As the crisp air begins to settle in and the leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of warm hues, autumn invites us to slow down, cozy up, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, indulge in seasonal treats, or create lasting memories with loved ones, there’s an abundance of activities that capture the spirit of fall. Here’s a guide to the most enchanting autumn activities that will make you fall in love with this magical time of year all over again.
Explore Scenic Fall Foliage Trails
Autumn is synonymous with breathtaking landscapes. One of the most iconic fall activities is taking a hike or drive through areas known for their stunning fall foliage. From the fiery reds and oranges of Germany’s Black Forest to the golden hues of the Dolomites in Italy, there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in nature’s autumnal masterpiece. You can also discover breathtaking fall colors in the Swiss Alps, France’s Alsace region, and Slovenia’s Triglav National Park, making them perfect spots for autumn adventures. And if you take your dog with you, it will be even more fun—watch your furry friend enjoy the crisp air and vibrant scenery just as much as you do!
Attend an Open-Air Harvest Market
Autumn in Europe is celebrated with bustling open-air markets that showcase the season’s bounty. These markets are perfect for enjoying local produce, artisans goods, and seasonal treats. Whether you’re browsing the pumpkin displays in Germany or sampling fresh cheeses in France, these markets offer a taste of the local culture and the best of autumn’s harvest.
Borough Market Harvest Festival – London, England
Location: Southwark, London, near London Bridge.
Dates: Typically in late September to early October.
About the Market: Borough Market is one of London’s most iconic food markets, dating back over 1,000 years. The Harvest Festival at Borough Market is a seasonal celebration, focused on traditional British autumn produce. Stalls are decorated with an autumnal flair, and vendors sell everything from freshly picked fruits and vegetables to baked goods and artisanal products.
What to Expect: The festival includes food demonstrations from expert chefs, who show how to cook with seasonal ingredients like pumpkins, squashes, apples, and root vegetables. Visitors can also find freshly pressed apple cider, British cheeses, and meats from local farms. Borough Market is known for its diversity, so beyond traditional British fare, you can explore stalls selling international dishes that incorporate seasonal ingredients.
Must-Try Autumn Foods: Roasted squash, freshly pressed cider, game pies, British cheeses, spiced apple pastries, and wild mushrooms.
Fiera del Tartufo di Alba – Alba, Italy (Truffle Fair)
Location: Alba, Piedmont, Italy.
Dates: Early October to early December.
About the Market: The Fiera del Tartufo di Alba (Alba White Truffle Fair) is one of the most prestigious food festivals in Italy, drawing visitors from around the world. It celebrates the rare and highly prized white truffle, which is found in the forests around Alba during the autumn months. The market is part of a larger event that includes truffle auctions, tastings, and cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs.
What to Expect: The town of Alba is transformed into a hub for gourmet food lovers. Besides white truffles, you can explore stalls selling fresh pasta, local cheeses, wines, hazelnuts, and other Piedmontese specialties. Truffle hunters display their fresh finds, and visitors can purchase truffles, truffle-infused products (such as oils and sauces), or simply indulge in dishes prepared with the aromatic fungi.
Must-Try Autumn Foods: White truffles, tajarin pasta with truffles, risotto with truffles, hazelnuts from Piedmont, and Barolo wines.
Viktualienmarkt – Munich, Germany
Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
Dates: Open year-round, but autumn features special harvest celebrations.
About the Market: Viktualienmarkt is Munich’s most famous food market, with over 140 stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and local Bavarian specialties. In autumn, the market is known for its vibrant harvest produce, including pumpkins, root vegetables, apples, and chestnuts. Viktualienmarkt is also a prime spot for experiencing the cozy flavors of Bavarian autumn foods, especially during the Oktoberfest season.
What to Expect: Visitors can enjoy a mix of traditional Bavarian street foods, such as sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut, along with seasonal harvest products. The beer garden in the market is a favorite spot to sip on local brews and enjoy hearty Bavarian fare like roasted pork knuckles. The market’s colorful displays of pumpkins and other autumnal produce are a feast for the eyes.
Must-Try Autumn Foods: Pumpkin soup, roasted chestnuts, bratwurst with sauerkraut, Bavarian pretzels, and seasonal craft beers.
Get Crafty with Autumn-Inspired DIY Projects
Autumn provides endless inspiration for DIY crafts. From wreaths made of fallen leaves to handmade candles scented with cinnamon and cloves, creating your own fall décor is a fun way to bring the season’s charm into your home. Consider hosting a craft night with friends, where everyone can bring supplies and enjoy each other’s company while making something beautiful.
DIY Autumn Leaf Wreath
A beautiful wreath made from autumn leaves is a perfect way to welcome the season into your home. Here’s how to make one:
Materials:
- A wreath base (foam or grapevine)
- Fresh or artificial autumn leaves in various colors
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Decorative accents (e.g., pinecones, berries, ribbon)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Leaves: If using fresh leaves, press them in a book for a few days to flatten and preserve them. If using artificial leaves, simply arrange them by color.
- Attach the Leaves: Start by gluing the leaves to the wreath base, layering them to create a full, textured look. Alternate colors and sizes for a more natural appearance.
- Add Accents: Once the leaves are in place, glue on additional accents like pinecones, berries, or a bow to add extra flair.
- Hang Your Wreath: Attach a ribbon or hook to the back of the wreath and hang it on your front door or a wall to instantly bring autumn into your space.
Cinnamon-Scented Candles
Cinnamon-scented candles are perfect for adding a warm, cozy atmosphere to your home during the fall. Here’s how to make them:
Materials:
- Plain candle wax (soy or beeswax)
- Cinnamon essential oil
- Cinnamon sticks
- Candle wicks
- Glass jars or candle molds
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Double boiler (or a bowl over a pot of simmering water)
- Thermometer
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jars: Glue a candle wick to the bottom of each jar or mold. Make sure the wick is centered and standing straight.
- Melt the Wax: Using a double boiler, melt the candle wax until it reaches a temperature of about 180°F (82°C). Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Add Scent and Cinnamon Sticks: Remove the wax from heat and add 15-20 drops of cinnamon essential oil. Stir well. For added texture and scent, place a few cinnamon sticks along the inside of the jars before pouring the wax.
- Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the scented wax into the jars, ensuring the wick stays centered. Leave about half an inch of space at the top of each jar.
- Cool and Trim: Allow the candles to cool completely (about 4-6 hours). Once set, trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch.
- Enjoy Your Candles: Light your candles to fill your home with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon—a quintessential fall scent.
Bake Seasonal Treats
Autumn is the season of warm kitchens filled with the scent of spices. Indulge in the flavors of fall by baking some classic treats that embody the essence of the season. Here are two beloved recipes that will not only delight your taste buds but also fill your home with the comforting aromas that define autumn.
Recipe 1: Classic Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread is a quintessential autumn treat that’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and cloves.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix and Pour: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bread:
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can make a big difference in the flavor of your pumpkin bread. If possible, grind whole spices for a more intense and aromatic result.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
- Add Mix-ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to the batter.
Recipe 2: Spiced Apple Pie
Nothing says autumn like the warm, sweet, and slightly tart flavor of a homemade apple pie. This recipe combines tender apples with a rich blend of spices, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish, letting the excess hang over the edges. Pour the apple filling into the crust and dot with butter.
- Top and Bake: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim the excess dough, crimp the edges, and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Brush with the beaten egg and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie cool before serving.
Host a Cozy Outdoor Movie Night
As the temperatures dip, there’s something magical about gathering under the stars for an outdoor movie night. Set up a projector, grab some cozy blankets, light a few autumn-scented candles, and enjoy classic fall films with friends or family. Serve hot cocoa, warm apple cider, and seasonal snacks for the ultimate cozy experience.
Here’s a list of must-watch autumn movies for your perfect movie night, including some of the newest thrillers and horror films from 2024. These picks will get you ready for a chilling October and November movie challenge!
1. Substance (2024)
- Review: 10/10 – This psychological horror masterpiece is a must-see for fans of thought-provoking scares. With a tight script, eerie atmosphere, and deep thematic elements about the nature of identity and control, Substance grips you from start to finish. The suspense builds in a way that keeps viewers questioning what’s real, making it one of the most talked-about films of the year.
- Why Watch: Perfect for a cerebral scare night. If you enjoy films that challenge your mind and create lasting fear, this one’s essential.
2. Longlegs (2024)
- Review: A highly anticipated horror thriller, Longlegs dives into unsettling supernatural lore, mixing paranormal elements with human fears. The film’s atmosphere is tense, with a shadowy creature that lurks just out of sight, building dread with every scene. Its haunting cinematography and chilling pacing make it an edge-of-your-seat experience.
- Why Watch: If you love creature features with a mysterious backstory, Longlegs brings that fear of the unknown to life in a big way.
3. Heretic (2024)
- Review: Heretic taps into religious horror, blending occult elements with disturbing visuals and psychological tension. This film deals with themes of faith, fanaticism, and the supernatural, making it a gripping, terrifying watch. It combines eerie rituals, unsettling imagery, and a slow-burn intensity that pays off with shocking reveals.
- Why Watch: Ideal for fans of dark, religious-themed horror. The film is both visually haunting and narratively complex.
4. Speak No Evil (2024)
- Review: This unsettling psychological thriller deals with the breakdown of trust between friends, with tense and uncomfortable situations spiraling into something far more disturbing. Speak No Evil uses social tensions and manipulative mind games to explore the horror of feeling trapped in a situation you can’t escape.
- Why Watch: If you enjoy slow-burn psychological horror where dread creeps up on you, Speak No Evil delivers with subtle yet powerful scares.
Movie Challenge: From New Releases to Timeless Classics
I’m excited to announce my Spooky Season Movie Challenge, where I’ll be curating a list of movies spanning from brand-new releases like Substance and Longlegs to classic autumnal favorites. Whether you’re a fan of psychological horror, supernatural thrillers, or nostalgic Halloween classics, this challenge will be packed with films to keep you entertained all season long.
Conclusion:
Autumn is a season rich with opportunities to connect with nature, indulge in seasonal pleasures, and create lasting memories. By embracing these activities, you can fully savor the beauty and magic that this time of year has to offer. Whether you’re exploring fall foliage, baking up a storm, or simply cozying up with a good book, make this autumn your most memorable one yet.
What’s your favorite autumn activity? Share your ideas in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more seasonal inspiration!