By Erica Hoffman
Is it still fall if it’s 80 degrees outside and I’m comfortably wearing shorts? Is it still fall if I’m making sandcastles at the beach instead of getting spooked on a haunted hayride?
Yes, it’s still fall and I have a feeling sooner rather than later we will be hearing people complain about the cold weather and completely forget about this November respite we’ve found ourselves in.
To help recharge or perhaps jumpstart your fall season I’d like to share some of my favorite fall activities (and some that I’m going to try) that you may have never thought of doing or may have forgotten about. It’s important to note that with some clever maneuvering all of these can be socially distanced activities.
Plant fall flowers – chrysanthemums, flowering kale, or asters, just to name a few.
Backyard bonfires – get those marshmallows ready.
Fall foliage drives – this makes a nice solo adventure.
Tailgate parties – the original social distancing event.
Enjoy some apple cider donuts – you can try to make them, maybe you’ll have more luck then I did.
Neighborhood apple pie bake-off – a delicious way to be competitive.
Corn or hay mazes – if your allergies can take it.
Stargaze with hot chocolate or warm apple cider – bring a blanket to the backyard and just chill.
Make soup or stew in the crockpot – a little effort in the morning and you’re set for dinner.
Fall family photoshoot – where you’re all wearing the same thing, so cute.
Learn how (or teach someone how) to spiral a football – and then teach me.
Make and hang pinecone bird feeders – remember these from when you were a kid?
Fly a kite – kites are multi-season fun.
Learn how (or teach someone how) to knit a scarf – again, and then teach me.
Take a spooky ghost tour – they’re not just for Halloween.
Make candles – you get to control how fragrant your candles are, which is very important to me.
Put together a scavenger hunt – this is a lot of fun.
Project a movie on the side of your house – do a socially distanced movie marathon.
Start a new book- the one that you never had time to read.
Revisit an old beloved book- it’s like rewatching your favorite TV show but better for your brain.
Decorate your space, or give it a revamp – Christmas decorations are calling your name!
Visit a farmers market – We call it the Garden State for a reason.
Go camping – Even if just in your own backyard.
Make spiked apple cider – just be sure to keep it away from the kiddos.
Start a journal – later in life it will be quite interesting to look back on this time.
Put together a family recipe book – I cherish mine, having all your family recipes in one place is a gift.
Whatever you end up doing to pass the time here is my ultimate takeaway: if you go out WEAR A MASK…for yourself, and others.
Erica Hoffman was born in Atlantic City and is proud to be writing for Shore Local. She lives in South Jersey and enjoys finding and sharing the lighter side of life.
