As the trees begin to turn and leaves of many shades and tints dominate the streets and sidewalks, there are a lot of ways to celebrate autumn’s presence. Indianapolis residents don’t need nearby amusement parks or haunted houses to enjoy the fall season. There are a great deal of other activities to participate in while furthering relationships with loved ones or spending much needed time alone.
Following are seven things to do this fall.
Light a bonfire
Grab your family and some of your closest friends for an evening under the stars while roasting marshmallows and sipping hot beverages. Bonfires are the perfect activity for enhancing bonds, telling ghost stories and cuddling up under a blanket with significant others.
Best place for a bonfire: Your own backyard. Check with IndyParks for additional venues.
Press away
Whether you bring your children along or a Saturday afternoon is the best time for “me” time, leaf pressing can be a fun activity during the fall. Try using different colors, shapes and textured leaves to achieve a customized look. Once completed, your work can be framed and displayed on your wall.
Best place for leaf pressing: Visit your local park to collect a variety of leaves.
Indoor decor
The new season is the perfect time to think about redecorating your home. Many department stores have shifted their appearance to showcase fall home decor, decorating ideas and hues of brown, plum and golden yellow. Try new curtains, dining table placemats, rugs, candles and more.
Best place to find some decor: Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Target and Home Goods.
Craft your own
Nothing says you’re getting ready for the cooler months like knitting and sewing your own gloves, scarves, mittens and blankets. Don’t be afraid to use different colors of yarn for a unique look. If you aren’t an expert on knitting or sewing, search YouTube for tutorials, lessons and projects.
Best place to purchase yarn and needles: Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Etsy.
Ride through the patches
Feel the cool breeze on your face as your ride though the orchards and pumpkin patches on a hayride. Kids will look forward to choosing their own pumpkin and adults will enjoy the scenic view.
Best places to book a hayride: Hoosier Trail Rides at Fort Ben, Eagle Creek Park, Southeastway Park.
Bake up something sweet
Pies, cakes, muffins and cupcakes are all items you can transform into fall festive sweet treats for your family and friends. Many food suppliers now offer pumpkin spiced flavors, orange and yellow sprinkles and apple aromas. In addition to baking, other seasonal recipes and comfort foods are available such as autumn pork roast, sweet potato pie and double-layer pumpkin cheesecake.
Best place to discover recipes: Allrecipes.com, Foodnetwork.com, Cookinglight.com.
If you dare… go on a ghost tour
Explore some of Indiana’s most haunted places with Indiana’s most accomplished professional paranormal investigators, the Unseenpress. Tours are centered on cities and towns that are among the most haunted in the state. Private dinners, private group walking and bus tours and private paranormal investigations are available.
Best place to schedule a ghost tour: Unseenpress.com.
