fall’s finest
Autumn Activities for Everyone
With no shortage of outdoor entertainment during this transitional time of year, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and overextended. Here are some tricks—and a few treats—to celebrate the spirit of the season without breaking the bank.
. . . if you really want to be cost-conscious, source smaller pumpkins at the patch and purchase larger gourds from the grocery store . . .
Farm Favorites.
Arguably the most iconic fall activity, the pumpkin patch can also be one of the priciest. Visit your favorite farm within the first two weeks of October for prime picking. Most pumpkins will only last three to seven days once carved, so make the most of your purchase by waiting to dig in until the final week of the month or keep it whole for extended porch life. And if you really want to be cost-conscious, source smaller pumpkins at the patch and purchase larger gourds from the grocery store. Don’t forget to save the seeds for roasting or even for planting in your garden to create an at-home patch.
Another traditional fall favorite is apple picking. While you’re paying for the experience in addition to the produce, the fun is often worth it! Check out prices per bushel ahead of time and compare local options using resources like www.pickyourown.org. Some farms may offer discounts for buying in bulk, paying in cash, or purchasing the “seconds”—apples that are still edible but may be bruised or discolored.
Kitchen Comforts.
Some of autumn’s best offerings can be found in the comforting aromas and tastes of the season. After trying your hand at u-pick produce, take it home for an old-fashioned taste test. Experiment with a pie or donut recipe from a vintage cookbook or craft your own cider, mulled wine, or even vinegar. To avoid accidental fermentation, make sure to drink your fresh apple cider within two weeks.
If your neighborhood farmers market is still operating for the year, embrace the challenge of making a meal with only seasonal offerings. Need some inspiration? Ask the growers for their favorite recipes.
Affordable Adventures.
Think outside the box for your next date night or family gathering and introduce a little competition while you’re at it. Hop back into the kitchen for a Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) Palooza—best copycat recipe wins. Then take a trip to your nearest grocery store for a Supermarket Sweep, autumn edition. Bragging rights go to whoever finds the most unusual pumpkin spice–flavored item.
Keep the competitive spirit going with a trip to a corn or hay maze. (Bonus points if it’s haunted!) For an experience that’s scary in everything but the price, look online before you go. Check sites like Groupon or your local visitor’s association for cheaper tickets, and always browse the attraction’s site for group discounts and day-of steals.
For something a little slower paced, take a drive or hike to find some fall foliage. See if your area offers a scenic railway for a different viewpoint. The best part? You don’t have to live in the Northeast to enjoy seasonal colors. Even the desert shows off new hues, with many flowers and shrubs blooming in the cooler weather.
And if all that adventuring makes you thirsty, autumn is also the ideal time to visit wineries. Fall brings beautiful color to the vines, fewer crowds to the tasting room, and fresh, new wines to sip.
Crafty Creations.
Bring the vibrant hues of the outside in with a few simple activities to spruce up your home. Source foliage and flora to make an arrangement or wreath. Forage in your own backyard for in-bloom showstoppers like dahlias, mums, and hydrangeas. Fill in the arrangement with pampas grass, leaves, goldenrod, or eucalyptus. And remember that trip to the winery? See if local vintners will share some of their recently pruned vines with you for a wreath.
Reel Fun.
Finish off the perfect autumn day with a cozy night in, watching a classic fall flick. Refresh family favorites by creating movie bingo cards or related trivia questions before capping off the evening with a caramel apple topping bar or popcorn balls for maximum enjoyment.
Celebrating the season doesn’t have to be a drain on your pocketbook. With a little planning and effort, you’ll create memories to last you all year long.
/ Written by Victoria Hittner.
Photography by IrisImages/iStock/Getty Images Plus.
