Fall is basically here and I’m so excited. I love fall and flannels and boots and the pretty leaves. Honesty, fall is probably the most aesthetically pleasing season. Outdoors looks gorgeous and the fall color schemes are always bomb. This fall bucket list will help you figure out some ideas of things to do during this season and ensure you get the most out of one of the most wonderful season!

Food & Drink

1. Get a seasonal specialty drink. 

Calling all Pumpkin Spice Latte lovers! While I personally believe the iconic PSL tastes like dirt dipped in cinnamon, I will acknowledge the seasonality of this drink and place an emphasis on drinking as much as you possibly can.

Alternative: Try a seasonal autumn specialty from a cupcake shop like Georgetown Cupcakes! The caramel apple cupcake my housemate gave me was amazing and is only available in the fall!

2. Drink apple cider.

Apples are in season! Get some fresh apple cider when you go apple picking or from your local farmer’s market. Or buy it in the supermarket because, honestly, apple cider is apple cider.

Alternative: Personally, I’m not a fan of drinking apple cider but have you guys ever tried apple cider donuts? If not, please try them. They’re absolutely delicious.

3. Bake a pie.

Apple pie and pumpkin pie are perfect for fall! If you’re feeling really dedicated, try baking a pie from scratch! If all else fails, canned pie filling and frozen pie crust are always solid plans.

Alternative: If you’re not much of a baker, there’s no harm in buying pie at your favorite diner or from the freezer section in the grocery store.

4. Find the perfect hot chocolate recipe.

Do you prefer dark, milk or white chocolate? Do you use milk? Cocoa powder? Maybe you like to add peppermint or cinnamon? Scour the web (aka Pinterest) and test out some hot chocolate recipes. Bonus if you try your hand at making homemade marshmallows. I’ve never tried that but it seems pretty fun…plus you can make them into cute shapes!

Alternative: If you’re on the lazier side, just use your Keurig or hot chocolate packets to make some hot cocoa in a pinch. Try adding flavored coffee creamer for added flavor.

5. Make caramel apples.

After you go apple picking, put those apples to good, unhealthy use! Caramel apples aren’t too difficult to make and you can dip them in your favorite candies and toppings.

Alternative: If you don’t really like caramel apples or think they’re really hard to eat (they totally are), opt for dipping apple slices in melted chocolate and granola instead. My mom introduced me to that and it’s delicious. Plus, there’s granola so you can pretend it’s healthy.

6. Roast pumpkin seeds.

Once you pick your pumpkin, save the pumpkin guts while you’re carving it! Pumpkin seeds are delicious when you roast them. Just pick them out, clean them, season them and bake!

Alternative: Roasted chickpeas are also delicious if you don’t feel like de-gutting a pumpkin and all.

Fun & Fashion

7. Go apple picking.

Be sure to go around the peak of the season. Last year my friends and I went apple picking at the end of the season and we got stuck with all of the hard to reach, not as pretty apples.

Alternative: If you’re not close to an apple orchard, you can always settle for a trip to the supermarket with friends to buy apples. Definitely not as fun or Insta-worthy, but you can still get some in season apples!

8.Go pumpkin picking.

Usually this can be done in the same place as apple picking. Buying a pumpkin is great because pumpkin picking is fun, carving (or painting) pumpkins is fun and they’re the perfect fall decor. It’s basically a great investment and perfect for creating a lot of pretty pictures.

Alternative: If you aren’t near a pumpkin patch, head to a craft store and purchase a fake pumpkin and some paint! It’s not the same, but this pumpkin can last as a decoration for years to come.

9. Carve pumpkins.

You picked it, now carve it! If you need some inspo, let me direct you to the love of my life, Pinterest. Some fun carving ideas might be your school’s mascot or emblem or your own monogram. It might also help to draw or print a template before hand and poke some holes to help guide you.

Alternative: Personally, I prefer painting pumpkins or dipping them in glitter because the idea of trying to carve artwork with a knife is terrifying to those around me and myself. I don’t think I’ve ever carved a pumpkin and I’m not too sad about it. Painting pumpkins can be just as fun, if not more fun!

10. Have a photoshoot with the pretty leaves.

Once again, fall has another perfect Instagram opportunity. Have you and your friends/housemates rock some boots and flannels and take plenty of cute fall-themed pictures. Taking pictures is one of my favorite fun things to do because you’re making memories and preserving them in the most visual way possible!

Related: 15 Best Friend Date Ideas

11. Go to a college football game.

Even if you, like me, don’t give a crap about sports, the games are always fun! You get to get all decked out in your school colors, confusedly cheer and enjoy some tasty food.

Alternative: If your school isn’t big on football, attend a different fall sport game! I can’t suggest any because I honestly have no idea about sports.

12. Go to a farmer’s market.

Fall means perfect weather for farmer’s markets! Pick up some fresh ingredients for the recipes you plan to make (see above) and feel like a bad ass Martha Stewart about it.

Alternative: If there’s no farmer’s market near you, try finding a flea market! They can be just as fun.

13. Go on a hayride.

Definitely wear jeans. Hay can be very poke-y and uncomfortable.

Alternative: Go for a bike ride! The weather is seriously perfect for riding bikes.

14. Visit a haunted house.

If you’ve got a date, this is a great place to go because it’s a perfect excuse to hold hands. Haunted houses can be pretty fun and affordable.

Alternative: Have a scary movie night complete with lots of fall-themed snacks and drinks.

15. Go for a hike.

Autumn = perfect hiking weather. If there’s nowhere to hike in your area, a nice stroll through a park or near a river can be another great option. It totally seems like I’m basing this fall bucket list on Instagram photo ops and I’m definitely not. Okay, maybe just a little bit. You’re welcome?

Alternative: Have a picnic in the park. You get some nature with less actual working out involved.

16. Host a bonfire.

Roast some marshmallows and make everyone’s favorite: s’mores! This may not be allowed if you’re on a college campus or don’t have a real fire pit, so be weary.

Alternative: Toast some marshmallows using the broiler in an oven and make your own s’mores indoors.

17. Head to a drive-in movie.

Many college towns or college areas have local drive-in movie theaters. This is a fun way to watch a movie instead of just heading indoors to a theater.

Alternative: Watch a movie indoors complete with hot cocoa and snuggly blankets.

18. Wear your favorite flannel.

They are perfectly paired with your favorite leggings or jeans. If you want to make your look a little edgy, try wearing your flannel tied around your waist.

Related: College Fall Fashion Essentials

19. Rock a dark lip.

Fall is the season for bold, dark lipstick! Try a nice dark, brick red or a berry shade. Berry works on every skin tone, just be sure to pick an undertone that works for you. If you’re not ready to take the plunge, try a semi-sheer berry shade and gradually work your way up to full coverage.

Related: Best Drugstore Dark Lipsticks

20. Buy a new pair of boots.

Treat yourself to some new boots! They don’t need to be too expensive. One of my favorite places to get boots is Charlotte Russe and Call it Spring–some of my favorite pairs are from those shops and were under $40!

Related: Shoes Every College Girl Needs

 What’s on your fall bucket list this year?