I usually think of outdoor activities for the summertime. The beach, boating, and I feel like I try to spend as much time outdoors before I cozy up and stay inside as much as possible during the colder months!
However, I am making it a thing to try to spend more times outdoors. In Chicago, we have been getting our fair share of fall weather already and while it is making me want to cozy up with a book, I am challenging myself to go outside more.
Here are 8 outdoor activities to do this fall.
1. Visit a farmer’s market
You might think of farmer’s markets as your Saturday morning go-to in the summer, but they’re also the perfect activity for fall too. The bell peppers, berries, and tomatoes you’re used to scoring in the summertime are replaced by sweet corn, pomegranates, sweet potatoes and delicious apples. Find a couple cozy recipes to make for dinner that week that will give you all the fall feels!
2. Host a bonfire
Another Friday night where you’re not sure what to do? Not anymore. Invite your friends over for a good old fashion bonfire. Turn the bonfires you used to love as a kid into an adult’s dream with “gourmet s’mores” (try pairings blackberries with white chocolate or replacing the Hershey’s with your favorite Halloween candy bar, my personal favorite is Reese s’mores) and prepare a batch of your favorite autumn-inspired drink (spiced apple cider anyone?).
3. Explore your city on bike
The best part about autumn? You don’t even need to leave your own town to feel like you’re on vacation. Enjoy the fall colors and pretty scenery in your very own city by taking a bike ride, snapping some pretty pics, and maybe stopping for a PSL here and there. Biking is a great way to cover more distance than a walk. I will be taking my bicycle out of storage and going to see what adventures I can take this fall.
4. Go apple picking
I quickly learned that this is a total midwest thing, but I am here for it! My personal favorite apples are honey crisp. I love them with peanut butter or caramel sauce if I am feeling fancy. Spending a day at the apple orchard is so fun! Then come home and make a meal with your apples: apple pie, apple crisp, candy apples – the possibilities are endless!
5. Take your workout outdoors
Whether you’re a gym junkie, an OTF fanatic like me or a devoted yogi, it’s time to take your workout outside. Enjoy the gorgeous views and refreshing air on your morning jog or do a few poses in your yard or local park (imagine the sound of crunching leaves when you go into child’s pose!). No matter what your workout of choice is, aim to take it outside at least once a week. But don’t forget a sweatshirt and hat when it get’s colder! I am going to try to incorporate more walks as the leaves start to change in Chicago. Getting some fresh air is great for your mind and body.
6. Have a picnic
Who says picnics are only for the summertime? I think I am obsessing over the thought of a fall aesthetic picnic. Think a plaid blanket on the ground in your favorite park with the leaves on the ground. Serve a fall inspired charcuterie board with pumpkin seeds, honey, and different cheeses. Top it all off with a cup of hot apple cider. That sounds like the most lovely way to spend an autumn afternoon.
7. Go to a pumpkin patch
This one is kind of a given, since I go to a pumpkin patch EVERY YEAR! But this is a great way to spend a day outdoors. I have an odd obsession with pumpkins so I love going and picking out the best ones each year. Plus, all of the best pumpkin farms and patches offer so much more than fresh picks these days. With hayrides, corn mazes, food markets, and more, they’re a one-stop-shop for fall activities.
8. Take a foliage hike
One of the very best part of autumn in the midwest is the transition of seasons and the leaves. I could cry at the beauty of fall sometimes. My goal is to go out to the east coast because their foliage is just heavenly. But taking a hike in your own hometown is a great way to take in all the colors of fall. Head out to a national park, or just a trail and hike for the day. It truly will calm your soul.
Don’t give summer all of the credit for having the fun outdoor activities! What’s your favorite fall outdoor activity?
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