Autumn marks the transition from summer into winter, when the arrival of night becomes noticeably earlier while the arrival of day becomes noticeably later. Trees have started to shed their leaves, as the temperature has cooled down considerably. While this season change brings colder temperatures, fallen leaves, a lot of rain, and storms that seem to threaten our very existence; fall also represents an abundance of opportunity.
When I think of fall, I think of colourful leaves – shades of red, yellow, and orange that I’ve never seen before. When I think of fall, I think of that crunch, you know the one – you’re walking along the sidewalk and your footsteps are echoed not by the sound of your feet on the damp concrete, but by the crunch of the chilled leaves that crumble and break under your boots. When I think of fall, I think of big, cozy blankets, good company, and of course, hot chocolate.
When I think of fall, I think of opportunity, I imagine tight hugs, large umbrellas, and new dates ideas that are occasioned from falls arrival.
Just think of all the great potential date ideas! If you can’t think of any on the spot, don’t worry, I’m here to help you sort out your fall date bucket list.
1. Go apple picking
I know what you’re thinking. Either a) “what a great idea!” or b) “why in the world would I want to go apple picking?” Well, it’ll be romantic, for one. Just imagine the fallen leaves around you, the crisp air biting at your nose as your S.O. pulls you in close…
Plus, after apple picking you can then come home and make a pie together.
2. Go to the pumpkin patch
Similar to picking apples, the pumpkin patch is the perfect date setting. You can show off your playful side while picking out the perfect pumpkin, snap a couple cute couple selfies, and go on a hay ride (because you’re never too old for a hay ride).
Afterwards, you can then come home and carve them together. Make sure to pick up some candles beforehand (if you don’t already have some) and voila! You’ve got yourself a couple jack-o’-lanterns to put out on Halloween (how cute).
3. Go to the corn maze
Now, I recognize that a lot of corn mazes close mid-October, so you may have just missed it. BUT, if you can find one that’s still open… I definitely recommend that you go! Bring a flashlight if you go after 7p.m., wear a warm jacket and a pair of rain boots, and don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure while you make wrong turn after wrong turn.
4. Make fall cookies
Baking together in the kitchen is the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and indulge. And you know what happens after you make those caramel apple cookies?
No, not that.
You get to EAT them. You get to eat the cookies! And any date that includes eating will prove to be a good one.
5. Go Halloween costume shopping
One of the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit is to go costume shopping. And who better to go costume shopping with, than your S.O? (Okay, your best friend would be a good choice too). I suggest you pursue a costume somewhat out of the ordinary. Anyone can be Batman and Robin, or Harley Quinn and the Joker… so take advantage of this opportunity, and be creative! So, instead of buying one of those $70 pre-designed costumes, make your own. You can still take your date to Value Village, but pick out some cheap clothes and get creative (it’ll prove to be worth it, trust me).
6. Watch a scary movie
While this may sound incredibly generic, it doesn’t necessarily have to be. Still, staying in to cuddle, watching scary movies, making popcorn, and eating copious amounts of Halloween candy sounds… kind of amazing. However, if you want to get creative, maybe try a movie on-the-go. Seriously! All you need are two big blankets – one to lay on and one for warmth (and maybe some hot chocolate and snacks,) and a laptop! Then, find a dark field or abandoned building and settle in to watch a scary movie… are you brave enough to try it?
7. Go to a football game
Now, I may not be a huge football fan, but it is football season, people! Your S.O. will probably love it too. It doesn’t have to be a football game either. Maybe surprise your S.O. with tickets to their favorite team or band even, for that matter.
8. Decorate the house/Make-over your bedroom
Step one: Go to the dollar store
Step two: Buy some cobwebs, plastic spiders, and “caution” tape.
Step three: Decorate your house… Or your parents house… Or your room with said cobwebs and caution tape. Go a little crazy, and definitely have some fun with it.
9. Go to a haunted house or fair
Now, I know for certain that you can find a haunted house just about anywhere this time of year, so finding one in your area shouldn’t be a feat in the slightest. So, with that being said, put on your adult pants and go to a haunted house! If it’s a first date, this will be an excellent opportunity/excuse to get all close and personal.
10. Make a cozy fort for two
What better way to spend a crisp, fall evening than cuddled up under your very own fort? Answer: probably nothing.
And you can thank me… Later.
11. Go stargazing
Think of the setting for date #6, but with less horror and more romance. Even your back yard will do the trick for this fall date location. Cuddle up under the night sky as the full moon illuminates everything in sight as you try to make shapes out of the the stars that lie above.
12. Plan a power-outage date
The arrival of fall seems to pack a punch, as wind storms pound at our doors and turn umbrellas inside out. And maybe (just maybe), the power will go out… So why not take advantage of the situation? Power outages serve as opportunities to put those pesky phones away, take those candles out, and place the emphasis on each other! Regardless, I suggest you plan an evening where you turn out the lights, light those candles, and eat all the ice cream you can (because its going to melt, duh.)
So, next time you can’t think of what to do on a seemingly gloomy fall day, remember that there are an abundance of very affordable, cute, romantic, and easy date ideas that you can partake in.
And remember, you don’t have to be on an “actual” date to partake in these activities. Personally, some of my favourite and most memorable dates are with my best friends; the dates where we carve pumpkins, eat way more candy than we should, add festive decor to our bedrooms, and talk about our latest conquests. But for the dates with friends, maybe take out the cuddling and romantic gestures… or don’t (to each their own.)
OR, ask that cute Tinder gentlemen out to a pleasant evening… Preferably not to date #6, because that’s how you get murdered.