For as long as I can remember, fall has been my favorite season. It has the perfect weather to wear a sweater, but not need a jacket. To drink a hot, fall flavored latte without overheating. And to turn on the oven, and bake a pie. But ten years ago, Tony and I entered into a difficult life season, and fall became even more dear to me. 

Fall has the perfect weather to wear a sweater, but not need a jacket. To drink a hot, fall flavored latte without overheating. And to turn on the oven, and bake a pie.

With one terribly hard decision, we lost our community and my career path. This is going to sound dramatic, but continuing to live in the town where we were, felt like lingering in a cemetery too long—heartbreakingly depressing. There is obviously a lot more to this story, but

There we stayed for ten years.

Waiting. Trying to figure out if we would stay in Pennsylvania. Doing the hard work of healing. And all the while experiencing the heavy weight of discontent.

I know, what a way to begin a light hearted post about a fall bucket list (I’m sorry). But I share all of this because one of my biggest takeaways from that season was how important it is to find joy even in the darkest seasons. To look for what was good about where we lived, even though we didn’t want to be there. And guess what?

We found a lot more good than we expected.

Many of those good things revolved around fall activities. We started a yearly tradition of apple picking with our best friends. We took drives to places where we could hike and appreciate all the colors the leaves were turning. And we even started picking up our own pumpkins at a local farm, so I could cook them down and make them into pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie.

Friends, I don’t know where you are in life this fall. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by things not being as they should be, I want to invite you to take a break. To step away from the angst we’re all still feeling. And instead, for an hour or more, lose yourself in one of these fabulous fall activities. Bonus points if you do them with loved ones:

Go apple picking.

Put on some shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Find a local fruit farm that offers “pick your own” apples. Then gather some friends and go.

Find the perfect pumpkin.

Often the same farms that have apple orchards, also have pumpkin patches. Make a whole day of it, and go home with a pumpkin or two for your front steps. Maybe even buy to bake a pie—we like the Dickinson or Cheesehead pumpkins for baking.

Drink hot apple cider.

Buy a half gallon or more at the farm, or pick up a jug at your grocery store. Then simmer it in a pan on the stove with a little cinnamon. Your home will smell like fall, and you’ll have a perfect fall beverage.

Attend a local fall festival.

We discovered our local farmers’ market hosts a Harvest Breakfast in our city every year. It was such a fun way to begin to get to know people, support local, and enjoy good food! Google fall festivals in your area, or visit your local farm’s websites as they may be hosting one too.

Bake, bake, bake.

Apple crisp, apple pie, pumpkin bread, chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie—the list for fall baking is long and delicious. Find recipe ideas on Pinterest, or join my email list where I will be sending out my favorite fall links (including recipes), next week!

Go “leaf peeping.”

Sometimes, we just need to go for a drive. To get lost close to home, or to drive an hour or two to where the leaves turn the prettiest colors. So grab your favorite person and your beloved fall beverage, turn on your playlist of the week, and hit the road.

Visit a farm stand.

Beyond pumpkins and apples, there is so much to find at your local farm stand. Pick up a butternut squash to make a creamy soup to go with grilled cheese. Grab some local free range eggs for breakfast. And don’t forget to ask the people running the stand what is looking the best this season—you may bring home something unexpectedly delicious.

Light a fall candle. 

When it starts to get dark outside in the afternoon, lighting a candle feels like a way to keep things warm and bright inside.

Drink a pumpkin spice latte.

Having a pumpkin spice latte feels like you’re drinking a fall dessert. It’s a great way to brighten up a monotonous day. If you don’t like pumpkin, find a coffee shop that will make you a honey cinnamon latte—it’s just as fall, and just as yummy.

Have/go to a fire/bonfire.

Sitting around a fire on a cool evening with friends has a way of transporting you out of your life for a little bit. I don’t know about you, but for me being by a fire is relaxing, being outside helps relieve stress, and being with friends is so needed right now.

What do you love about fall?

What is one fall activity you would add to this list?

Friends, if you liked this Fall Bucket List, you’ll love my email next week in which I am going to share the links to all my favorite fall things (recipes, podcasts, and more!). Sign up here to join my email community.