1. Pick apples
Visit an apple orchard with some friends! It’s the perfect opportunity to take some beautiful fall photos in front of the trees and take home some apples for homemade apple desserts or cider. Stone Apple Barn in East Moline is just a short drive away and is definitely worth the trip.
2. Visit a pumpkin patch
Head over to Shady Knoll Farm to grab pumpkins, flowers, and pictures with your loved ones. It’s a super inexpensive way to have some fall fun and segways into more fun afterwards. Choose from a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to carve or paint. Also, be sure to hand pick a bouquet of flowers from the garden before you leave as an extra souvenir.
3. Follow fall recipes
Fall recipes have been going viral on all social media platforms this fall. If something catches your eye, try it! Pumpkin spice, chai and apple treats are the perfect way to start a fall morning, or to supplement a meal in the evening. You can even create your own recipes and share them for friends and family to try.
4. Watch football
Check out the Iowa Hawkeyes schedule at Kinnick Stadium for a fun weekend outing with your friends! If you’re looking to stay in, grab some game day snacks and get cozy on the couch to watch your favorite teams play.
5. Do some fall shopping
Target and likewise stores have just come out with new fall decorations. Decorate with wide selections of blankets and pillows, and don’t forget to grab a fall scented candle to burn while doing homework or while having a cozy night in.
6. Try Starbucks’ fall flavors
Check out the new fall flavors from Starbucks! There are two new additions to the fall menu this year, as well as the returning fan favorite: pumpkin spice latte. Grab a before school for some energy, or after school for a warm pick me up on a chilly day.
7. Walk a corn maze
Be sure to bring your friends and family to a corn maze this fall! You can find corn mazes at almost any local pumpkin patch where you can take instagram pictures or go for a leisurely walk. For a more thrilling option, try out a haunted corn maze!
8. Embrace the fall leaves
Take in the fall air during a peaceful walk, jog or bike ride. Studies show that spending just 20 minutes outside each day can dramatically increase physical well-being and decrease stress and anxieties. With the school year starting back up, be sure to take care of yourself strolling through the colorful trees at a local trail.
9. Have a spooky movie night
After a long day, allow your body to relax with a fall movie night. Remember, not all fall movies are scary. There is a wide variety of movies and shows to fit your preferences if spooky movies aren’t quite your speed.
10. Do some grocery shopping
Grocery stores are fully stocked on all things autumn. For a local errand run, stop by Hyvee or Target to grab some ingredients for fall baking or for drinks and treats. For a bit of a longer trip, make your way to Trader Joes where the shelves are overflowing with anything and everything fall.
