Fall is the season of baking a surplus of sweets, cozying up by the fireplace, and crafting silly projects with your friends! There are so many simple excursions, such as cafe hopping, cookie decorating, and gift-giving that can enhance your autumn experience. Don’t feel guilty for taking the time to hang out with your loved ones and take a break from your stack of assignments. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and get ready to be sparked with inspiration. The following four excursions will ensure that you enjoy this fall to its full extent.
If you are an outdoorsy person, pumpkin patches are right up your alley (Good Housekeeping)! Orange County is home to some of the most memorable and exciting ones, decorated beautifully with string lights, scarecrows, and haystacks. Some common locations are Tanaka Farms, Irvine Park Railroad, and Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm. Pumpkin patches are the perfect opportunity to take photos with your friends and select a fellow pumpkin friend to carve at home! If you are in need of carving inspiration, Pinterest has many readily available design choices to pick from. You can even participate in the recent TikTok trend by carving a simple yet silly expression on your pumpkin. If you are unsure of what hours to visit the patches, they are typically open for visitors all day. What better way to immerse yourself in the autumn spirit than visiting one of your nearby locations?
Don’t assume I forgot about those who would rather enjoy the autumn vibes within the comfort of their homes than attend a social gathering. An easy craft that will keep you occupied indoors this season is candle painting. There is an endless selection of shapes to choose from: thin, curved, round, cylinder, and more. If you are feeling extra creative, feel free to warm up your candle and twist it into a unique shape. I recommend using acrylic paints to add any small details because they require minimal time to dry and add a touch of personality to your candles (Stylist). Although this activity can be done alone, inviting some friends to craft with you can transform this experience into an entertaining hangout.
I will always look forward to indulging in limited edition beverages that are offered at the pleasant cafes nearby Yorba Linda when autumn rolls around. Dana Joo (11) says, “My favorite beverage to order from the Starbucks Fall Menu is the Iced Apple Crisp Cream Chai because it tastes like a smooth blend of cinnamon and apple tones, accompanied by the flavors of chai tea.” Hopefully, Dana’s recommendation will inspire you to try some of our local coffee shops that offer some of the best goods with a side of music and calm ambiance. Cafe hopping with friends is a fun adventure that can be adjusted to any time frame, depending on the number of locations you want to visit. Some of my favorite cafes, besides Starbucks, include Bodhi Leaf, MADE Coffee, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. As someone who loves to try new treats and is currently on the hunt for a new fall beverage, cafe hopping is an annual addition to my fall bucket list.
For all of you foodies who look forward to fall baking and cooking sessions, try hosting a potluck! Potlucks are parties where each guest contributes their own dish to form a massive feast. Some fall potluck items that I cannot wait to see are buttermilk biscuits, tomato cream soup, baked potatoes, bacon mac and cheese, and pumpkin donuts (Taste of Home). Personalized dishes bring so much character to the table and provide more insight into the chef’s preferences and personality. They often spark conversation between strangers at the gathering and encourage socialization. There is no doubt that potlucks contribute to fall’s purpose of bonding and expressing gratitude.
Now, are you in the mood to jump into a pile of crimson leaves, read a classic novel, and enjoy the chilly weather that is approaching us? I hope at least one of my four fall activities has resonated with you, whether you are the artist of the friend group, the nature lover, the chef, or the one who simply enjoys eating. Autumn symbolizes a period of growth, change, and tranquility, so don’t let this wonderful season go to waste!
