Fall Bucket List 2020
Every year I put together a Fall Bucket List. Or as I like to say, Autumn. Why? Because it just sounds prettier, that’s why haha It’s my favorite time of year! Growing up in Western New York, it meant going back to school, a fresh start. A new wardrobe. Bundling up in your favorite sweater. The leaves changing color. Hayrides, maple flavored everything, apple cider and more!
Now, usually my bucket list contains a few items that aren’t realistic for me in Florida, like going apple picking or jumping in a pile of leaves. So this year (with all of it’s gloom and doom), I told myself to just go ahead, only do what I can actually accomplish, and make that list feasible for an autumn loving Florida resident.
Let’s get to it!
Roast Marshmallows - this can either be done at home, or at a number of restaurants at offer this as a treat. So depending on how COVID-19 wants to treat us between now and Thanksgiving, this is still an option!
Make an Apple Cider Beverage - over quarantine, I made a variety of cocktail concoctions at home! So why not carry on this tradition into the next season *insert shoulder shrug here* I will probably include cinnamon and brown sugar….oo maybe pear too!
Go on a Hike - There are plenty of small hikes around the Orlando area…which would be the easy way out. But I am thinking I want to go somewhere a little farther. Somewhere that might require me to actually wear a flannel while hiking?! rather than just a sports bra haha
Decorate the House - By the time you are reading this, I have already started! I pulled the first box of fall out, and I’ve gotta say. I’m disappointed in myself? I really thought I had more fall decorations than that.
Favorite Fall Outfit - Maybe this an excuse to go looking through my closet and wear my favorite over-the-knee boots again? Maybe this an excuse to go shopping? Either way, mind your business…I’m gonna be minding mine while looking cute, thank you!
Try a New Chili - Once again, this can be an at home thing, or an go out to a restaurant and try it sort of thing. Maybe both! There is something about football and chili that just screams fall to me. Now, I don’t think I have sat down a watched a football game in its entirety in about…wait. Just kidding. I literally just did that this year. Nevermind!
Have a Picnic - Picnics are great year round. So why not throw it on the list for fall! Especially in Florida because this means that the weather FINALLY means it’s somewhat tolerable to sit outside for an extended period of time.
Take a Roadtrip - Ok, not just any road trip. A road trip to see the leaves change colors preferably! I am not too sure how far north I will have to go for that, but I am willing to do it! Plus, I have been wanting to get out of Florida for a while now.
Paint a Pumpkin - Yes, yes. Take note at how I said paint, not carve. Carving pumpkins always sound like a great idea, but they always end up being way more trouble than they are worth. Plus the cheap pumpkin carving kits always end up breaking. They guts make a mess. Sure the pumpkin seeds you can roast, but I just end up sucking on them instead of actually eating them or using them for anything. So, I’ll just stick to painting.
Make a Pie - Ok, now this. This is worth the effort. If you don’t wanna do the crust? That is fine. I do not blame anyone who wants to cheat and use a store bought crust. But do not, I repeat, DO NOT, use a store bought pie filling! I promise! You are better than that! The crust can be extremely daunting but the filling is pretty difficult to mess up. Make whatever flavor you want! I personally prefer something fruity, but then again, I’ve never had a sweet potato pie? and I hear those are pretty good.
Make an Autumn Coffee - I normally just do a black cold brew with a pump of sugar free whatever syrup I have on hand. But I mean like a REAL beverage. One with a maple foam, and cinnamon on top. Or an oat milk latte. Something like that!
Hot Apple Cider - Not from the powder pack, something real! I am sure that I’ll be able to find it at Publix or Trader Joe’s, but I will probably have to heat it up myself. This with a cinnamon stick swirling in it?! Wowza. Increible.
Go to a Drive-in - Right now, all the ones near me are ridiculously overpriced because #covid. BUT movie theatres are opening back up so I’m hoping they will start to go back to their regular prices? maybe? Is that just wishful thinking?
Try a new Farmers Market - I typically go to the Winter Garden or Winter Park Farmers Markets. (I know, Orlando loves their Winder villages for a city that doesn’t experience winter *eye roll) SO if anyone has other suggestions I am happy to hear them. Or even if it is literally local farms. That works too! (P.S. I am willing to travel)
Sunset at the Beach - Is this an autumnal activity? Not necessarily. But hey, I live in Florida and sometimes, at night, it can get a little cold and since I can’t go apple picking, or go on an hayride, or have a bonfire, this will have to do.
Watch Hocus Pocus - A classic. Truly. There was a period of time where I was wasn’t allowed to celebrate Halloween growing up, but somehow, I would sneak in watching Hocus Pocus on ABC Family at my Grandparents house without my mother knowing. Sure, she probably thought I was practicing piano but it’s been 20 years at this point. My mother can handle finding out the truth now.
At Home Wine Tasting - Again, is this an excuse to drink wine? Probably. Do I trust that Trader Joe’s will be able to supply me with everything I need for under $7 a bottle? 100%. Gosh, love that man T.J.
DIY Oktoberfest - Last year, I fell in love with Munich. If you haven’t heard the story of Oktoberfest and how it came to be, perhaps I will tell you all another time. I had always wanted to go before that trip, but now I definitely want to go. Since COVID-19 has delayed all future plans of visiting family in Germany, I will just have to bring Oktoberfest to my house this year!
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls - I LOVE a good cinnamon roll. They are essentially dessert for breakfast, but they are so easy to make different ways! Just throw different kinds of filling in them, different toppings, different flavored dough, the possibilities are endless!
Read a Thriller - At this point in time, I have to read 14 more books if I am going to reach my goal by the end of the year (is it gonna happen, who knows). So why not make it part of the Autumn Bucket List to help push that goal along!
