Close your eyes and picture the following scene. You step outside and feel the first slight chill in the air. All around you, leaves are starting to show their golden and russet hues. Neighbors are pulling out their Halloween decorations. You take a deep breath and revel in the smell of pumpkin spice, wood-burning fireplaces, and apple cider.
It's official—fall has arrived.
Life seems to move at an ever-increasing speed. If we don't intentionally stop and welcome each new season, it'll pass us by in a flash. One of the simplest ways to slow down the clock and pull yourself into the present moment is to make a seasonal bucket list.
You don't have to overwhelm yourself with plans or set some crazy high expectations. Simply write down a few activities that reflect what you'd like to do this season and make the time for them. It can be as elaborate as a 10-day trip to the mountains or as simple as an evening of indulging in autumnal treats. Whatever you choose, creating opportunities to intentionally celebrate the season will make it feel special.
If you need any inspiration, we've got you covered. Here are 25 activities that will make this fall extra cozy.
Switch Out Your Summer Decor
Match Mother Earth's energy by putting away all your bright and cheerful summer decor and swapping it with cozy textures, soft colors, and natural elements.
Open All the Windows
There is no high quite like that feeling of opening up your windows and letting the crisp autumn air in—especially after you've deep cleaned the house and lit some fall-scented candles.
Stock Up on Fall Candles
Speaking of fall scents, you can't go wrong with stocking up on new seasonal candles. The smell of apple pie, cinnamon, and even fresh pine needles will make your home feel as cozy as a cabin in the woods.
Rewatch Gilmore Girls
Warner Bros
Now that you've got your environment all setup, it's time to get comfy and pop in a show that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. And no show brings autumn magic quite like Gilmore Girls.
Have a Scary Movie Marathon
Getty Images
If you're more into the darker side of fall, gather your friends and have a scary movie marathon. Just make sure you have plenty of candy to snack on.
Read by a Fireplace
Another perfect at-home autumn activity? Cozying up with a good book by the fireplace. And if you don't have a fireplace, why not book a stay at a quaint B&B that does?
Knit a Scarf
Make the most of your cozy time at home by learning a cozy craft. Whether you make it as a gift or for yourself, there's something satisfying about knitting a scarf that will keep you warm all fall and winter.
Start a Gratitude Journal
There's no better time to start a gratitude journal than during the season of harvest. Make it a habit every day to write down three things you're thankful for and watch how quickly your outlook on life shifts.
Perfect a Soup Recipe
What's better than a bowl of hot, homemade soup on a chilly day? Find or create a new favorite recipe and make it your signature autumn dish.
Read up on Your Town's Ghost Stories
Every town has at least a tale or two about ghosts and ghouls lurking around town. Read up on your local haunts and see if they're worth exploring in person.
DIY a Fall Cocktail
You know what pairs well with ghost stories? A delicious autumn-inspired cocktail. Research some recipes and try your hand at creating your own signature drink.
Throw a Pumpkin-Carving Contest
Invite your friends over to see who can carve the best pumpkin. Give out awards for superlatives like "spookiest" or "most creative."
Host a Potluck
Whether you call it Friendsgiving or just a fall potluck, gathering your friends and family around the dinner table for some good food and conversation is the ultimate fall activity.
Go Leaf Peepin'
Getty
Pack a picnic and hit the open road. Head to the nearest area where you can get the best views of fall foliage and soak in the beauty of the changing leaves.
Find Your New Fall Drink
Starbucks
Be it at Starbucks, Dutch Bros, or your favorite local cafe, find a new seasonal drink to indulge in this fall. And while we're all about treating yourself, see if you can replicate it at home.
Pick Apples—and Then Bake an Apple Pie
Speaking of treating yourself, it's time to talk pie. Head to your nearest orchard and pick some apples, then use them to make a delicious apple pie.
Escape a Corn Maze
If you're looking for a little adventure, try tackling a corn maze. Make it extra fun by bringing along some friends and seeing who can make it out the fastest.
Try a Pumpkin Beer
Pumpkin-flavored beer is a fall favorite, and this season there are more varieties than ever. Add a little bit of cinnamon to the rim of the glass, and you've got yourself a cozy (and tasty) autumn beverage.
Become a Regular a Coffee Shop
Sipping a warm latte while working on your laptop in a cozy corner of your favorite local coffee shop can be just as comforting as curling up at home.
Go to a Drive-In
There's just something special about watching a movie under the stars. Find the closest drive-in near you and make a night of it.
Have a Bonfire
Speaking of being under the stars, there's no better way to stay warm in the fall than around a bonfire. Bonus points if you add s'mores to the mix.
Tailgate
Fall and football go hand-in-hand. If you're a sports fan, gather your friends and throw an epic tailgate party to cheer on your favorite team.
Enter a Costume Contest
Wide Open Country
Get creative and put together your own costume or head to your local Halloween party and see if you can win the grand prize.
Brave a Haunted House
Another way to get your spooky thrills? Visit your town's haunted house and see if you can make it through with your nerves still intact.
Stroll Around a Pumpkin Patch
And finally, no fall list is complete without a stroll around the local pumpkin patch. Soak up the festive atmosphere and pick out a few pumpkins to take home—your front porch will thank you.
