As the temperatures start to drop here in Michigan, we are seeing the vibrant changing colors in the foliage, inhaling more crisp air in the mornings, and seeing roadside pumpkin stands popping up. As we begin to venture towards more social gathering venues after the large wave of this pandemic has begun to subside, I thought I would chose a lighter topic and collaborate on 20 fall date ideas you and your honey can partake in this autumn 2020.
1. Share fall treats at a Cider Mill- its fall and you know that means more opportunities for hot cider, donuts, caramel apples, hayrides, pumpkins patches, apple orchards, and opportunities to hold hands and keep cozy.
2. Pumpkin Carving- Trek out to a nearby farm or pumpkin stand and pick out a pumpkin for you and your better half. Take date night indoors as long as you are not afraid of a little bit of mess. Lay some newspaper down on the floor or a table and get to work together opting for a classic jack-o-lantern or alternative intricate design to wow you date. A pumpkin carving kit can be purchased at any local grocery store or you can make use of tools you already have at home-just make sure both you and your partner stay safe!
3. Time to tailgate- Though this year looks slightly different in regards to football or other sports attendance restrictions, you can still gear up together to eat, drink, grill, and tailgate at home or at a friend's house as you join forces cheering your team on to victory. Whether it is a local team or big league like the Lions on Sundays, making a event out of it brings the fun and adrenaline.
4. Bundle up and hike on a nature trail- Listen to the bird's chirp and enjoy each other's company with a nature walk. The trail at Stoney Creek Metropark is one of many, many options in our area. This date idea comes equipped with the picture perfect background wherever you go and dog friendly so you can bring sweet Fido.
5. Warm up the kitchen with some fall recipes- Stay in for the night and prepare a fall feast together while sipping on pumpkin beer or autumn spiced wine. Two of our favorites in our house are the Jack-O Samuel Adams beer and the Witches Brew red spiced wine from Leelanau Wine Cellars. Theres so much two can do in the kitchen- ranging from baking warm apple pie or comfort foods such as a autumnal pot roast.
6. Enjoy a Picnic and Jump in Some Leaves- Situate yourselves near some gorgeous fallen leaves, unpack your thermos-contained drinks-from hot apple cider to cocoa with marshmallows, belly warming soup, and fresh bread. Afterward, you can work off your meal by raking up a pile of leaves and jumping in them for a hit of nostalgia from your childhood.
7. Go Apple Picking- One of the classic options for the fall season in our area, we love driving up to an apple orchard, such as Blakes Farms, and walking through the rows of various varieties of delicious apples of the season. What is your favorite? Red or green? This idea can pair easily with #5 to return home to bake some seasonal goods.
8. Cozy up together for a Halloween Themed Movie Night- Due to movie theaters being closed during the pandemic, this is the perfect opportunity to get in your comfy clothes and snuggle up together on the couch to turn on a Halloween themed movie, ranging anywhere from horror to more my style of the Disney classics. Examples include The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Halloween Town, Beetlejuice, The Twilight Saga Series, Harry Potter.
9. Rent an Air B and B and head upstate- Take a vacation within our beautiful state of Michigan and road trip up north to view even more vibrant colors of the fall foliage. When it comes to leaf peeping adventures up north, there is no shortage of fall getaway options. Our personal favorite as a couple is Traverse City, MI and very popular this year as well.
10. Go Camping and Light a Bonfire- Stargazing, s'mores, and storytelling around a campfire as a must. Share funny stories about your childhood or take turns creating and narrating spooky stories. Grab a two person sleeping bag for optimal cuddling, a tent, flashlights, and spare batteries just incase you're S.O is afraid of the dark!
11.Hang out at a cidery or brewery-An indoor our outdoor patio space cidery or brewery is a chill place to spend a fall afternoon. If there are no local options or you are weary of traveling to places with higher volume crowds, opt for cocktail night in creating your own signature cocktails.
12. Visit a Haunted House- These types of attractions range from "kid friendly" to "I am going to wet my pants." Figure out where you and your partner fall on the spectrum and attend the appropriate venue to get your spooky and scares on. If you want extra company, you could even make it a group date night.
13. Get Lost on a Long Drive- Take some winding country roads and view the gorgeous lined trees starting to turn colors. If you're lucky enough to have it in your vehicle, you can also turn on those seat warmers, listen to your own curated Spotify fall playlist, or listen to an educational or funny podcast together.
14. Plan a Puzzle Night- Light your favorite pumpkin-scented candle and settle in with a fall themed puzzle paired with a flight of pumpkin ales or warm apple cider for the perfect evening at home in front of the fireplace.
15. Hit the local cafe for pumpkin spiced lattes- The aroma of coffee beans coupled with the soft hum of acoustic tunes in the background at a coffee shop remind me of my college days, but also is a great opportunity for thoughtful and engaging conversation while lounging on comfortable couches. You can also relax outdoor on a airy sidewalk while sipping on a pumpkin spiced latte- or just a plain black coffee works too. If you're S.O. hasn't tried PSL, this is the opportunity to try new things- because they cannot knock it until they try it!
16. Go Horseback Riding- Everyone needs a little adventure and the fall temperatures are very comfortable on top of a horse trail riding through the woods. Locate your nearest horse ranch and book a trail ride.
17. Go Shopping for Flannels and Sweaters - Your wardrobe can always use a nice update for the season with new cozy pieces including long sleeve button down flannels and fall sweaters. Go to Partridge Creek outdoor mall to enjoy the crisp outdoor air as you walk shop to shop, even Fido can join you on this adventure as well.
18. Go Biking on Dequindre Cut Detroit or St. Clair Metropark- Bundle up for a breezy ride on your bikes before it snows as you view the urban artwork and graffiti on Dequindre Cut Detroit or the beautiful Lake St. Clair down bike pathways.
19. Lose Yourself in a Corn Maze- Kids and adults alike love the challenge of finding their way through intricate labyrinths carved out of towering corn fields. Check out your local corn mazes and try your hand at problem solving together through the maze!
20. Visit a Farmer's Market- Summer may be behind us, but the wealth of Michigan's farms doesn't end until the snow flies. The Eastern Market downtown Detroit has been a Detroit staple, covering six city blocks with stalls of root vegetables, fall blooming flowers, and locally made pierogies and autumn sausage. Check out your local town's and city's farmers markets as well and browse around on a Sunday.
I hope you enjoyed my suggestions and get the opportunity to try a few this season with your sweetie! If you have any further ideas you want to add, I would love to hear your thoughts. Signing off with a happy fall y’all!