There are officially 23 days left of summer and don’t hate me for stating that fact! For many, school has already started and for others it starts next week. The days are getting shorter, you most likely can hear crickets at night and you have probably started wearing a light sweater in the evenings.
Where I live I have not seen a dreaded leaf fall yet, but I know it’s only a matter of time.
I love Autumn, as do many, but for some it’s just a sign that winter is around the corner. This however, does not mean it’s time to huddle inside. It’s still the season to get outside and enjoy.
There are so many ‘summer activities’ you can and should still be doing through the entire fall season.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Loving Fall: Recipes, Outdoor Fun & More!
Looking for some 'summer activities' that are better to do in the fall? Give these a try... 🙂 #fall #autumn #outdoorfun Click To Tweet
Here are my top 5 Summer Activities that are better in the fall:
1. BBQing
You may be sick of burgers (or not), but to fully enjoy barbecuing in the fall means switching to more comfort foods you can grill… delicious whole roasted chicken, rosemary pork tenderloin or spiced butternut squash. These dishes are cozy with the hardy herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) and spices (cumin, paprika, oregano) and provide that comfort feeling you want from fall, but with the amazing taste only the BBQ can provide.
My favourite BBQ cookbook is Ainsley’s Ultimate Barbecue Bible. I’m a sucker for all of his recipes, but Ainsley’s Cumin Crusted Butternut Squash has to be the one I have made most over the years. Check out this video for the recipe…
Related: Flavours of Fall Spiced Pear Smoothie
2. Hiking
I personally prefer hiking in the fall. The days are sunny and the temperature is perfect for walking. The colours of the trees are changing, which is great for those perfect photo moments.
Everyone may be getting back to the routine of work and school, but dedicating time to finding a hiking trail and breathing in some fresh air will make you feel like you did something great with your weekend. And, hey – coming home to have a BBQ afterwards is perfect too!
There are so many beautiful hikes you can experience with your family or friends, and no matter what your fitness level is there’s something for everyone. So, get outside and enjoy!
3. Bonfires
Instead of turning the TV on after dinner, go outside and set up a bonfire (in a safe pit of course). We are all creatures of habit and on many occasions we just don’t think about changing our evenings up. Who says bonfires can’t happen on fall weeknights? After all, don’t roasted marshmallows and S’Mores taste good all year long?!
If you don’t have a bonfire pit, but still want that yummy S’Mores treat, try these recipes:
Easy No Churn Peanut Butter Chocolate S’Mores Ice Cream
4. Gardening
My Mom’s beautiful and private side garden.
The avid gardener loves fall time and has good reason to. You can pick up perennials for a fraction of the cost. It’s also a great time to plant bulbs for daffodils, tulips and crocuses, which will bloom the following spring.
A true sign of fall coming are the chrysanthemums (aka ‘mums’) that pop up in the local stores. Chrysanthemums are also a perennial, so after you enjoy them in the pot, plant them in your garden so they can be in full bloom again next fall.
Adding mums as well as pumpkins to your garden decor is the perfect way to embrace fall.
Fall is also an ideal time to split perennials that are getting too large. You can plant in different spots in your garden or give away to friends and family. Planting perennials in the fall is still enough time for the plant to root before winter comes.
5. Picnics
Grab a light sweater, an extra cozy blanket and get your picnic planning started. After finding the perfect picnic spot here are some items I recommend bringing along on your fall picnic:
- Hot chocolate in a Thermos. Don’t forget the marshmallows!
- A jar of homemade jam and some crusty bread.
- Red wine and cheese.
- Farmer’s market fruit and veg or whatever you’ve harvested from your own garden. Add some hummus for the veg and enjoy the fruit on its own.
- …and if you have some leftover S’Mores treats bring that along too!
Seeing the beauty in the differences of our seasons is special. Instead of longing for summer to come again or not being happy that it will be cold soon (depending on where you live), shift your thinking and celebrate what’s in season now. I promise — it will make you smile 🙂
How do you embrace your love for summer when it gets cooler? What fall activities will you be doing? Let me know in the comment section below.
If you like these ideas don’t forget to share!
Summer isn't the only time to enjoy the outdoors. Here are 5 'Summer Activities' you should still be doing in the fall! #autumn #fall #thegreatoutdoors Click To Tweet
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups says
I love this! Summers are super hot here, so I always look forward to the fall as a time to get back outside.
Lilly Janssen says
Love gardening in fall! Question for you- public parks that have gorgeous summer plants that suddenly get replaced with fall favourites. What do they do with those plants (that could easily be brought indoors). I would love to be the proud mama of some hibiscus trees!
yridley says
What a great question Lilly! My hope is they would bring them into green houses somewhere to save for the following year, but I think we both know this probably doesn’t happen. I bet you could snag some of those amazing plants for yourself.
Sosi's mom says
We love camping in the fall! Less bugs, humidity, and time for long hikes 🇨🇦
yridley says
Agree! Such a perfect time to camp too 🙂
Danny says
Love your Mom’s side garden … l wonder if you could post before and after photo’s?
yridley says
For sure! In an upcoming post.
summer says
These are all on point! I honestly enjoy hiking more in the fall, because I can breathe and not be all sweaty, haha. The husband love BBQing all year round!
Rachel says
I so agree about hiking in the fall! It’s nicer weather, prettier and just all around better than hiking in summer!
Sumer says
Ah! Yes! Totally agree! Fall is the perfect time to get outside and explore. We love bonfires and hiking in the fall!
Kenyatta Harris says
These are awesome ideas! I need to get out in the yard. I had no idea you mums were perennials. Fall is my favorite and we will use this post to do more this fall.
yridley says
Thanks Kenyatta! Mums are not only perennials, they are also very strong. I have had a mum completely wilt in a pot and I just cut off the dead parts and planted the rest in the ground. It came back beautiful and strong the following year!
Kristen Jones says
YAS! I love doing all of these things in the Summer/Fall! Hiking/Trail walking is my favorite because the trees start to change and it just looks so pretty. Plus, the pretty scenery makes for a perfect photoshoot location!
Samantha Carter says
I love your ideas! The fall is actually my favorite season to be outside, so that’s when I usually do all my hiking, barbecuing, and bonfires!!! I can’t wait for my first cool night!
morgan says
Fabulous suggestions! All things I like to do in the Fall also! Avoid that midwest humidity!
Marie says
Gardening is definitely on my list to do this long weekend and up through the nice weather this fall!
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries says
I love the idea of hot chocolate in a thermos and a picnic. So fun & perfect for the season!
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesom says
A big YES to all of these activities. My husband and I LOVE grilling, so we grill all year round – even in the snow! Ha.
One of the things I especially love about the shift to cool weather is that I can get outside and workout more comfortably again. When it gets too hot, I tend stay in the gym where the a/c is cranked. Now that we have these crisp cool morning again, I love heading outside to run:)
Sarah says
Hiking is definitely my favorite of this list, plus fall apple picking!
The Wordy Mom says
Yes. Bonfires. Love what you wrote here. It’s so easy to repeat the same old, same old, but why not replace a bit of Netflix with a crackling fire? Lovely idea.
Diana says
Hiking in the fall is the best! I love the colours. Great list!
yridley says
It sure is! Thanks 🙂
Jen Ambrose says
Love this list, I totally agree!
yridley says
Thanks Jen!
Courtney says
this has made me way too excited for fall! great post xo
yridley says
Me too!! If only there were more national holidays in the fall to take time off work!
Nicole | Glamorously You says
fall hikes are beautiful! The weather is more comfortable and the sights are amazing. Loved this post 🙂
yridley says
Thanks Nicole! I agree, I absolutely love fall hikes.
Lacy says
In complete agreement. I love this idea because I don’t like to be pigeon-holed in any way. 🙂
Kelly says
I love this! I never want to do anything in the summer because it is so hot and humid here in Nebraska. I take this as official permission to make some of my favorite activities fall official. Great post!
yridley says
Good call – get out there enjoy now that the weather is more manageable!
Lisa Keifer says
Great ideas! I especially love the idea of an autumn picnic with yummy seasonal foods and hot cocoa.
Nikki says
Fall is my second favorite season but I haven’t felt ready for it this year. This list started getting me excited!!
Danielle Gould says
I love a good bonfire with a hot toddy. Awesome ideas!
Life of Stones says
Great ideas! I love summer so much but sometimes it’s just too stinkin hot to be outside all day! P.s. what a beautiful garden!
yridley says
I agree! Sometimes hanging out in the AC is what’s needed too!! Thanks 🙂 That’s my moms garden.
Camilla says
Hiking in fall is the best thing. The weather is cool and the landscape is the most beautiful!
Lucia says
These ideas are great and makes me feel like my favourite season isn’t quite over yet!
yridley says
Thanks Lucia! We still have lots of time to enjoy before the cold comes – thankfully!
Michelle says
I love a good hike, and actually I like it better in autumn when the air is cool and crisp. Plus, my pup is getting older and she has an easier time hiking when it’s not 90 degrees outside!
Great list! x
Michelle
dressingwithstyle-s.com
yridley says
Agreed! I think we all have an easier time hiking when it’s a little cooler out. Way more enjoyable! Thanks for the note Michelle. Take care 🙂