The Fall season is well underway and I can hardly believe how quickly it seems to be flying by! The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping and the days are getting shorter. There’s something so magical about Fall and I think a lot of you all feel the same way! I wanted to share my Fall bucket list with you all in hopes that it inspires you to get out and enjoy the season! In no specific order here is my Fall 2018 Bucket List:
Friday Night Lights
My brother-in-law is the offensive coordinator for Iowa City West in Iowa. My family and I look forward to making our way to Iowa every year to watch a game or two under the lights on a Friday night. It’s always fun to watch him coach and he never fails to make us proud! Blankets, hot chocolate and all of the necessities to stay warm as the temperatures drop into the night, Fall in my family has a direct correlation to football!
Go Green!
Speaking of football, what college team do you cheer for?! Chili, beer, tents and tailgates, is there anything better than a football Saturday?! My Fall Saturdays are typically planned around Michigan State football! #SpartyOn
Robinette’s Apple Hause and Winery
I look forward to going to the apple orchard every year! It takes me back to my childhood and never gets old. We used to go to our local orchard as a family and we would typically make a day of it. We would fill our tummies with cider and donuts, eat apples as quickly as we picked them and take the hayride out to the pumpkin patch. I’m sure many of you had similar family traditions. Whether you’re a local reader or reading from afar, you can make this festive Fall tradition your very own! If you’re not from around here, find an orchard near you! I promise you won’t regret it. This year, I look forward to going to Robinette’s. Next to eating the pumpkin spice donuts, the horse-drawn hayride pulled by a team of Belgian horses is top on my list. The most fall activity of them all, I love being outside on a crispy Fall day!
Go for a Drive
Living in Michigan, I am fortunate enough to experience all four seasons. (Remind me I wrote that in mid-January when I’ve had it with the cold weather and snow hahah!) I look forward to the pretty colors that span this great State every Fall. The trees changing are truly a sight to see. Plan a day trip or head up north and follow the color map as you explore this great State! Head to the Pure Michigan website for color tour information and don’t forget to use the hashtag #FallFilter to share the beautiful sights you’ve found with us all!
Head to the Lake
I know not everyone can do this one but if you’re able, this one is easily number one on my list! I absolutely love going to the lake this time of year. The sky is always so moody and the changing trees that surround the big lake is one of the most breathtaking sights. I promise you will be in complete awe of God’s beautiful creation as you look out, snuggled up in a cozy sweatshirt. Bring a blanket and maybe even a good book and stay for a while. You’ll feel relaxed and replenished after you recharge at the lake.
Pack a Picnic
This one speaks for itself! Find a place that you love and pack a Fall spread to enjoy with friends or a loved one. Enjoy being outside while you still can and enjoy your company without the distractions that can often get in the way when at home.
Meijer Gardens
Walk around and enjoy the beauty of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture park. Don’t forget to stop by the giant pumpkins on display at Michigan’s Farm Garden inside the park.
Go to the Farmers Market
Head to your local farmers market and pick out some fresh flowers! Bring the outside in and keep your home festive for Fall!
Try a New Brewery
Living in a city that loves craft beer is always fun! Whether you’re into beer or not, head to a brewery, take a beer tour and learn a little bit about the art of craft! Fall beers are my personal favorite so if beer isn’t your go to, a Fall beer might just be a good place to start! Very flavorful and not too heavy. If beer isn’t your thing, not to worry! Most breweries serve cocktails, too! Try a new cocktail and enjoy an afternoon tasting away!
Head to a Coffee Shop
I love to write so this one is a cozy Fall afternoon favorite. Check out a new coffee shop and settle in for a few hours of reading, writing, or just simply relaxing! If you work from home, this is a great one to do to change up an otherwise mundane week! My latest coffee shop discovery for those of you that are local to GR is the Outside Coffee Co. on Wealthy Street. Sit outside with a cozy sweater on and sip a hot beverage. I love that this place allows for outdoor seating even as the temperatures drop! Best part: they just set up igloos that they will heat throughout the Winter! How cool is that?! I am so excited to spend time here both this Fall and this Winter! It’s the cutest little spot, I absolutely love it!
Decorate your Home
Find some festive throw pillows, change out your kitchen towels, light a few Fall scented candles and turn your home into a cozy oasis! Don’t forget to add pumpkins, mums and if your front porch allows, corn stalks to jazz up your exterior! As you pull up to your home and admire the Fall decorations, you’ll be so glad you did! (I wish I had a fireplace mantle to decorate and a front porch but for now, I’ll just be grateful for what I do have! One day! Work hard, pray hard!)
Step on all of the Crunchy Leaves
I will never be too old to go out of my way to step on a crunchy leaf! I look forward to many walks with my dog, Mac, and stepping on all of the crispy leaves we can find! He will likely spend his time chasing them as they blow in the wind. We are bound to make for one awkward looking duo as we stumble around downtown! Oh well!
Give Thanks
Whatever this season brings, give thanks for all that you have and all that you are. God will meet you where you are and He is looking out for you both now and forever!
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Xoxo, Anna
