In many regions, Autumn brings cooler weather, glorious colors — and a new interest in what’s going on. Try one of these popular Fall hobbies for a new kick to your schedule.
LEAF-PRESSING
Orange, red, gold — why not preserve some of fall’s most beautiful colors for later? Enclosing them in contact paper or a wax coating will help preserve their lovely shading.
CAMPING
The sticky days and bugs of summer are past, and your sleeping bag feels wonderful in the crisp evening air. Tent or trailer camping lets you enjoy fall’s colors without winter’s chilly temps. While you’re at it, gather some wood for…
FIRE-MAKING
Aren’t those branches and extra wood getting in the way? A firepit (portable, or made from a metal ring or concrete blocks) is a relaxing spot for an evening, by yourself or with company. You needed to tidy up the yard, anyways…who brought marshmallows?
WOOD-CARVING
Find a great piece of wood, before you burn all of it; your jackknife will make it even better. (The shavings go into the fire.)
BIRD-WATCHING
The seasonal time-clock is changing, with some birds (like hummingbirds) migrating out, and others (like chickadees) heading into town. A pair of binoculars and a feeding station keep things lively.
HIKING
Summer’s heat has let up, but winter hasn’t gotten a foothold yet. (Well, maybe an icy fingertip or two.) This is perfect weather for hiking and viewing fall colors.
CORN MAZES & PUMPKIN PATCHES
Wandering through a maze of cornstalks on a crisp evening, with geese honking overhead, hones your navigating skills and gives you a new way to experience Fall pleasures. Or pick a pumpkin from a local patch to take home and carve. Kids especially love these activities.
MAKING SOUP
Few things sound tastier than a hot bowl of soup on a chilly day. Veggies are still fresh and readily available, and root crops are in full harvest. Try that new recipe for salmon chowder, or even better, green chile, using Anaheim peppers from the new crop. (If you live in the West, the smell of these roasting is one of the first signs that fall has arrived.)
BAKING BREAD
Doesn’t your soup need a proper accompaniment? Bread or rolls, topped with fresh butter or a slice of cheese, make it a meal, and the heat from the oven is cheering. Try adding cracked wheat or sesame seeds to your dough for extra crunch.
VISIT AN APPLE ORCHARD
Fresh air, falling leaves and the crunchy tang of apple, freshly bitten, give a nice finale to this season. (Kids love it, too, especially if the orchard offers hayrides or petting zoos. Many do.) Take a bushel home; apples keep well on the back porch and in the crisper compartment of your refrigerator. A steaming plate of apple crisp, topped with whipped cream, is a perfect way to end any Fall evening. Enjoy it while you can…because Winter’s coming.
