It’s time to bust out the fuzzy sweaters, roast your marshmallows and watch a ton of holiday movies because fall is finally here! There is always so much to do around your city during this festive season that it can be sort of overwhelming. Have no fear, check out the ultimate fall bucket list below!
1. Attend a pumpkin patch.
One of my all-time favorite things to do during the fall season is to attend a pumpkin patch. Try to find a local pumpkin patch that has other activities such as hayrides, petting zoos or live music. If you live in the UCF area, The Painted Oaks Academy Pumpkin Patch has a great selection of pumpkins, live music, horses and other exciting activities. After you’ve picked the perfect pumpkin, try painting it a funky design or carving a funny face. Don’t forget to take a bunch of pictures for your socials!
2. Add a new item to your wardrobe.
For all of my fellow fashionistas, add one new item to your wardrobe this fall season. Maybe add a new scarf, a pair of distressed mom jeans or maybe an embroidered denim jacket. There’s no need to spend a fortune on these items! Why splurge when you can find cute items at affordable places like Forever 21, Aéropostale and PacSun. You could even just add a flannel or pair of sunglasses that are a fall color like mustard yellow, emerald green or muted taupe. Have fun picking out your pieces and creating your personalized style!
3. Go on a nature trail.
During the fall season, the weather is usually breezy and chilly, except in Florida where it’s hot and humid 300 days out of the year. No matter the weather, nature trails are always a great way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. There are a bunch of hidden beauties in the Orlando area where you can enjoy a nice walk. A few of my favorite nature trails are The Econ River Wilderness, Bear Creek Nature Trail and The Cady Way Trail (obviously because we have the same name). I also recommend bringing a camera or using your phone to capture awesome nature pictures!
4. Host a bonfire and s’mores extravaganza.
Bonfires are a great way to spend time with your friends during the fall season. I don’t think it’s legal to have a bonfire on campus, so make sure if you live on campus you find a spot where you won’t get arrested! Bonfires are great for hanging out, making s’mores and relaxing under the stars with your favorite people. If you have never hosted a bonfire before, I recommend checking out this site for everything you need to know. Just make sure you are being careful and don’t burn your s’mores!
5. Attend a nearby festival.
A great way to hang out with friends or if you need a cute date idea, check out a local fair! Nothing screams fun more than riding carnival rides, eating funnel cakes and winning prizes. Every fall season, there are always local festivals around that take place for either a week or even a month. A few of my favorite nearby fairs are Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival, Fall Fiesta in the Park and Light Up UCF.
6. Buy fall scented candles.
A great way to get into the fall spirit is by lighting fall scented candles all around your house. Whenever Bath & Body Works releases their fall scents I stock up for the entire year. No joke, I seriously buy enough fall-scented candles to last until the next fall season. The aroma of fall candles is calming and comforting. A few of my favorite scents from Bath & Body Works are Flannel, Sweater Weather and Autumn. Target, Yankee Candle and Anthropology also have great candles. Try picking up a fall candle this season to spice up your home!
7. Decorate your house in fall décor.
Whenever it’s fall, I go overboard with home décor items! I love adding fuzzy blankets, pumpkin throw pillows and harvest wreaths to get into the holiday spirit. You don’t have to spend a lot when it comes to decorating. A few of my favorite places to shop at are Target, Wayfair and Hobby Lobby. You don’t have to go all out, but adding a few small décor items around your home can really set the mood during the fall season.
8. Bake a tasty treat.
Ah, it’s time for apples, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and everything nice! I love baking year-round, but especially during the fall season. Pies and tasty treats are perfect to make for yourself or family and friends. This season, I recommend trying to recreate a new recipe to ring in the fall season. A few of my favorite recipes are Apple Pie Bites, S’mores Brownies and Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle. You can always create your own recipes if you are up to the challenge!
9. Have a picnic in the park.
Another great idea to try this fall season is having a picnic in the park. Orlando is full of beautiful local parks that make the perfect picnic spots. Grab some friends, your significant other or your crush, pack a bag with sandwiches and tasty snacks and head to the nearest park for a picnic. I recommend going around 5:30 so you can catch the sunset. Also, make sure you bring a cozy blanket for those chilly nights!
10. Visit a local farmer’s market.
If you love being outdoors and eating fresh fruits and vegetables, then I highly recommend checking out your local farmer’s market. The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning and The Orlando Farmer’s Market located downtown is held every Sunday. These local markets are usually dog-friendly and have artwork and fresh produce to buy. They also have great photo ops for your socials!