I love changing seasons! As the end of September rolls around each year, I get all the "feels" and immediately want to wear sweaters, visit apple orchards, and go for a drive in the mountains. I'm especially blessed to live in an area of the USA where we can really experience cooler weather and spectacular leaf displays. I love it!
This year, I've decided to be intentional in enjoying various fall activities, and I thought it would be fun to share my fall bucket list with you. I've tried to mix it up with traditional fall activities and some new-to-me fall traditions. I hope this encourages you to make an intentional plan to enjoy all of the fall things this year!
Try a New Soup Recipe
Are you the kind of person who only likes soup when it's chilly outside? That's me! As soon as outdoor temperatures dip below 70 degrees here in the South, my body signals that it's time for soup! I'm anxious to try a few new soup recipes this fall. I'm specifically on the hunt for a great tomato basil soup recipe. Please share one with me if you have a favorite!
Visit the Farmers Market
We have several local farmers markets that run throughout the summer and fall months. I just cannot make myself go in the summer because it's so hot! A few years ago, my sister, niece, and I went to the Greenville Saturday Market on a crisp fall morning. It was dreamy! We picked up a few pumpkins and gourds, tried cake samples, and walked the whole market area several times because it was so relaxing and enjoyable. Be sure to check the dates for your local markets as some markets close mid-fall.
Enjoy an Apple Cider Doughnut
This is one treat that I enjoy EVERY fall. Nothing says "fall" to me like an apple cider doughnut! Now, I'm lucky to live within 30-45 minutes of several apple orchards that sell these hot apple doughnuts, but I've also found them at our local farmers market. You can also find them at some fall festivals or fairs. If all else fails and you cannot find them to purchase, just make some! The New York Times has a 5-star Baked Apple Cider Doughnut recipe that has been rated over 3,400 times. I'll be trying this recipe ASAP!
Take a Scenic Drive
You probably expected to see this bucket list item! Can I be honest for a minute, though? I always talk about going for a scenic drive during the fall, but I often "forget" to do it or I miss peak foliage and end up driving through leaf piles instead. Over the past few years, I've been much more intentional about watching fall foliage maps and planning a day/time for an extended drive. Make a plan now!
Go To a Favorite Out-of-Town Restaurant
Whether it's 20 minutes or several hours away, make sure you visit a favorite out-of-the-way restaurant sometime this fall. The trick here is to pick a restaurant that you do not normally get the chance to enjoy because it's out of the way geographically from your normal restaurant rotation. I must admit that I checked off this bucket list item on the very first day of fall this year! My friend and I took a 2.5 hour road trip to one of our favorite restaurants, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen (Pigeon Forge, TN). The food is served family-style, so the whole table shares garlic cheese biscuits, 2-3 meats, and several side dishes. Our go-to order is fried chicken, pot roast, rice, green beans, macaroni and cheese, creamed corn, poppyseed tossed salad, and vanilla ooey gooey butter cake! The food was SO good and was well worth the drive!
Read a Book Outside!
I've read a lot of books in my lifetime, but I can honestly say that I've never read an entire book while enjoying the great outdoors. (I *tried* to read a book at the beach one time, but I got too hot and spent my time in the ocean instead!) I have a beautiful covered deck that would be a perfect fall reading spot. I've seen several hammocks and swings at local parks that have caught my eye as potential fall reading spots as well. I'm planning on going outdoors on Sunday afternoons this fall with a book in my hand. How relaxing does that sound?