By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
As autumn settles in, pumpkins are everywhere—adorning porches, filling recipes and getting us in the spirit for the spooky season ahead. With the hustle of school routines and the holiday season just around the corner, October can seem to fly by in a blur.
We’ve put together this list of free ways to soak in the season at the Jersey Shore so that you can pause and enjoy the moment.
- Gather with friends or family around the fire pit or a campfire. Nothing’s cozier than a warm fire and the savory smell of burning wood. Make some smores, grab some blankets, and share ghost stories under the starlight.
- Craft with Leaves.
Preserve the elusive beauty of colorful leaves by pressing them in scrapbooks. In the dead of winter, you’ll really appreciate the vibrant colors of nature.
- Bake Something seasonal. Fall means baking season, so whip up some pumpkin bread and apple strudel. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg make any day memorable. Share your sweet treats with friends, neighbors, and of course, your hungry family.
- Take a hike. South Jersey offers plenty of great hiking spots where you can ‘leaf-peep.’ We recommend the Egg Harbor Township Nature Preserve, Lake Lenape Trail, Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor, and Birch Grove Park in Northfield.
- Watch a spooky movie. Curl up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn. If you’re a horror fan, turn on “As Above,” “So Below,” “Longlegs,” or “Nightmare on Elm Street.” If you’d prefer something milder, watch “Hocus Pocus” or “Beetlejuice” (or the new version in theaters.) For an autumn-set romance or drama, try “You’ve Got Mail,” “Dead Poets Society,” or “When Harry Met Sally.”
- Cheer on the Eagles.
Root for your favorite team from the comfort of your neighborhood. Whether you’re tossing some pigskin with your nephew, munching on snacks at your friend’s house, or wearing a favorite jersey throughout the day, camaraderie and sportsmanship will bring a smile to your face.
- Plan a day trip. There’s plenty of quick jaunts from South Jersey to shake up the everyday. Halloween Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure, the Physick Estate in Cape May, and Tuckerton in Ocean County make for memorable getaways for all kinds of folks.
- Pick up a cozy hobby.
When the sun sets earlier, it’s time to find ways to entertain ourselves beyond just television. Join a neighborhood book club, knit a blanket for charity, take an art class, or play mahjong with the ladies across the street. You’ll have more fun than you’d think.
- Bundle up at the beach.
Gone are the bikini-wearing, warm-weather beach days! Throw on a comfy sweatshirt, grab a book and enjoy the natural scenery of the Jersey Shore. The beach is so underrated this time of year!
- Make a Halloween costume. You might have outgrown trick-or-treating, but Halloween is for everyone! Whether you’re attending a Halloween party or chaperoning a trunk-or-treat, having the perfect costume is key. You may have the look of your dreams already in your closet. Apron? Try a chef! Jumpsuit and leaf blower? You’re a ghostbuster!
- Bike on the Boardwalk.
It’s the best time to enjoy the Boardwalk! Bundle up and grab your wheels, and smile while the gentle autumn breeze whistles past you. Stop and grab breakfast or lunch after your delightful ride.
- Visit a local brewery or vineyard.
Enjoy the tastes of the season by trying some local libations. We recommend Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City, Garden State Brewing in Absecon, Cape May Brewing Company and Mudhen Brewing in Wildwood.
- Send snail mail.
Send a loved one best wishes with a physical letter or card. Include little goodies, like pressed flowers, stickers, or a spritz of your favorite scent! So cozy and cute.
- Attend an outdoor event.
It’s festival season! Whether it’s the Ocean City Block Party, Witch Craft in Hammonton, Fall Fest in Egg Harbor City, or the Elephant Talk Indie Music Festival on Atlantic City, you’ve got lots of options down the shore.
- Prep your home for the cooler seasons.
Want to get productive? Reorganize your closet, tend to your garden, or decorate for Halloween! When you align your home to the seasons, you’ll feel more calm and collected. Put on some fun music and enjoy the activity!
Sarah Fertsch is a journalist, proposal writer and poet. You can find her chasing dogs across the beach and trying new recipes.
