This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at JMU chapter.
It’s that time of year again when the temperatures begin to drop, the leaves change color, and love is in the air (see Your Guide to Cuffing Season for more info). I’ve made a list of some exciting fall dates to give you ideas for that first date with that cutie from history class, something different for you and your partner to do on a Saturday afternoon, or even activities for you and your friends.
- Pumpkin patch
- A pumpkin patch is a classic fall activity that is fun for everyone. This is very laid-back so it’s perfect for a low-key first date or something seasonal for you and your partner or friends. It’s also pretty inexpensive which makes it ideal for broke college students (aka me). Plus you can get some great pictures for your fall aesthetic on Instagram.
- Orchard
- Similar to the pumpkin patch, going to an apple orchard is another fun, easy, and inexpensive activity to try this fall. Most apple orchards have games or other fun activities in addition to picking fruit, so this can keep you occupied for hours.
- Ghost tour
- If your favorite thing about autumn is #spookyszn then look no further and find an interesting ghost tour to do this fall. Most ghost tours have just enough spookiness to keep you intrigued but not enough that you won’t be able to sleep at night. It’s the perfect little evening date to do after dinner if you don’t have time during the day to commit to a longer activity.
- Haunted house
- For another spooky activity, haunted houses are also a great option. These usually take up a little more time than ghost tours and tend to be a bit scarier and more interactive in my experience, so be wary if you choose a haunted house. But being scared at a haunted house is the perfect excuse to hold your date’s hand, so maybe being scared isn’t so bad after all.
- Winery/cider place/brewery
- For those of us who are 21+ going to a winery/brewery is a great date option. You can sit, sip, and enjoy the beautiful scenery with your date. This is a great way to unwind and spend some quality time with someone. However, please always remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
- Hiking
- If you enjoy the outdoors, then hiking is a good choice. The changing leaves make for the perfect background to a romantic outdoor adventure. Here in Virginia there are countless beautiful trails in the mountains to explore, so take advantage of your surroundings and explore.
- Scary movie marathon
- There are so many great movies that are perfect to watch during this time of year. Whether you like scary, cute, or something in between, there is sure to be a Halloween/fall movie that you’ll enjoy. Turn it into a whole afternoon and watch a bunch of Halloween movies for a relaxed indoor date.
- Picnic
- Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and have a fall picnic with all of your favorite snacks. This is your chance to make some new recipes and share them with someone and enjoy them together.
- Fall festival, outdoor concert, carnival
- So many places host different fall festivals, carnivals, and concerts, so there’s a good chance you can find one in your area. This is a casual and relaxed way to just have fun and get to know someone. These events usually have things like hay rides, caramel apples, apple cider, and other autumnal things so it’s the perfect way to enjoy the season.
- Drive in movie
- Last but not least, enjoy the nostalgia of a drive in movie. This classic date idea is perfect for autumn. To make it even more seasonal, try and watch a scary movie and embrace the fall vibes.
I hope this list has inspired you to go and try out some new activities this autumn. Have a happy fall everyone!