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As every season so far this year has been, Fall 2020 looks a bit different than in years past. Many of our favorite places are closed and favorite festivals are canceled but no worries - I have the Ultimate Fall Bucket List so your Autumn is still full of fun and all things Fall! Local to Raleigh-Durham, NC?? Even better! I've got lots of details below of when and where to do each thing! These are marked with an "*"
***Please remember to stay safe, follow mask and spacing rules and most importantly, call ahead to make sure these schedules are still correct because we all know how quickly it can change!
Let's start from the top:
- Bake Pumpkin Bread
My fave is "Taste of Home's" Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread! I will be making this very soon, and most likely a few times this season because it is SO good! Not too pumpkin-y and the chocolate chips give it the perfect amount of sweet. BONUS: this recipe makes 2 loaves! So one to eat, one to share!
- Attend an Outdoor Yoga Class *
I actually love a good outdoor workout sesh. It's something about being outside breathing in that fresh air that just makes your soul feel a little more complete. There are a few local places to do this but a couple of my faves are: -- Flow Yoga at the Farm : all levels welcome. Saturday mornings and Monday evenings currently. Located at Raleigh City Farm, 800 N Blount St, Downtown Raleigh
-- Yoga at Hi-Wire Brewery : $5 per class and masks are required. Open to all levels, Saturday mornings, out on the patio at Hi-Wire Brewery, 800 Taylor St, #9-150, Durham
- Go on a Hike *
With the weather [slowly, but surely] getting cooler and the leaves starting to change, going on a hike is the perfect way to connect with nature with the family.
Eno River State Park is located in Durham, NC and has multiple, beautiful trails! Some areas of the park are closed so be sure to check out which are open here before you head to your hike.
- Visit a Farmer's Market *
There are TON of these around the Raleigh/Durham area, but if you want one that has a little bit of everything, head to NC State Farmers Public Market. You'll find everything from produce, meats, cheeses, market shoppes and even a couple restaurants. Unlike many farmers markets, this one is open 7 days/week! (Monday-Saturday 5:00am-6:00pm and Sundays 8:00am-6:00pm)
Located at: 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh.
- Get a PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte)
or even better, a Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks! I've had about 4 of these and yes, I know, its only September. #basic and I don't care.
- See an Outdoor Drive-in Movie *
So classic, right? Raleigh Rd Outdoor Theater (actually located in Henderson, NC!) is the oldest operating drive-in movie theater in NC! Movies (or concerts) are Wed-Sun nights, gates currently open at 7pm with movie starting at dusk. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for ages 3-11 and FREE if under 3. Check out the website to see a list of shows!
- Visit an Alpaca Farm *
Ok, this one is not just for Fall but come on, how cool?! M&M Alpaca Farm is family-owned and located in Pittsboro, NC. Come to see all colors of alpacas and learn all about them! Tours are offered Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10am, 1pm and 3pm. You MUST call ahead to schedule when you are coming - 336-465-8211
- Go to a Corn Maze *
I've actually never done one of these and always wanted to! There will be a "Tractor's Corn Maze" open October 3-November 1 on Saturdays and Sundays in Wake Forest! It's 8 acres and will also have on-the-vine pumpkin picking! Admission is $8 (2 and under are free) and that includes a pumpkin! CASH ONLY!
- Have a Chili Night
I've actually always wanted to have a chili cook-off with friends for the start of Fall. With all things Covid, I don't think 2020 will be the year for that but I will be sharing my favorite recipe with you guys soon!
- Go to a (Family-Friendly) Haunted House *
Each Saturday in October, Firefly Farm in Hillsborough will have a whimsical "Witch's Haunted Barn" open from 1-5pm! There are other activities as well, like petting miniature donkeys and horses and a sunflower field that is expected to bloom IN October! $15 / family, 4911 Hunt Rd, Hillsborough.
- Go to a Pumpkin Patch (EXPRESS) *
I was immediately intrigued by this just because of the Express! Plus, it is at one of our favorite places to go as a family - The Museum of Life and Science! Tickets will go on sale early this month, but have not yet as of today! I'll keep an eye out and let you all know! You will climb aboard the Ellerbe Creek Railway for a journey to the pumpkin patch!
Keep in mind, the train is an extra $5 on top of the general museum admission. Some other things will be included but as of now, there are no other details.
- Buy a Cozy Sweater from a Local Boutique
I'm here for the #sweaterweather amiright?! I love purchasing from cute local boutiques because you are usually supporting someone's family directly from that store! And you can always count on them being SUPER cute!
- Fill your home with a new Fall Scent!
I am loving Scentsy right now! Have you guys tried these? There are so many great smells for Fall, like "Autumn Road Trip" and "Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl".
- Decorate for Fall and/or Halloween
This one is a given right? I usually start bringing some Fall stuff out first and then sprinkle in Halloween at the beginning of October!
- Make Homemade Apple Cider
and add it to some champagne for a delicious cocktail! I'll also share the recipe for this soon!
- Take a Fall Family Photo
If you are anything like me, I suck at getting family photos of all 4 of us! Take the opportunity the season, because it really is like no other, to take matching, fun family photos! Hire a local photographer or if that isn't in your budget, you can do a tripod with bluetooth!
- Host a Small Football Tailgate
We are a huge football fan family, but even if you're not, it's so fun to get a few friends or family together with some good tailgate food like buffalo chicken dip, wings and so much more!
- Pick Some Wildflowers
When it starts to get cooler, I love taking evening walks after dinner with the kids. As you're doing this, keep an eye out for some wildflowers to bring home! Just be careful not to bring little critters in with you!
- Watch Your Fave Halloween Movie
Lastly, but not least, watching your fave Halloween movie! Our is Hocus Pocus, of course! But I"m also a big fan of Halloweentown!
So what do you think? Would you love to do any of these this Fall?! Let me know in the comments and don't forget to save our checklist on Pinterest so you can easily get back to it. You can also just print it here!
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