Fall 2020 Bucket List

Ah, another fall bucket list blog post filled with ideas that were inspired by carefully curated Pinterest images and Instagram posts showcasing stunning New England fall foliage. Typically, that’s where my fall bucket list would come from. However, this year things are going to look a bit different. And because this summer has been a season of personal growth my inspiration for fall activities will be more true to myself.

Have you taken time to reflect on your summer? I find that mentally, I begin shifting from a summer to fall mindset after Labor Day weekend. Probably because the beginning of September always marked a new school semester and I was excited to begin each new school year with a refreshed version of myself. In years past, I’ve always just seamlessly transitioned from one season to another without reflecting on what I’d done or didn’t do during those last few months. Thanks to my new journaling habit, I can actually do some real self-reflection and make new goals that are more aligned with who I am (instead of based on pretty pictures on the internet).

This past summer, I learned how much I love being outside and how much slow mornings mean to me – especially on the weekends. I’ve also enjoyed eating seasonal fruits and veggies (straight from the orchard or farmers market is THE BEST), and I’ve found a new love for local travel (due to COVID restrictions). So this year, my fall bucket list is made up of activities that I know I’ll find pure enjoyment from. Here’s what I’d like to do this fall:

1 – Read fall books. I actually just ordered my first fall/Halloween themed book for the season, inspired by one of my favorite bloggers’ book club, Reading Between the Wines. Reading is something I do every single night before bed, and since I’ve read flirty beach books all summer, it’s time to dive into some spooky books. They get me really excited for Halloween!

2 – Make soups. I’ve never been a big soup person personally (I’d rather drink liquids to hydrate myself or eat solid foods to fill me up), but this year I’d really like to make some delicious snacks in the form of soups. There’s one recipe I made from Tasty As Fit (modified it slightly for my taste) and I love it! I’m excited to see what else I can whip up.

3 – See the foliage. Duh, who would’t want to see it? I probably won’t get to go to New England this fall, so instead I plan on taking some nice country drives in northern/western Maryland.

4 – Hike. This is something I actually haven’t done a lot of during past falls, but I’ve enjoyed the few hikes I did this summer. Last fall and winter I felt the seasonal blues, so getting fresh air even if it’s cold outside is going to be really important for my mental health this year.

5 – Have a picnic. I had two picnics over the summer and they were so lovely! It was nice to slow down and just chit chat in a quiet place instead of a crowded outdoor area. I can’t wait to cozy up with a hot toddy (or hot chocolate to be tame).

6 – Eat seasonally. This activity is one I’m the most pumped for. I’ve found SO much joy in picking peaches, berries, and apples during their peak. They taste a thousand times better than regular (even organic) produce at the grocery store. So this fall I’m going to be on the hunt for fresh spinach, broccolini, squash, and of course my traditional pumpkin pancake mix.

7 – Have bonfires and s’mores. I did this a TON during the summer, but it’ll be way more fun when it’s actually cold enough for a fire and I won’t be sweating to death while getting attached by mosquitos.

8 – Cuddle up on the couch with fall movies. Guys, I realized that the Hallmark channel isn’t just for Christmas movies. My mom told me they have seasonal movies all year long! Here’s a guide to their newest fall movies this season.

9 – Go on a ghost tour. I’ve been hoping to do this every year for a long time, but this year I’m actually going to do it. Even if guided ones aren’t available, I’m determined to have a DIY ghost tour with my friends.

10 – Take more walks. Walks were a big part of my daily routine during the beginning of the pandemic, but I fell off the wagon a little bit. It’d be nice to incorporate walks again, especially as a morning activity to wake up and get mentally ready for the day.

11 – Go camping. I love camping! Hoping to do some camping this season if the parks aren’t too crowded.

12 – Carve a pumpkin. Ah, bring me back to my childhood! Hands-on activities are so much fun and I’d looooove to work on a really cool pumpkin design this season.