We’ve spent most of 2020 cooped up inside our homes or dorms, trying to think of things to do that are safe and fun while the world has been shut down. Now here we are in the midst of cuffing season, still trying to do the same. With ~spooky~ season upon us, here are some cute, fun, and festive things to do with your loved ones and friends.
- Pumpkin/Apple Picking
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This one may be kind of a no brainer if you haven’t already seen the endless scroll of basic apple/pumpkin picking posts on your social media feeds ( I am definitely guilty of posting, oops). But really, everyone is going because it is one of the most fun parts about the fall! Getting all dressed up in cozy sweaters and flannels with your S.O. is such a cute date idea. Especially being in the Capital region, where everywhere you turn is a different orchard to try. A lot of them also have other fun activities to try too, like petting zoos, little shops, corn mazes, hayrides and more. And you’re almost guaranteed to walk out with a little bag of treats to take home. This can lead to pumpkin carving, or baking a pie, or just a lot of fun snacks to enjoy well after your date. The fun and memories from this date will last you quite a while.
- Movie Marathon
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Being a big horror movie fan myself, there is nothing quite like snuggling up with endless amounts of blankets and pillows, maybe some leftovers from your apple/pumpkin picking date, and holding on to each other as you jump and scream at every scare. But even if horror isn’t your style, there are so many fall and festive movies for this season that you’ll definitely be ale to enjoy together. There’s nothing like a good excuse to throw it back and watch some good ol’ Halloween Town, Twitches or Hocus Pocus. Or if you want to meet halfway between horror and comedy, the Scary Movie series never fails to disappoint. So grab your Halloween candy, your partner and your remote control and start your spooky marathon sure to last you the entire holiday season.
- Admire the Foliage
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If the changing leaves and fall vibes aren’t your favorite part about the season, time to get a new prescription. This season is SO beautiful, and going out to enjoy it is the perfect date idea. Albany county has some great hiking trails and paths for you and your partner to stroll along and admire the inherent beauty of nature. There are also some great parks in the area where you can have a picnic on the grass as the leaves fall about you, while the fresh, crisp air brushes against you. It’s a great time to get some fresh air, and the perfect place to socially distance yourself from others, and honestly just appreciate the stillness of the moment in our current world of chaos.
- Couples Costumes
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Yes, there are not very many safe places to go or things to do in the spirit of Halloween this year, but why should that stop you from a perfect opportunity to do an adorable couple’s costume with your S.O.? It is the one night a year it isn’t super cringey to be matchy matchy, and we should all be taking advantage of that. Even if it isn’t super fancy, there are a bunch of affordable options out there, even making your own costume, that can be super cute and fun. Plus, it’s another cute photo-op for the mems! What’s not to love?
- Pumpkin Spice Taste-Testing
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This is THE season of pumpkin spice and everything nice, even if some of the options are a little questionable. Go on a run to your local grocery store and stock up on all things Pumpkin Spice. You can have a fun time taste testing everything together, maybe even scoring them, while also potentially finding some new fall favorites. You can even go so far as to getting the same item from different brands and pitting them against one another, like pumpkin items from Starbucks vs Dunkin. Another option could be to try and find the best Halloween themed candies. For even more fun you can throw on a blindfold and take turns trying to guess what you’re trying! You have a lot of liberty to make this date option your own, as you also get to know a little bit more about your partner’s likes and dislikes, at least as far as pumpkin is concerned.
If this past year has taught us anything, it’s how to get creative. You have to try to make the most of things when life gets turned upside down. All these options are Covid-safe to do, so long as you remember to wear your masks in public, and always wash and sanitize. Hopefully this gives you a few more tricks up your sleeves, and it turns out being a treat!