Fall brings with it so many great outdoor activities that only work this time of year. Many of these adventures are centered on God’s creation. So, why not get outside and enjoy what nature has to offer. Take advantage of the mild weather and spectacular scenery that the autumn months provide with one of these activities.
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Fall Foliage
Take a ride through any and all of New England to witness the breathtaking colors and hues of the leaves this time of year. Foliage — just another word for leaves — means something entirely different in the Northern regions of New England than it does elsewhere in our country. Oranges, reds, pinks and even dark purples dot the trees and make for spectacular scenery and photos. To get some of the best views, treat yourself to a weekend stay at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. This landmark in my home state is a grand hotel up in the mountains close to the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch. Enjoy the Cog Railway close by or Bretton Woods Ski Resort!
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Pumpkin Picking
This activity is a fall staple; scouring the patch for the perfect, round, plump and orange pumpkin without any of those brown gooey lumps can take some people hours! But in the end, with a beautiful gourd in hand, it was worth the wait. If you live in the Chicago area check out Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, Illinois. Bengtson’s has not only a massive collection of pumpkins to choose from, but also special events all fall long, including hay rides, corn mazes, face painting and their famous Pumpkin Chucker. Yes you read that right: Pumpkin Chucker. This immense machine is a glorified cannon, only much bigger. Load in five or six pumpkins, pull the trigger, and watch them sail over the water that surrounds the pumpkin patches. It’s a crowd favorite, for sure.
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Baking and Cooking
As the weather turns a little bit colder and different vegetables and flavors start to come into season, cooking and baking are popular fall activities. Charleston Cooks, a kitchen supply store and cooking school in Charleston, South Carolina, is offering classes with a fall theme throughout the month of October. You can participate, and savor your creations, in one of the most beautiful downtown areas in all of South Carolina. Even if you don’t live in the area, I suggest visiting at some point. You won’t regret it. Fall classes include a couples night where you’ll make Green Apple, Bacon and Walnut Salad with Baked Brie, Grilled Steak with Poached Lobster and Tarragon Beurre Blanc, Stuffed Zucchini with Caramelized Mushrooms, and Warm Dark Chocolate Soufflé with White Chocolate Grand Marnier Crème Anglaise. If that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will! Find a cooking class near your or try out some fall recipes in your own kitchen.
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Corn Maze
Whether you’re young or old, corn mazes can turn you around, get you confused, and be a great time! Visit York, Maine, for Zach’s Corn Maze. It’s constructed on 17 miles of cornfields, but that’s not all Zach has to offer. You’re pulled to the maze on a 20-minute hay ride, and after you complete it, you can roam the pumpkin patches in search for your perfect carving canvas. Good luck! This one’s tough!
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Oktoberfest
Find a local Oktoberfest celebration and get your fill of beers and bratwursts. There will be music, entertainment, and possibly people in costume. These folk festivals are an important part of Bavarian culture and paying a visit to one should be on your to-do list this fall.
What’s your favorite fall activity? Share your ideas and suggestions for where to find fun fall adventures in the Comments Section.
