10 Things To Get You In The Fall Spirit Before It’s Too Late

Summer in Chicago is fun and winter evokes that sentimental end of year feeling, but we’d say Chicago looks its best during the fall. Celebrate this vibrant season by taking full advantage of local offerings– from visiting a pumpkin patch or apple orchard to enjoying autumn from your own home; we’re dishing on some of our favorite ways to get into the fall spirit. Of course, we recommend doing so sooner rather than later, because, you know — it doesn’t last too long.

Pumpkin patch: Is it even fall if you don’t visit a pumpkin patch? With dozens of options in and around Chicago, there’s plenty of opportunity to cross this festivity off your list. Each farm has unique touches, but some of our favorites include warm, gooey apple cider donuts, wagon rides, corn mazes, an exotic petting zoo, and, of course, seemingly endless pumpkins. Visit this link to see some of our favorites and kick off you own annual tradition!

Apple picking: Apple picking the perfect hands-on family activity. Bundle up, traipse around, fill your basket from 10-15 different varieties and then grab a slice of pie on the way out. Continue the fun with homemade recipes with your 10-pound bag of apple goodness! Click here to see some of the best apple picking nearby.

Take a road trip: There’s nothing better than watching the leaves change (especially in the Midwest!) We recommend slowing down one weekend by taking a road trip to check-out and the fall colors at any one of these spots.

Cozy up at your home: Spend an afternoon in and curl up with a good book or finally make a dent on your Netflix queue. Light some fall scented candles, throw on a pair of fuzzy socks, and grab a cup of warm cider or coffee to relax and unwind.

Make apple cider mimosas:  Extend the use of your backyard space and light up a bonfire under some twinkle lights. Invite your friends over and indulge on a seasonal beverage (or two!) to warm up a chilly fall night. This easy recipe is perfect.

Complete an Autumn craft: Adding a custom craft to your decor will certainly help your place stand out from the rest of the block — Plus, pulling out something you made yourself each and every year to show off is a ton of fun. Here’s a list of 30 fall wreaths that you can do yourself, with a friend, or the entire family.

Make homemade soup: There’s nothing that makes a home feel more homey than a pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove during a crisp Autumn afternoon. We highly recommend this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup but would love to know your favorites as well. Leave us a comment below!

Open the windows: Quite literally a breath of fresh air! There’s nothing quite as fresh and crisp as fall air, so enjoy it before the explicitly chilly winter sets in.

Showcase local blooms: Bring some seasonal colors into your home by visiting a local farmers market and creating a beautiful arrangement. We recommend putting it bedside because science says that fresh flowers are scientifically proven to reduce anxiety. It will be the first thing that greets you when you wake, a subtle reminder of this warmth this time of year has to offer.

Toast pumpkin seeds: We’re circling this back to #1. Once you’ve found your pumpkin, spend an afternoon toasting its seeds to be later enjoyed under the covers during movie night. Check out this roasted pumpkin seed recipe. Pure joy!

Have another fall favorite activity? Let us know!