In Texas, the best part of fall is the perfect cool temps, but sadly they don't last long! In the past, I've let fall pass me by without making a specific effort to enjoy each day. I love trying to soak in the goodness from a random day by doing something special.
My husband and I just had our first Halloween in our new home and it's officially been one month since we moved in! We met so many neighbors while were outside handing out candy and I'm excited to host some block parties or fun activities that neighbors could also join!
So here are 5 easy ways to enjoy this amazing season (that don't include pumpkin spice!) before it's over!
1. Make Chili!
You thought I was going to say "visit a pumpkin patch," didn't you?! ...I'll save that for the end. ;) Make a pot of chili AND lean into the season and invite some friends over! Why not host a chili night?! I *love* chili and am actually meal planning right now and added it to this week's meals! Pumped! Here's my go-to chili recipe that I love because it doesn't need HOURS to simmer!
2. Visit the Farmer's Market!
Come on, this is so easy! Part of the reason we love fall activities is because of the gorgeous weather that usually comes this time of year. So enjoy a nice stroll through the farmer's market in your city and catch the last few remaining pumpkins! (bonus: they're on sale now!). If you're in Dallas, go for Sunday brunch, then after you walk the market, go across the street to Ruibal's Plant Nursery to scope out the seasonal blooms. It's huge and you'll enjoy their gift shop, too! I just did this over the weekend and it was the perfect weather and we had so much fun! Great easy activity to mix up your normal routine and enjoy the weather!
3. Bake an Apple Pie
A classic! I *wish* I had a solid recipe to share with you, but your grandma's recipe is probably the way to go! This would also be a great opportunity to call your mom/a relative and ask for their pie recipe and give a life update. You're welcome for that reminder! A few (10?) years ago - lol - I went through a pie phase! My sweet roommates at the time bought me a beautiful pie plate from Anthropologie and I made a lot of pies...it was a fun time. Now I have to think strategically about how I'm going to bake my pie because I just told my husband that we would do "clean eating" except for special occasion meals this month. Doesn't a homemade pie automatically make it a special occasion? I say yes :) ALSO, you could host an apple pie "bake-off" or if you don't want to be competitive, how about "apple pie festival" and invite your neighbors to participate!
4. Firepit Night
Such a good one! I want to do this so bad, but we don't have a firepit *yet.* Might have to invite myself over to someone's house to make this one happen. If you have a firepit, don't be shy about it - invite the neighbors over; invite friends over; make it a weekly event while the weather is so perfect! Don't forget the 'mallows!
5. Make a Pot of Wassail!
You know what...I don't know the difference between wassail, apple cider, and mulled cider...but make a warm apple-ish beverage! ;) There are so many options and you can do a stovetop or a crockpot, but I promise you'll have the best night after you make it! Invite friends over, and combine this one with firepit night, or host a front yard "party" and sit outside to enjoy the weather! Honestly, I'm giving myself so many ideas for neighborhood hangs as I'm writing this post, so now I'm excited to make these happen! I have a wassail recipe that a friend gave me years ago and I included it (and my chili recipe) in my latest Foodie Friday post! You're welcome!
Okay, of course there are so many more good ideas, but I wanted to stick to five based on what I thought I would be able to do in the month of November and what you might be able to do, too!
Here are the honorable mentions:
visit pumpkin patch (obvi!)
drink (lots) of hot chocolate
go for a hike
rent a cabin
outdoor movie night
I hope you enjoy this special season!