times and maximize the fun.

Opportunities for fun abound each fall. With inviting weather and calendars full of seasonal offerings, now is an ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors.