This autumn has been absolutely beautiful here in Central Ohio. I’ve been doing as much as I can to soak up all of the pumpkin spice, colorful leaves and sweater weather energy. What I’ve learned this year is that doing the simplest things during fall brings me so much joy and I’m excited to share a few of those activities with you!

As Jon Snow once said, “Winter is coming.” In the meantime, I am enjoying the autumn vibes by crossing off these last-minute autumn bucket list activities. Comment below what your favorite thing to do in the fall is!

Pumpkin painting or carving

An obvious choice, but always worth mentioning! Pumpkin carving can get a little messy and they don’t last really long. I saw people paint pumpkins instead and I am in love. No mess and an adorable porch decoration? Yes, please!

Grab a PSL and look at the leaves

You’re lying if you don’t think of a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte when you think of fall. And that’s on ✨marketing✨

Right before the leaves really began to fall, I got a coffee and went for a walk with Blue. I could not believe how beautiful the leaves were. It was really aesthetic and something I’ve done so many times before, but the crisp colors made it even better. It’s the simple things like this that make autumn my favorite.

Have a bonfire

The nights are getting longer and chillier. Perfect for a fire! I’ve spent a lot of time putting together my perfect backyard, so I’m trying to enjoy it as much as possible this fall before it gets too cold.

A small fire with friends on a Friday night is the perfect way to kick off a weekend!

Donate clothes

It is not a bad idea to make a point to go through your old clothes after every season. I know there are plenty of things I did not wear in the past that are just sitting in my closet. That’s why I am going through all of my clothes this fall and donating everything I haven’t worn within the past year.

Donating your summer wardrobe is great, but if you have any winter clothes – coats, hats, scarves, pants, gloves, etc – donate those as well!

Take a nature walk

Blue and I go on walks to decompress all the time, but it’s hit a little different this fall. Whether it’s a walk around my neighborhood or on a hiking trail in the woods, the cottage-core vibes were palatable this year.

My favorite time to go for a walk is early in the morning because the air is crisp, it’s a little chilly and watching the sunrise is absolutely beautiful. But please, tell people where you’re going and don’t forget your mace when you’re walking alone!

Go on an autumn picnic

I guess the theme of this blog is, enjoy the outdoors as much as possible! I love a good picnic and they’re the perfect way to end an autumn weekend. It’s the perfect addition to a day spent pumpkin carving, apple picking and just generally enjoying nature.

Put on your comfy clothes, pack a cute little autumn lunch and head to the park or sit in your backyard. It’s just about enjoying the season and whoever you’re with!

Make a chunky yarn blanket

Don’t know how to crochet? No problem, chunky yarn blankets seem super easy to make! I’ve seen so many people on TikTok making these blankets and some use a really big crochet needle, but I think hand-knitting looks much simpler. Regardless, they look like the coziest things ever!

Visit a farmers market

Nothing makes me want to cook more than buying fresh produce from a local farmers market. I love trying new recipes and farmers markets are the perfect place to go to get the perfect ingredients for that autumn meal you’ve wanted to test.

Not to mention, most farmers markets have more than just produce. Grab a pumpkin scented bar soap or a pair of cute knitted mittens. Some markets I’ve been to even have artwork and handmade crafts for sale! Support your local farmers and artists!

I hope I could give you some inspiration from my fall bucket list. Autumn is coming to a close faster than I’d like, so make your last-minute bucket list and start checking them off ASAP!