Autumn Across America

Ah yes, autumn is here as of Saturday. For my New England peeps, bring on the beautiful foliage and crisp air. This right here is a big deal for many of us– well, a deal to say the least.

The transition from the fun of summer is not easy for those who deal with the cold temps, snow, sleet and sliding around on icy roads just to get to that class that wasn’t canceled because your schools doesn’t give a damn about your well-being. Autumn is, for lack of a better term, gorgiful. I made it. Gorgeous-beautiful. Because it deserves that.

So in honor of the return of fall, I conjured up a list of activities that I make sure get done this time of year. Even if you are still basking in the hot Florida sun, I am pretty sure you can find some of these weekend mini-adventures somewhere.  I will do my best to keep you entertained with updates of said activities as they are completed.

1. Get your butt to a haunted… anything!

You do not have to be a kid to enjoy haunted hayrides, houses, or cornmazes. Pick a day two weeks from now and send out a mass text to all your friends. You would be surprised how fast they get that time free. This is the only time where high school punks in zombie costumes can scare the bejesus out of you without getting a good punch to the gut.

2. Go pumpkin picking.

It is autumn all over the country no matter how high those degrees be reachin’ in October. Find a family-owned farm in your area and spend a few hours totally focused on family or friends. I usually look through every last pumpkin with three in my hands (or the hands of my boyfriend) before making that totally life-changing decision. No lie, I am a pumpkin pro. At carving? Not so much.

3. Salem Massachusetts.

This small town 30 minutes outside of Boston is loaded with history. Ever hear of the Salem Witch Trials? Of course you have! During this time of year the town really goes out of its way to put on the best show for its tourists. There are witch trial reenactments, museums, and guided candlelight tours that will ensure you get in all the education you can while having a fun time doing it. At this rate, I am a Salem historian. Take a break at one of the many restaurants (seafood, people, order the seafood!) that will serve you up the freshest Sam Adams Octoberfest you will ever drink aside from the brewery itself. Do look into making that weekend trip. (Ps: it’s totally kid-friendly).

4. Bake

This time of the year is best for apple and pumpkin picking.  Even if you are not in the mood to go spend quality time in nature for 30 whole minutes to extend one arm and pluck gorgeous apples from their trees, at least get to a grocery store. Bake up a nice pie, and always, please for me, make your own pie crust. sarah On The Go pie crust tip of your lifetime: wet your hands (after washing them, of course) to spread the crust dough out on a flat surface- not in the pie dish. You can slide the dough around and smooth it like you did in high school ceramics making your first A+ ashtray. Once your lay it in the oven-safe dish, you can continue to patch up areas and mold it if your hands are wet!

5. Crafts

Whether you are taking a million photos of all the above mentioned activities and need a place to put them (ahem, scrapbooking), or making use of all those fresh-picked goodies, crafting is the answer! Try out an A.C. Moore or Joann Fabrics for anything and everything you need from sewing, knitting, scrap-booking, baking, handmade interior design projects and paint. I prefer painting and scrap-booking, but there is something for everyone. There is so much to be inspired by this time of year. Crafting is not for little old ladies only. Get to it!