Fall Fun

Fall is a magical season of vibrant colors, crisp air, and plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories with friends. As much as I love fall, between the back-to-school madness and a shift into high gear at work when summer ends, Labor Day can sometimes feel like stepping on a gas pedal that won’t let up!

As much as fall may be a hectic time of year, we would like to remind you that prioritizing time with friends is important for your mental and physical health. If you need inspiration, try to schedule one of our favorite fall activities with a friend:

Visit a farmers market, a pumpkin patch or go apple picking

Picking out fresh fall vegetables is one of my favorite seasonal traditions. Although my teenage sons may feel they have aged out of apple picking, I can get my pick of fresh apples at my local farmers market each fall. For younger kids or the young-at-heart, spend the day at a pumpkin patch picking out the perfect pumpkins, navigating corn mazes, and enjoying hayrides. 

Take a Scenic Hike

Across the U.S., fall foliage can be breathtaking. Taking a stroll in a nearby forest preserve or a scenic hike is one of the best ways to experience fall colors. Find a local trail and enjoy the colorful leaves, cool weather, and the beauty of nature. And if you’re up for making a weekend of it, consider these locations recommended by U.S. News & World Report.

Attend a Fall Festival

Many cities and smaller towns feature fall festivals celebrating local harvests, food, music and crafts. One of my favorites is Glenview’s Blocktoberfest, which is a tradition that started just before the pandemic in 2019 and has no shortage of food, drinks and opportunities to bump into friends.

Watch a Football Game

Fall is football season, providing numerous opportunities to watch games with friends. There are Friday night games at the local high school and many more opportunities to catch a game on TV, if you prefer the comfort of home. Once you figure out what channel or streaming service is actually playing your game of choice, prepare some game-day snacks, put on your team’s colors, and get ready to cheer!

These are just a few ideas to make your fall season fun and memorable. Embrace the autumn vibes, gather a few friends, and enjoy some of the fun traditions this season has to offer!