Things To Do During the Fall
As much as I am an advocate for warm weather, bathing suits, and going barefoot, I have to admit that fall has to be one of my favorite seasons. There’s just something about the leaves changing colors, apple cider, window weather, boots, and scarves that puts me right in the festive mood. So naturally, I am now going to ramble about some of my favorite fall activities. (And hey, if you don’t live in Maryland, odds are similar places exist near you as well, so use these ideas to put together your own perfect fall day itinerary!)
1. Apple Picking
Admittedly, this year was the first time I went apple picking. But I will gladly make it tradition. I went to a local farm called Larriland Farms, and it was lovely. The farm allows its visitors to pick their own crops (they have more than just apples) and all produce is reasonably priced. There was a relatively large selection of fall crops during my visit (ranging from pumpkins, to broccoli and cabbage, pears, apples and more). When you arrive, you are greeted by a friendly face who will give you a brochure, a bag for your produce, and answer any questions you might have. I spent about $30 all day here and took home a decent amount of produce. With apples and pears for $3.00/lb and pumpkins for $0.69/lb it’s easy to go overboard, so try not to get carried away!
Note: I was saddened to discover that this place is not pet friendly; although for good reason. The farm dogs here are working, and they ask this in order to ensure that there are no distractions or unfortunate squabbles. (So leave Fido at home!)
2. Make Some Spiced Cider
Before you leave the orchard/farm, be sure to pick up a jug of fresh made apple cider. One of my all time favorite fall drinks is spiced cider (with homemade cider that is). No complications what so ever.
Morgan Spiced Cider Recipe
Captain Morgan Rum
Local Farm-Made Apple Cider
Cinnamon Sticks
Apple Wedges (pro tip: use one of the apples you just picked!)
- Mix 1 oz Captain Morgan Rum with 7 oz of apple cider
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and cinnamon sugar dusted apple wedge
- Become one with fall and enjoy!
3. Carve a Pumpkin
The second best part about going to a pumpkin patch (other than picking out the perfect pumpkin; duh) is carving it! Every year I have high aspirations that I’m going to carve out something super creative and fun; every year I end up with a snaggle-toothed jack o’ lantern. Regardless of where you get your pumpkin though, tap into your inner childhood, put on a fall crafted playlist, and get to work. Save the seeds and see #4!
4. Bake Pumpkin Seeds
The third best thing about going to a pumpkin patch? Oven-baked pumpkin seeds! Grab a strainer and wash those bad boys off, line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, lightly dust with olive oil, and get creative with your spice cabinet! Some of my past favorites? Salt, pepper, and old bay seasoning, OR Lawry’s seasoning. This year I used my Dill infused extra virgin olive oil (from my St. Michael’s post) with a bit of salt and pepper, amazing.
5. Have a Halloween Movie Marathon
Ditch the popcorn and snack on those delicious oven-baked pumpkin seeds you just made. They make the perfect snack for an all night long Halloween Movie Marathon.
Current 2018 Netflix Halloween Specials:
Hold The Dark – A thriller featuring a retired wolf expert who is asked to investigate a situation that turns out to be much worse than expected
The Babysitter – Killer babysitter, classic.
Veronica – Because you can’t have a Halloween movie marathon without something based on a Ouija Board (supposedly this one is based off of a true story)
Creeped Out – British, dark magic, creepy
Malevolent – A creepy take on the saying “the boy who cried wolf”
Teeth – Lol
Others include The Ravenous, Little Evil, The Witch, The Conjuring, Children of the Corn, The Haunting of Hill House, and more.
6. Go to the Farmer’s Market
I know, I know, more fresh produce. But Farmer’s Markets have so much more than food! I love walking around these things because there are so many local vendors with handmade products that you simply just cannot find anywhere else. My favorite in Maryland is the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar located on Saratoga St and Holliday St. They are open every Sunday April through December. So start with a coffee from Zeke’s, indulge in ALL the snacks (you’ll work up an appetite walking around the place I promise) and most importantly, support your local vendors!
7. Go to a Renaissance Festival
Here is a classic fall activity that I have done every single year for the last 5-6 years living in Maryland. Spend hours walking around the Renaissance campus. You can find pretty much any food item on a stick here (seriously, they have porkchop on a stick, pickles on a stick, cheesecake on a stick, I could keep going). There are tables set up for Henna tattoos, face painting, you can even have a wax mold of your hand created. There are medieval themed shows put on around the clock including juggling, mud wrestling, and jousting; and incredibly authentic people watching might I add.
Know before you go:
- The Crownsville Maryland Renaissance Festival gets super busy, especially during the month of October. GIVE YOURSELF TIME to drive here. The traffic gets incredibly backed up on Crownsville Road and you might find yourself sitting for a bit.
- Get a turkey leg. Don’t ask questions, just do it.
- Prepare to wait in lines. This weekend I waited in line for 30 minutes just to get an Oktoberfest. (I’m not proud of it, but I will say it was worth it).
- Bring cash! You can purchase an entrance ticket to the fair with a credit card, but there are no vendors within the vicinity that accept credit cards.
So there you have it guys. Here are some fun ideas to kickstart the fall season in a festive and relatively cheap manner. In three days I’m off to hike the Appalachian Trail, so look out for my next few posts which will cover my experience, and a full on 101 guide to hiking and survival!
If you haven’t already, go follow my instagram account @retracethesesteps. I will likely be posting live updates from Catawba all weekend!
-C
