Fall is a great time to get outdoors and let nature do the entertaining.
Here in the Midwest, summers are often hot and humid. Even short trips to the store can be sweltering and unpleasant. Entertainment during these hot days are usually centered around water or indoor activities. When the weather finally breaks at the end of summer we’re given a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the best that nature has to offer.
Early fall is a great time to get out on a river float. The crowds have died down and the water is still warm enough to not send you into shock should you happen to take a swim (unexpectedly or not). The days are long enough to still enjoy a full day out on the river.
Hiking is an inexpensive way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. A quick internet search for “Hiking trails near me” will provide a plethora of options, but often not much information about the hike itself. Using and phone app such as AllTrails provide not only maps, but information such as elevation and difficulty, as well.
If you’re a hiker. You’re probably itching to get into the woods. But no one likes to itch after they leave the woods. Use a spray containing Deet to dissuade flying insects from landing and biting on you. Spraying your shoes on clothing with Permethrin will greatly reduce the number of both flying and crawling pests, such as ticks and chiggers, that will see you as a treat. Waiting till after the first frost greatly reduces the number of ticks and chiggers that you’ll encounter on your walks.
Fall has always been my favorite time of year to camp. Whether in a tent or camper, the nights can be comfortable with the proper gear. And what’s better than a cup of hot chocolate by a warm fire on a chilly night? Although not as inexpensive as it used to be, camping is still an affordable way to vacation from home life.
If you’re a Fall foliage fanatic like me, you’ll probably enjoy the interactive map hosted on SmokyMountains.com. It’s not just for the Smoky Mountains. They’ve compiled the peak leaf viewing predictions for the entire continental U.S. (but not Hawaii or Alaska). You can use this tool to plan a walk in the woods during peak color. Find it here: https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/.
Autumn is also the time for Fall festivals. Many communities and churches hold their annual picnics and carnivals during this time of year. These are often an opportunity to experience another cultures food and festivities. Each weekend there are usually opportunities to travel into the city, or out into the country, whichever you prefer. A quick internet search for your cities fall festivals should provide lots of options.
And finally, there are few things more relaxing than a day trip to the wineries. Some serve food and some have music on the weekends. Making it easy and convenient to spend several hours relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
So make a plan to get out of the house and enjoy the pleasant weather and beautiful fall foliage.
And remember to take the next step…
Mitch