Fall has fallen upon us and what better way to embrace the season of Autumn than with an autumnal bucket list. Bucket lists are personalized lists of things that a person hopes to do during their life or during a given season. These lists are meant to spark joy and creativity and inspire dreams and fun experiences. Fall is a great time to come up with a seasonal bucket list to make the most of the season. Keep reading to find ideas that may interest you or your family.
Apple and Pumpkin Picking
Fall is the perfect time for apple and pumpkin picking. Many towns have local farms or farm stands where pumpkins can be picked and weighed as well as a variety of delicious apples. Programs such as the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) gives you an extra monthly amount of money on your EBT card when you use it to buy fruits and vegetables at participating farms. Total monthly incentives depend on your household size.
To pick an ideal pumpkin look for one that is firm with no soft spots or mold or discoloration. Ideally a good pumpkin will have a sturdy stem and feel heavy for its size. Pumpkins are great to use as décor. They can be incorporated on a dining table as a centerpiece, on a side table, or simply on front doorsteps. When the season is over, remember to compost your pumpkin or donate it back to local farms. Many will use them to feed the farm animals. Pumpkins give savory dishes a robust and smooth flavor. They can be added into a rich soup, chilis, and stews, or they can be pureed and stirred into pasta sauces. Other uses for pumpkins consist of baked goods such as sweet breads, pie, muffins, cookies, and cakes. Pumpkins are packed with vitamins that help support overall health and provide fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
Apples provide nutrients like fiber and vitamin C and can be used in a variety of ways. One great way to have an apple in fall is by picking it from a tree, cleaning it off, and enjoying a crisp bite. Autumn also highlights apple usage in cider, pies, apple crisp, and a variety of baked goods, sauces, and jellies. You can use apple peels to make apple chips or tea. Apple peels can also be boiled for 30 minutes and used to clean cookware—the acid in the apple peels will help remove stains. The leftover apple peel water can then be used for watering plants, as it provides beneficial nutrients which support plant growth and root development.
Fall Foliage and Activities
If you are lucky enough to live in the northeast region of the country, specifically in Massachusetts, then fall foliage is something worth adding to your bucket list. Whether you head out for a brisk walk in your neighborhood or drive up the mountains, fall foliage is sure to spark joy in all the fall excitement. Fall foliage provides us with vibrant hues of burnt oranges, deep burgundies, and more. This is a great time to grab your camera and take snapshots of nature’s painting while also getting in some physical activity.
Fallen vibrant colored leaves make great additions for crafts that can be done individually or with friends and kids. Autumn leaves can be used to make leaf rubbings, garlands, wreaths, confetti, and leaf art. Leaf rubbing is an art technique that transfers a leaf’s texture and shape onto paper using the side of a crayon or a colored pencil. To make a leaf rubbing, place a leaf with the bumpy side up underneath a sheet of paper, then rub the side of the crayon firmly over the paper to reveal the leaf’s patterns. To create a fall wreath, you can use real dried leaves, a circular base like wire, foam or grapevine, and hot glue to attach the fall decorations.
Leaf art makes for great fun. Taking a stroll in nature and collecting leaves of various colors can be a great way to get young children engaged in the changes of the season and varying colors. Kids can trace the leaves or use glue sticks to paste them onto blank paper to create a masterpiece of their own.
Reading and Exploration
Fall is a great time to curl up with a cup of hot cider or tea and a good book. A visit to your local library can offer new adventures at your fingertips. Librarians can often give seasonal book recommendations for kids, teens, and adults. Libraries are also a great resource for free activities. Most libraries have a calendar of events with scheduled activities. Often, passes to museums and parks are offered at a discounted rate or free at your local library. For more information, check with your local library.
The EBT Card to Culture program also provides discounted admissions to local museums, symphonies and many other venues. DTA clients simply need to show their EBT card at the front desk and you are good to go! For information about a specific discount contact the participating organization or check out the list of participating organizations. New arts and activities can be a great way to experience fall in a new light, especially if it’s gloomy weather.
Homemade Scents
Scents can transform any given space. Bringing autumn scents into your home doesn’t have to be challenging or expensive. By adding natural ingredients like sliced apples and oranges, cinnamon sticks, cloves and ginger to a pot of water and simmering it on low heat, you can release the fragrant aromas and welcome in the scents of fall.
To make dry potpourri, gather items like pinecones, dried apple slices, dried oranges, and acorns. Add a few drops of essential oils such as clove, cinnamon, or cedarwood to the dried mix. Stir gently to combine the oils and display in your favorite shallow dishes. Enjoy the seasonal aroma after an active day of fall activities.
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