Autumn has arrived.

Here are some things to do.

Get outside (or stay inside) and:

Go Apple Picking!

My first year in college, I had a horrendous adventure getting to an apple orchard. I had just moved several states away, and I had left my beloved car in Minnesota. That wouldn’t stop my friend (also car-less) and I from going to an orchard, though!

We decided that, in order to save money and get a little walk in, we’d only uber halfway. After getting out of the uber, we crossed the street and started walking down the sidewalk that Apple Maps and Google Maps said would take us to the orchard.

Short story long, the sidewalk ended shortly after and we walked in the ditch. Not just any ditch — it was the ditch of all ditches. We got scraped up by spiky plants, berries were smashed in our hair, and it felt way longer than 1 mile. The ditch tried to crush our spirits, but we remained strong. After trekking for what felt like hours, beneath trees and bushes where we couldn’t see the sunlight, we finally made it… back out to the highway. We then ran along the highway and eventually made it to the apple orchard. The orchard was ghostly — there was no one there. We wandered about for awhile, and finally arrived at the little orchard shop. A girl popped up behind the counter and invited us to look around (and mentioned that the apple cider was unpasteurized, not that that meant anything to a pair of first years 🙂). We bought our apples and apple cider, and ordered an uber back.

Long story short, my friend and I went to an apple orchard. I’d recommend!

LuceLine Orchard

If you’re in MN, here’s a spot to try this fall. Last time I went, they had a little pig that wandered around 😊 

Go Hiking in MN (and WI)!

Carpenter Nature Center

This trail is full of cool birds (including owls!), a nice dock on the river, and there’s an apple store right next to it.

If you go here, stop at Selma’s Ice Cream Parlour on your way back to the cities (check to make sure it is still open for the season)!

Osceola Loop

While technically in WI, this 1-2 hour trail is just over the St. Croix River, so I’m including it in this mostly-MN list. You’ll be walking up and down stairs / hills at this location, so make sure to wear good walking shoes. There’s a waterfall at one of the trailheads, so bring your swimsuit if it’s not too cold!

Eat Fall Food and Drink This Hot Cider Brew!

I’ve made this fall drink for the past decade or so (per my dad’s request, usually). It’s pretty tasty, makes your kitchen smell wonderful, and is relatively easy to make.

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider

• 2 cups cranberry juice

• 4 cinnamon sticks

• 6 star anise

• 1 tsp cardamom

• 1 tsp ground cloves

• Zest of an orange

• Zest of a lemon (or 1/8 cup lemon juice)

Heat up the apple cider and cranberry juice in a pot over medium heat for a few minutes. Add in the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and spices. Add in the orange and lemon zest. Stir as needed. Leave on the stove over medium heat for ~10 minutes, then turn to low if serving immediately; else, strain and store in the fridge after it cools.

Here’s an Easy Chocolate Truffle Recipe for when you’re craving some chocolate. That’s the end of my fall food list.

Watch a Cozy or Spooky Movie / TV Show!

• The Shining

  • Redrum, redrum, redrum!

• The Addams Family and Wednesday (Netflix)

  • Just finished the 2nd season of Wednesday — so good!!!!

• Great British Baking Show

  • I know that this is set during the Summer, but it’s such a comfort show that I’m putting it here.

• Harry Potter

  • The vibes

• The Lord of the Rings

  • Frodo!

Autumn Has Just Begun

As we’re entering this new season, perhaps I should also add that it’s a great time to reflect on the Summer.

What did you enjoy? Do you wish you did more of anything? What do you want to start doing now that we’re entering a new season?

The start of fall is one of my favorite times of the year because it feels like a big change. With this change, I’m reminded to try new things and foster new habits. I encourage you to do the same.

Make time for yourself, for your friends and family, and for priorities that may have taken a backseat during the summer. Get your sleep, too!

That’s all for this week 😘 

In my next blog, I’ll be talking about how to navigate stress. I’ve always had a higher amount of stress than I know what to do with, and I’m still figuring out the best way to manage it. I have picked up a few things over the years, though, so I will be sharing next week!