It’s here! Sweater weather! Autumn is always the sweetest relief from the heat of summer, and where I live (Denver) it’s so beautiful it hurts. Sharp blue skies over jagged mountain peaks dotted with golden aspen groves. This must be heaven, no? Autumn is a wonderful time of year to get outside and enjoy your local community and harvest. All activities on this ultimate autumn checklist work alone – but they’re far better with a group of family or friends to share them with.
I’ve added recommendations for Denver locals in this post. If you’re not local to Denver, I encourage you to visit as many family-owned businesses as possible! Many businesses can cross multiple activities off your list!
1.Go Apple Picking
Fresh apples are one of the main perks of fall. This is a great group activity, especially with young kids. Plus, apple cider donuts!! What’s not to love?
Places to pick apples near Denver:
2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Similar to apple picking, this is an amazing group activity, as most pumpkin patches have lots of events that many people can enjoy.
Pumpkin patches near Denver:
3. Bake a Seasonal Recipe
Harvests about in summer and autumn, and many fan-favorite seasonal recipes fall squarely in this season. I like to do an autumn checklist within-a-checklist by making a baking wish list! Apples, pears, cranberries, pumpkins, and gourds of all kind are hearty, in season, and fun to bake with. Fill your home with their heavenly aromas.
For inspiration, check out my list of classic autumn recipes.
4. Snuggle Up by a Campfire
The smellscape of a forest in autumn? Unreal. Crisp air mingles with earthy smells to create intoxicating aromas – and campfires add a delicious smoky layer on top. Grab your friends and build a fire – assuming it’s safe (check local guidelines!)
Here’s a guide from Smoky Bear to successfully build a fire. Tip: newspaper and other matte paper makes great tinder. Always make sure your fire is totally out before leaving it unattended!
5. Engage in Seasonal Nesting
As temps change, so does what we need for comfort. Nest to create a cozy autumn atmosphere indoors. Even the budget-conscious can incorporate these elements into their homes (check out your grocery store and thrift shop):
- Candles
- Crochet Blankets
- Dried herbs & flowers
- Mugs
6. Do a Seasonal Craft
Another way to engage in nesting (but not spend $90 on an autumn wreath) – craft it! Jack o’lanterns are the classic (see below) but there are lots of things you can do with little skill!
- Stick fake foliage in a grapevine wreath
- Sew an apron or pillow
- Paint pumpkins
- Even more inspo!
7. Watch a Cozy Autumn Movie
Curling up with a good movie is almost as nice as curling up with a good book! There are so many movies appropriate for the season, the only difficult choice will be which one to watch. Adjust the vibe to suit your needs that night.
8. Go Leaf Peeping
Let’s be real: leaves are the star of the fall show. Get out to see them wherever you can: a park, a hike, your backyard. Here’s a list of great beginner-friendly hikes near Denver:
- Alberta Falls at RMNP
- Chief Mountain (moderate but short)
- Brother’s Lookout
- Echo Lake Trail
- Long Lake Loop at Indian Peaks
9. Carve a Jack O’Lantern
The Jack O’Lantern – the quintessential fall porch decoration. Carve an image, put in a candle, and you’ve got a spooky stoop! Triangle face is the classic, but why not give these a try?
10. Visit a Haunted House
Haunted Houses are crucial for Halloween – and therefore crucial for autumn! From ghost tours to classic houses, there’s a huge breadth of experience out there. These are local to Denver:
From spooky to cozy, there’s something for everyone in the fall! What would you put on your autumn checklist?
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