Autumn feels like a fresh start halfway through the year. Everything is cozy and pumpkin-flavored with an added dash of spookiness. School and work persist but that does not mean you cannot find small points in your day to celebrate the best season of the year. If you’re searching for ways to make the most of the fall, look no further than this bucket list of unique autumn-themed activities.
Binge Gilmore Girls
Fall means that the Gilmore Girls are defrosting. Binge all seven seasons and argue about which of Rory’s love interests is your favorite. In the fictional New England town of Stars Hollow, the worst that will happen is a bad breakup or a quirky character like Kirk failing at one of his never-ending jobs. The series usually skips the summer months and opts for a warm and cozy aesthetic, including harvest set designs and a wardrobe of chunky sweaters and fall jackets, making it the autumn comfort show.
Go Ghost Hunting
This is only a joke if you want it to be. Sign up for ghost tours or take matters into your own hands if you are feeling bold. How to go about this?
- Nighttime is the obvious time of day with the most ghost activity, so bring a flashlight.
- Go to a historically significant (and legally accessible) site, which may require some prior research.
- Bring an object to summon the spirits — something they can connect or relate to, like a creepy vintage doll.
- Engage all your senses: smell, sight, feel, and perhaps your sixth sense will help too.
- Document your experience. You may do so for the memories or you may notice something later on in the footage.
- Don’t get too spooked. Perhaps the ghosts will be friendly if you are.
Wholesome Arts and Crafts
Autumn is the most wholesome time of year. Suppose you’re lounging around and need something to occupy your attention: put away your phone and opt for some arts and crafts. Paint-by-numbers is an affordable and easy way to paint. You fill in the bubbles and end up with a masterpiece. Another activity is crocheting. Not only is it a way to use your hands as you binge Gilmore Girls, but you will have the perfect knitted sweater or hat in time for the holiday season. An underrated craft you could also try out is bedazzling. Amazon sells kits, and once you get your hands on it, the possibilities are endless. Bedazzle your hat or bedazzle your pumpkin — just beware that once you start, sometimes it feels impossible to stop.
Trader Joes Haul
One thing about Trader Joe’s is that the minute it hits September, their product lineup turns orange and pumpkin-flavored. If you think you have had every version of pumpkin-flavored products, Trader Joe’s will quickly prove you wrong. This year, there are some autumn classics like Pumpkin Butter, Apple Cider Doughnuts, Halloween Joe Joe’s Cookies, and Butternut Squash Mac N’ Cheese. Some new additions include Pumpkin Spiced Cold Brew Coffee and Maple Salted Popcorn. Throw some old and new items in your cart and rank your favorites.
Autumn Cocktail Night
Gather your friends and host a cocktail night. Fall flavors, such as pumpkin, cinnamon, and apple, are arguably some of the best. There are so many creative ways to incorporate these ingredients in your drinks and maybe you already have some leftovers from your Trader Joe’s haul. If you need some recipe inspiration, try this decadent pumpkin espresso martini.
Fall-Themed Nails
As you start dressing for fall, don’t forget your nails. Autumn has the most beautiful warm tones to incorporate into your beauty routine. Dark red has had its moment as a trendy nail color and now burnt oranges will have their moment too. If you’re feeling even more festive, it wouldn’t hurt to add some fun designs like pumpkins and bats. Looking for an affordable way to get your nails done? Order a gel kit on Amazon. In the long run, it saves you money on appointments and doubles as a creative outlet.
Bookstore Crawl
What is more wholesome than walking inside a bookstore with a sweater and a coffee? Bookstores are one of the most comforting places to spend time. Even if you’re not big on reading, autumn is a new start for new hobbies. If you’re in the Chicagoland area, check out this list of some of our favorite secondhand bookstores. Support your local businesses and be a wholesome autumn lover — it’s a win-win.
Autumn is one of the shortest seasons, which means you have to savor it. Enjoy the changing leaves and cross off the bucket list as you go.
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