Things to Do During Fall

by ELIZABETH PHILLIPS staff writer Eight activity ideas to help you make the most of the end of Fall

We’ve been cooped up for the past six months. Our summers weren’t as amazing as they could have been. Summer is over now, but there is still a chance for some redemption. Fall is here, which means there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to make this a great season. Go full into fall by doing some of these activities.

1. Fall themed movie night

Whether you’re into horror movies or familyfriendly fall films, having a fall themed movie night will be an excellent time. You can do this solo or with a friend or two. Start by gathering ideas of what fall movies you want to watch. These choices could range from anything. I’m not much of a horror movie person, but as for “family-friendly” my picks are Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, Girl Vs. Monster, or any Disney Channel halloween-themed episode. Then, you can head to a store, (or use some snacks from home) and grab the fall snack essentials - candy corn, caramel apples, donuts, etc. After the food is prepared, set up your space. Grab lots of blankets, pillows, and basically anything that will make your space comfortable. Put on some fall colored/themed pjs, and turn on your films!

2. Getting rid of your carved pumpkin

Sadly, our carved pumpkins can’t stay around forever. I like to hold on to mine for as long as I can, but once they start rotting, they’ve got to go. And to get rid of mine, I go through the bittersweet process of smashing them. As violent as this sounds, it can be a stress reliever. If you live where wildlife can come to visit, it can also be used as food for them. You can set it somewhere in your yard and let them feast.

3. Fall photoshoot

Fall is arguably the prettiest season. The trees are gorgeous: beautiful mixes of red, yellow and orange. To do this activity, you need a camera and a scenic location. You can take photos of you with the scenery, or just of the scenery in general. You could even be creative and dress up. On social media, it’s been trending to get an old, white sheet, cut some eye holes, and throw it over yourself. Then, put a pair of sunglasses on, and ta-da! You’re a cool ghost. Anything goes while taking pictures.

4. Baking

There are so many fall foods you can easily make at home. If you had a full-fledged fall day and carved pumpkins, you could roast the pumpkin seeds for a nice little treat! If you need help thinking of some recipes, we’ve got you covered! Page 42 has two excellent recipes for you to try. Baking is always fun when you have someone to do it with, but you can also easily do this on your own. Put some music on, grab your supplies, and get baking.

5. Color tour

This is as simple as it sounds - drive around TC and look at the pretty colors. Picture this: you and a friend, in the car, with your favorite music playing as you drive around, taking in the scenery. I suggest driving around the Peninsula because there are amazing views of beaches, trees, and Lake Michigan, but anywhere around TC should do the trick.

6. Hike

When I say hiking, I don’t mean putting on hiking boots and camping out for a night. I mean going to small trails and walking around. This is similar to a color tour, except on foot. There are many trails you can go to around TC. Some trails are Maple Bay Natural Area, Fruithaven Nature Preserve, and Empire Bluff Trail. Because it’s fall, make sure to bundle up for your hike. When you are on the trails, be respectful - stay on the path, pick up what you drop, and leave the trail how it looked when you got there. We want to keep TC as beautiful as possible!

7. Cider and donuts at a cider mill

Cinnamon sugar donuts and warm cider. Sounds like a perfect activity for a fall day. Going to a cider mill anywhere in TC is a great experience. And if you’re not a donut person, oftentimes many cider mills have other snacks and sweets that are perfect for your day. A lot of places currently aren’t offering sit-down spots, but you can pick up the treats and bring them home, from places such as Farmer Whites or Friskies Farmers Market.

8. Football watch party

If we weren’t mid-pandemic, I would suggest going to an actual football game and tailgate there. But since the stadiums have placed restrictions on attending games, we will have to make do with what we have. If you’re missing the rush of watching your favorite team play, I suggest watching at home with a few friends. Set up an epic area, complete with snacks, blankets, pillows, and watch your game at home. It may not be ideal, but it will definitely be worth it. //