If any fall lovers can’t seem to find fun activities to do that make it feel like fall, then they should look no further than right here! Many people overlook fall as a bad season because they are sad that summer is over and are disappointed about the start of winter, but why can’t autumn be just as loved as some other seasons? Whether you prefer staying home and making apple pie or going out to see foliage, this bucket list will provide the perfect fall experience for all.

A fun way to start feeling the fall spirit is by decorating your house. Target and Home Goods are two wonderful places to search for home decor. We typically decorate the outside of our house with pumpkin arrangements and mums, while inside the house, we have charming pumpkin banners and orange string lights. Walking throughout the house and being reminded of this great season is a fantastic way to celebrate fall.

Once your house looks like an autumn wonderland, it’s time to make it smell like one. Fall baking is a perfect way to enjoy the spirit of the season. If you are up for a challenge, I’d recommend pumpkin cinnamon rolls, apple cider donuts, or apple pie. I made a homemade apple pie a few weeks ago, with apples picked fresh from an orchard, and it was incredible. It’s worth it to go the extra mile and make something from scratch. If cinnamon rolls or apple pie seem too intimidating, try these simple, delicious fall desserts first: pumpkin bread, apple crisp, or oatmeal cookies.

Getting out of the house to see the beautiful foliage is an excellent fall activity, especially in the Northeast. Throughout New Jersey, New York, all of New England, and many more states,  the leaves transform into spectacular shades of red, yellow, and orange. Once you drive an hour from New York or, better yet, New England, you will encounter amazing fall scenery and even more delightful small towns. There is no better way to spend a brisk fall day than to see the changing leaves, get food at a cafe in a small town, and take pictures outside in the amazing colors.

In addition to leaving the house and seeing the foliage, going to an apple orchard is another fantastic thing to do over a fall weekend. The joy of picking ripe apples straight from the trees, the crisp autumn air, and the vibrant colors of the leaves are sure to create a magical fall experience. Even better than the apple picking itself, make sure you stop at the orchard store or farm stand before you leave for some of the best apple cider donuts you will ever have. 

There is no better way to spend a gloomy fall afternoon than having a fall movie marathon. Whether you prefer to watch spooky Halloween movies or binge rom-coms like When Harry Met Sally, there is nothing that screams fall more than viewing these movies under blankets with the scent of a pie in the oven. Some great movies that are must-watches during fall are The Nightmare Before Christmas, Little Women, Coraline, It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Knives Out, and many more. One of my favorite films to watch in the fall is a short film, which can be found on YouTube, titled Halloween Is Grinch Night. I grew up watching this movie so I find it very nostalgic, but it is great for all to watch during autumn.

What could feel more like fall than Halloween? In my house, it’s not autumn without carving our pumpkins into elaborate designs and turning the seeds into a delicious snack. Going to a haunted house with a group of friends is an incredibly fun and unique Halloween experience. Planning out a costume, buying too much candy, decorating your lawn, going to a haunted house, and visiting a pumpkin patch are also amazing things to do during fall that prepare you for Halloween.

Creating an upgraded, fall-themed wardrobe is a terrific way to enjoy the season while looking stylish and being prepared with warm clothes for the chilly weather. Chunky and cable knit sweaters are an autumn staple, as well as simple long-sleeve tops, flannels, scarves, jackets, and Ugg slippers. These clothing items are perfect for layering, especially in New Jersey where it could be forty-five degrees in the morning and seventy in the afternoon. For that extra fall flair in your wardrobe, don’t forget to add earth tones, fall colors, and seasonal patterns.

By immersing yourself in these colors, flavors, and festivities of fall, you can truly appreciate the magic this season brings before the transition to winter. Though there are endless other activities that are great for this season as well, these seven are a perfect starting point to make the most of this incredible time of year.