Needless to say, Fall is my favorite time of the year. Growing up in the East Coast for the majority of my childhood, I was lucky enough to experience all four seasons… and I mean all seasons, including the transition months where sunny doesn’t necessarily mean warm and there is a jacket for every hour of the day.

Living in the high-70s-and-sunny Los Angeles now, I find myself feeling nostalgic about the days I spent with my family and friends doing some of my favorite Fall Festivities. The best type of activities are the ones where you don’t have to break your bank, and Autumn has so much beauty to offer!

Head to an Apple Orchard

Apple-picking is perfect for late September to early October! When my fiancé Dr. William Puetz and I lived in Omaha, Nebraska, one of our favorite frequent spots is Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. This outdoor escape makes for the perfect Fall getaway for the whole family! The brilliant reds and oranges of fall foliage is perfect for leaf peeping, not to mention the selection of apples is so wide even your local grocery store would be jealous.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

This is a no-brainer! Spending the day at the pumpkin patch is an undeniably perfect way to enjoy a fall afternoon, not to mention get some fall foliage family photos. Now bring home some pumpkins to carve or to bake into pies!

Go For a Hayride

The first Fall Will and I spent as a couple, he asked me to go on a hayrack ride with him. Um, excuse me? Hay… what?! You’ve got the wrong girl. I’ve never been on a tractor, nor have I ever sat on hay in real life. But as soon as we hoped on the tractor, I was having the time of my life! Hayride consists of a ride in a wagon or cart pulled by a tractor, horses or a truck, which has been loaded with hay or straw for comfortable seating. Sometimes, others will throw some hay your way. Others will tell haunted stories.

Have a Picnic

Fall picnics are the absolute best opportunity to savor the season with family and friends! Enjoy the change in color of the leafs, the cool breeze, and fresh air! Bring some Autumn harvest favorites like chili and pear salad with gorgonzola cheese!

Take a Drive

It is always a good idea for a drive. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and stunning foliage by planning a fall drive through some of the country’s most scenic regions.