Every year, fall comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Just when I finally get into the autumn spirit, the leaves disappear and Christmas music starts playing on the radio. This is simply unacceptable, since fall is arguably the best season of them all — and seemingly, the shortest.
It’s a perfect temperature, the trees are covered with gorgeous shades of red, yellow and orange and the cozy vibes are unmatched. This year, don’t let fall pass you by — jump right into the season with these eight cozy fall activities.
Movie marathons
One of the coziest fall activities to do with your friends (or even alone) is having a fall movie marathon. This can range from a sequence of unrelated movies that just seem to have a “fall vibe” (“When Harry Met Sally” and “Good Will Hunting,” anyone?) to an actual series — I don’t know about you, but I view the “Twilight” and “Harry Potter” films as autumn necessities.
Elevate the movie night by having an assortment of seasonal snacks — bonus points if they’re on theme with the movies. Grab a friend or two, assemble your treats, light a cozy pumpkin-scented candle and get to binge-watching!
Nature walks
If you’ve seen them before, you know the trees during a Midwest fall are unbeatable. In Madison, the week before Halloween is when they’ll reach the height of their seasonal glory, but the leaves are already starting to change color.
The Lakeshore Path, Picnic Point, Raymer’s Cove and even Devil’s Lake State Park are all perfect places nearby to appreciate that rare time when the temperature is between 55 and 65 degrees. Go on a nature walk and enjoy the short but sweet autumn weather and take in the colorful foliage.
Fall baking
What says fall more than some fresh baked pumpkin muffins?
This season, try your hand in the kitchen and find some fall recipes that suit your taste. Some of my favorites include chocolate chip pumpkin bread, apple crisp topped with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream and pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting.
Whether you’re baking for a group or just for yourself, your home is sure to be filled with the delicious scent of warm autumnal spices and put you right in the fall spirit.
Make a fall playlist
Fall isn’t complete without some folky, moody music to pair with your walk to class. Set aside an hour to curate your perfect fall playlist — themes of wistfulness and overthinking are required.
Some of my musical fall favorites include Bon Iver, Hozier and “Red” by Taylor Swift, obviously. Now the only sound you’re missing is the crunch of leaves under your feet.
Jump into a pile of leaves
May I ask what happened to this classic fall activity? As a child, one of the most magical parts of fall was gathering all of the kids in the neighborhood to make a giant leaf pile and take turns jumping into it.
While my leaf-pile-jumping skills are a bit rusty, I can’t help but imagine that it’s just as fun as a college student. All you need for this activity is a rake and a dream.
Go thrifting for fall clothing
One of the best parts of fall is the endless outfit possibilities. Fall fashion allows for creative layering, comfy styles and muted colors.
Go ahead, use the new season as an excuse for a wardrobe refresh! Get your friends together and head to the thrift store, and don’t forget to buy a pumpkin-themed coffee on the way. At the thrift store, look for jean jackets, cozy oversized sweaters and tall boots — they all look better pre-loved, anyway.
Take a trip to Schuster’s Farm
Located just outside of Madison, Schuster’s Farm is the perfect destination to fit in all of the essential fall activities. Their Fall Festival opened Sept. 20 and is open on weekdays and weekends. From a pumpkin patch to a corn maze, there’s something for everyone to raise their autumn spirits. Feeling brave? Check out their Haunted Forest to get your yearly dose of spooky vibes.
Make a fall bucket list
What better way to ensure you make all of your fall dreams come true this year than to write all of your bucket list items down on paper (yes, on paper, not on your phone).
Add fall stickers, autumnal colors and spooky doodles so it doubles as cute fall decor for your space. Hold yourself accountable this season by creating check boxes for each separate bucket list item. When your bucket list is completed, create a collage of the photos you took during each activity.
However you decide to celebrate the best season of the year, remember to spend it with the people you care about. When in doubt, light a pumpkin candle and take in the beautiful fall foliage.
