Fall is officially here, and I’m ready for it! As much as I love the summer months, the transition to cooler temperatures and cozy sweaters is always a welcome change, and I always look forward to the first pumpkin pie of the season. Not to mention, some of the best holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving, take place during the fall.
The approach of fall also means it’s almost time to enjoy one of my favorite things about the season – pumpkins. Whether you use them as a decoration, the focus of your favorite fall activity, or a delicious treat, you can’t go wrong. And as we gear up for the autumn ahead, I’m excited to share some of my favorite ways to enjoy pumpkin everything:
BAKE SOME PUMPKIN BREAD
Pumpkin bread is one of my favorite treats of the season, and it’s easy to see why. Super simple to make, delicious to eat, and easy to store for a few days without losing its quality, it makes a great gift, potluck contribution, or breakfast treat. While there are lots of different recipes out there, this one is my go-to for turning out excellent pumpkin bread every time.
PLAN A TRIP TO A LOCAL PUMPKIN PATCH
A quick Google search will show you if you’ve got a pumpkin patch in your area – the odds are good there’s something nearby! Pick a date and take the family – or grab a group of friends – and have some fun embracing some traditional fall activities. Whether your pumpkin patch is filled with pre-picked pumpkins in a church parking lot or it’s on a farm where you can truly pick your own pumpkin, you can take your time choosing the perfect pumpkin to carve later on.
Aside from pumpkin picking, you’ll typically find some other family-friendly fun. Petting zoos and hayrides are common attractions and make great settings for a fall-themed family photoshoot.
SIP A PUMPKIN-INSPIRED BEVERAGE
The world has expanded beyond the Pumpkin Spice Latte. While you can still indulge in the sugary Starbucks beverage, there are lots of other ways to sip on something pumpkin on a crisp fall day. Pumpkin beer, pumpkin-spiced apple cider, and pumpkin spice white russians are just a few of the different pumpkin beverages you can enjoy this season, or try our pumpkin spice hot chocolate which is perfect for the kids.
MAKE A JACK-O-LANTERN…
Carving a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern is a quintessential fall activity in my home, and it’s something we look forward to each year. It’s surprisingly fun to transform a pumpkin into an illuminated work of art, and thanks to the internet, it’s easy to find inspiration – and step-by-step templates – to turn your pumpkin into just about anything you’d like. Just make sure you have the right tools on hand to carve your image of choice – a favorite character, a scene from a book, or a more traditional, spooky silhouette.
…AND ROAST THOSE PUMPKIN SEEDS!
Don’t throw out the good stuff when you scoop the “guts” out of your pumpkin. Instead, sift out the seeds to make one of the season’s most delicious treats. Follow a simple recipe like this one to transform those seeds into a savory snack, or have some fun with different spices and seasonings.
Add a few of these pumpkin-inspired activities and treats to your fall itinerary and make the most of the season!
