One of the things I have learned getting older is how the busyness of life can cloud enjoying the little things. There is a value in learning to slow down and look around. That is something I am tasking myself with embracing this fall. As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to change, I’ve been reflecting on how quickly this year has gone by. We are already halfway through the football season and the fall semester in what feels like the blink of an eye. So, now, more than ever, I am intentional in doing simple things that make me happy and trying things I have never done before.
Getting older means that you are officially in charge of your own leisure and enjoyment. Long gone are the days of crafts like coloring fall leaves in your elementary school classroom or watching the Disney Halloween movies each night after school.
In this blog post, you will find our curated list of recommendations to set the tone for fall.
- Get that Seasonal Drink
This is by far one of the easiest and most cost-effective (perhaps?) to embrace the fall. I’ve seen coffee shops including a seasonal menu now more than ever. Pumpkin spice is not the only option anymore. Some lattes that have caught my eye this season are cinnamon roll, blackberry cornbread and cookie butter. All the flavors leaning richer and sweeter than fruity and light flavors seen in the spring. It is a little treat of my day to go grab a drink like this before work or before studying for a big exam. Bonus points if you take some time sitting in a quaint coffee shop while getting some work done.
- Curate a Fall Playlist
As the seasons change, you will definitely find me curating a new playlist to match this. Give me all the Norah Jones and Bon Iver. I even enjoy some jazz or acoustic music in the fall. I love playing music that feels like driving down a curved road as leaves fall or sitting by a warm fire. Put together a list of songs that remind you of fall and turn it on while walking to class or driving around.
- Build a Fall Wardrobe
It is time to pull out that box of sweaters and jackets! I love going through my sweaters and jackets, deciding what I want for this season. Just last week, I bought a paisley/bandana-inspired scarf that can be thrown over jackets or wrapped around my waist to spice up a simple outfit. We’re also leaning into all the neutrals this fall – from browns to cream. You can never go wrong with a dark wash pair of jeans either. Leaning into dressing for the season can be a little sparkle that makes your day better. I am a firm believer that a good outfit can set the tone for the rest of your day.
- A Trip to Fall Foliage
Alabama is not necessarily known for its fall foliage and cooler temperatures compared to other places. But luckily, we are not too far from places that are like North Carolina, North Georgia, and states along the East Coast just to name a few. Vermont is on my bucket list. I have already planned my own trip for this to go apple picking, hiking and visit a quaint small town to walk around. Take some time to explore places that might interest you in what to do this fall. I am excited to just drive around and see the changing leaves while listening to some music.
- Try Fall Fruits & Vegetables
Some of the in-season fruits and vegetables are my favorite. Apples, carrots and sweet potatoes make the top of my list. With these foods at their prime flavor and harvest, it is a great time to learn how to make a new seasonal dish you have not tried before – or want to learn how to make. I have never tried apple pie before, so it is on my bucket list to make this season. Leaning into fall produce has many benefits such as increased nutrient density, peak flavor and sustainability. This was something I learned more recently and am trying to incorporate in this new season.
- Invest in a New Blanket
Cuddling up with a new blanket is probably one of the best feelings. Lola blankets are worth all the hype if you were wondering, and they are for a good cause. I love getting a new soft blanket that I’ll wash with one of my favorite laundry scents. This is the perfect addition to your fall and goes with all the festivities like hosting a movie night with friends, which we highly recommend.
- Watch a Movie/TV Show that feels like Fall
The movies and shows based in NYC in the fall are now entering the chat. I have already indulged in about 3 romantic comedies that are this vibe, and I have no regrets. There is nothing like coming home after a long, busy day and bundling up with a comfort movie and snacks. My friends and I watched “When Harry Met Sally” this week and it was a great kickoff to this fall season with more movies to come. Halloweentown is another movie that played in the first week of October at our house. I even got an itch to watch the Harry Potter series. TikTok and social media is a great way to explore some new movies to watch, along with some new movies set to debut this fall. We loveeeee a fall movie or show around here!
- Officially Soup Season
My time to shine! If you ask me what my favorite food is, I will probably say soup. I love it all, with my top favorites being chicken and dumplings, or chicken noodle soup. Both are classic staples for me that I love making as soon as it cools off. Even if you’re busy or do not think you are the best at cooking, soups are probably one of the easiest things to make. Crockpots are a convenient way to throw some ingredients together to slow cook while you work or complete other tasks. Soup can also be incredibly nutritious if you add a bunch of vegetables, protein and I will even use some bone broth to add some collagen and nutritional value.
- Open a New Book
Recently, my group of friends did an activity called “Blind Date with a Book.” Each of them bought one of their highly rated books they own, wrote a note about it on the inside and wrapped it up. Then, each person opened a new book they had not read before. Fall is a great reminder to slow down and pour into hobbies you enjoy doing. For me, that is bundling up with a book so intriguing I am eager to turn the next page and find out what happened next.
- Get Outside and Walk
Even as the temperature changes, it still feels great to move your body and enjoy the cooler weather. I think fall is one of the best times for outdoor exercise because it gives you all the benefits of vitamin D and fresh air during cool weather. It was so nice to get outside yesterday and take a long walk enjoying the cooler temperatures.
- Go to a Museum
Art museums and fall just go together in my head. I think fall is a great time to explore some places you haven’t before, for me, that is going to an art museum. I have a couple on my list I want to make it to. Grab a warm coffee or hot chocolate and head to an art museum where you can stroll around and see pieces of artwork.
- Attend a Fall Festival
Fall festivals are some of the best activities to be a part of. From games to local businesses you can support, fall festivals encapsulate a lot of the vibes I am going for this fall. They even have live music occasionally and it can be a fun activity to attend with friends.
- Have a Spa Day
Whether you splurge on a real spa experience or make one of your own at home, fall is the perfect time to recharge and take care of you. Get a massage and facial and enjoy slowing down for a little bit. Rejuvenation is one of the things I think fall encourages us to embrace.
What did we leave off this list? What fall activities are you excited about this season? What are you most looking forward to? We want to know!
