Pretty much from the middle of September until the middle of November, I have something going on every weekend. I have so many things I like to do in the Fall that I have to schedule it pretty far ahead of time. I thought it might be a good idea to share what I like to do in the Fall so that others might get some ideas.
Activities
First thing’s first, I have to address the activities I love. I have a few things I absolutely have to do. Every year, I have to decorate my place to the nines and have a party for Halloween. Pumpkin carving is a definite must and something I have been doing as far back as I can remember. I have to go to the Renaissance Festival at least once and I have to go to SCarowinds. For those who don’t know what SCarowinds is, it is the night-time seasonal scary version of the rollercoaster park Carowinds. While both of these are a little far from Raleigh, I truly believe that it is worth the three to four hour drive.
In more recent years, I have started going to the NC State Fair at least once. Last year I went to a pumpkin patch and I have decided I now have to go again. I like using the pumpkins from the farm for my carving and even sometimes painting.
Some other fun Fall things to do would be going to the Flea Market or the Farmer’s Market. I grew up going to garage sales and flea markets almost every weekend so going to these kinds of markets brings back a feeling of nostalgia. Additionally, when I was a child, we used to go to a farm where they made the absolute best apple cider donuts. Unfortunately, this farm is in the North East of the United States but I think about that farm at least once a week. If I were still there, I would honestly be going to this farm regularly and trying to go apple picking at one point or another.
Another thing to consider about the Fall is that it is perfect timing for Oktoberfest. I know I have already written so much about Oktoberfest previously but I will say that there is nothing like a fresh bretzel with some oom-pah music in the fresh air to break in the Fall. Additionally, I will always encourage attending local house and small venue shows. The weather turning colder is perfect for an evening out in a crowded space.
Lastly, I would like to add two more activities. There is a coffeeshop near the Farmer’s Market called Chapel of Bones. This coffeeshop is specifically marketed toward the gothic demographic and I honestly find the whole vibe in there to be amazing. This shop also has some nightlife a couple days out of the week where they host shows and performances and group activities. Secondly, there is nothing quite like a walk through some trails or a picnic or something. I think that being outside to see the fall colors and breathing the crisp fall air is one of the best feelings in the world.
Movies
Next, I have to add a list of movies that I think are a must watch in the Fall, both for Halloween and generally for what I consider to be a Fall vibe.
- “Nightmare Before Christmas”
- “Frankenweenie”
- “Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (double check)”
- “ParaNorman”
- “Corpse Bride”
- “Hocus Pocus”
- “Beetlejuice”
- “Coraline”
- “The Addams Family”
- “The Addams Family Values”
- “Ghostbusters”
- “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
- “Young Frankenstein”
- “The Breakfast Club”
- “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”
Recipe Ideas
Last but not least, I have to include some baking recipes that I think are great for the season. I personally have to make a pumpkin bread loaf. It’s so delicious and sweet and dense and spongey. I also have to make snickerdoodle cookies. I love cinnamon all year round but especially in the fall. Snickerdoodle cookies always give me that warm feeling inside. Finally, I can’t skip over the apple cider donuts. As I have stated before, apple cider donuts have so much nostalgia for me. I haven’t made them myself but my friend has and I make an active effort to try to get one at some point. They are amazing and give me so much of a throwback into my childhood, especially if they are fresh.
I hope everyone has a wonderful season and finds something fun to do.
— dj dragonfly
