With the changing of the leaves comes the ability to start new hobbies! We are leaving behind the days of swimming in the pool and looking forward to apple orchards, pumpkin patches and everything fall. Fall brings opportunities for cozy, indoor activities that create peace and warmth, or crisp outdoor activities that promote adventure! Manifest this autumn being your best, and try out something new or out of your comfort zone with this guide to Autumn Pastimes.
Baking
Seasonal recipes are the absolute best! Trying out a new recipe can be a fun way to incorporate baking into this new season. When I imagine of fall baking, I think of apple, cinnamon, pumpkin and warm spices. So, this season, instead of buying a pre-made sweet treat, bake your own!
Puzzles
Challenging your brain with a low-stakes, therapeutic puzzle game is a great break from the busy semester. I love a jigsaw puzzle, but there are word, logic and visual puzzles that all function the same. Sometimes having something to solve can be really satisfying, so this fall try Sudoku, word searches or mazes!
Reading
Fall is peak cozying up and reading time. There is nothing better than picking up a thriller novel and reading under a fluffy blanket. If reading isn’t your thing, you could try listening to an audiobook! I would suggest A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson or The Only One Left by Riley Sager!
Apple Picking and pumpkin Picking
I think apple orchards and pumpkin patches should be at the top of your list for visiting this fall. Near Champaign, Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch is the best place to go! Whether you are picking apples, carving pumpkins or just getting an apple cider donut, there is truly nowhere near campus with a better autumnal feel!
Haunted house
I know that haunted houses are more of a Halloween-time activity, but I think it deserves to be a part of this list! Visiting a haunted house is a mandatory part of getting into the Halloween and fall spirit. It may be daunting at first, but I think that getting uncomfortable or trying something new is always scary before you actually do it. Consider going with a group of friends, and I promise you will be laughing the whole time!
Hiking
Fall in Illinois has peak foliage around mid-October, so going on a color walk would be ideal around then! Pick a color (ideally red, orange, or yellow) before your hike, and then look for that color throughout it! I love seeing the leaves changing colors and breathing the crisp, fall air. If hiking is not your thing, Autumn is a generally a great time to just get outside. Something I love to do is create a new fall playlist and walk to it, or call my family members or friends that I need to catch up with!