Sweater Weather

Y'all I love Fall. It's easily my favorite season and luckily I live in a place that actually has 4 seasons (even if Fall lasts only 2 weeks.) During this lovely season, we never seem to have enough time to complete our annual bucket list of things that should only be done in 65 degree weather with sweaters on but we have some favorite things that are certainly a must especially in KY.

1. Go to a pumpkin patch.

So what if we only go to take cute pictures with a pumpkin (and then put said pumpkin back and buy a cheaper pumpkin at WalMart?) You get to experience awesome apple orchards and an acre of pumpkins after taking a hayride with a warm cup of Apple Cider in hand. We are regulars at Huber's and recently tried Eckert's in Lexington for the first time. We recommend that if you visit Hubers you try the on site restaurant and if you visit Eckert's you make sure to try the apple cider slushie, also bring a knife to sample the apples ;)

2. Have a Bonfire

There's nothing worse in my opinion than sitting by a fire when its 80 degrees outside. But a fire on a cool fall night with friends? Nothing beats it. Live in a small neighborhood and cant' have a crazy huge fire? no problem. Lowes, Walmart, and target all sell portable fire pits for less than $50. So crack open those graham crackers, invite some friends over and make it happen!!

3. Take Pictures

There's a reason that October is to photographers what April is to accountants. Because there is no prettier time to take pictures or have pictures taken. Fall foliage is to die for and I am a huge advocate for getting pictures done annually. Plus Christmas cards are just around the corner :)

4. Go Hiking

Depending on where you hike, you can really work up a sweat. But hiking in cool, crisp fall weather is perfection. Not too hot, not too cold but just right. Plus add the amazing views of leaves changing color and you have a perfect Fall activity. Our favorite spots to hike around Louisville are Jefferson Memorial Forrest, Natural Bridge in Slade, Ky and Clifty Falls in Madison, IN.

5. Football

Watch football, Play football....all of the above. When I think of football weather, I think of wearing a sweatshirt and leggings and running around with my friends. Precious memories :)

6. Pumpkin Carving

Okay, we have a tradition in our friend group where we carve pumpkins and then roast the seeds. The carving gets PRETTY serious but it's so fun to think of a new and more challenging idea each year and then share in the pumpkin seeds. If you've never roasted pumpkin seeds before here's a link for the recipe I use.

7. Local Festivals and Activities

There's always something amazing going on in Louisville all year round but there are a few things you can count on happening every Fall. The St. James Art Fair the first weekend in October which is a celebration of local artists set up as a market place-it's really cool and I always try to buy a unique new piece for my home there. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which is an entire park filled with INCREDIBLE and jaw dropping carvings. Nulu Fest which has live music and local vendors as well as a sampling of Amazing Foods. ColorFest in Clermont KY which celebrates the changing of the leaves. There's a ton more but those are just some favorites.

8. Bake

In my opinion there is no better dessert than pumpkin pie. Pumpkin has infused its flavor into many other desserts also and I am not mad about it. Break out your rolling pan and look for some fall recipes that are sure to satisfy your basic white girl needs. Here's a link to my favorite fall recipe.

9. Host a Murder Mystery Dinner Party

I have hosted 3 murder mysteries and they are a blast. I have changed my tune to a Halloween party this year just to try it out but I have always loved a good murder mystery. Here's a link to some great kits (or you can write your own)

10. Find a local "Octoberfest"

Even if you don't drink, Octoberfest is a really neat experience. There's always great food and local vendors and PRETZELS WITH BEER CHEESE.

I hope this helps you narrow down your Fall festiveness to a doable list. Happy FALL-ing. :)