The Ultimate Autumn Checklist: 10 Things To Do This Season

Photo by Daria Nekipelova

The leaves are so close to turning. The air is almost cooling. The days are already shortening. Autumn will soon graced us with its presence, and just like Anne Shirley, we are so glad to live in a world where there are Octobers—though we’d like to include all of the ‘ber months.

But just as swiftly as autumn will arrive, it will also leave in a few short months, to be replaced by winter. Which means that in order to get the most out of this much-anticipated season, you’ll need to get organized — you’ll need a checklist. And the last week of August is the time to do so.

Allow us to suggest a few whimsical, simple, and seasonal activities for you to do before this coming autumn breathes its last breath.

01 | Sit in a bookstore on a rainy day.

There’s nothing more autumnal than bookstores and rainy days. Combine the two, and you have the ultimate fall day. Be sure to grab a pumpkin spice latte to sip on as your peruse.

02 | Take a drive (or train) to see the leaves.

Admire the glorious, fiery hues and moody setting as you weave through the streets. And if you’re on a train, enjoy a few more chapters of your fall read.

03 | Bake something unapologetically autumnal.

Bake whatever your heart desires. Maple pumpkin pie. Pecan pie bars. Pumpkin cheesecake. A dutch oven apple pie. Nutmeg cookies. Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls. Apple cider donuts.

04 | Give yourself a moody manicure.

Picture the perfect fall night in: it’s stormy outside, you’re sipping on a steaming cup of chai tea, and you’re giving yourself a moody manicure. Rich red, deep green, mocha brown — there are so many fun options for your autumn nails.

05 | Read something spooky, mysterious, or cozy.

Fall is a time for catching up on your reading list. Get into the spirit of the season by adding a classic autumn book (or two) to your TBR.

06 | Curate a playlist.

Every season needs a playlist to fully immerse you in the vibe. To us, autumn is perfectly suited for introspective indie folk songs.

07 | Rewatch Gilmore Girls (or another comfort show)

Gilmore Girls is, essentially, the classic autumn show. But there are plenty of other shows worth rewatching as you find yourself spending a little more time inside — the only requirement is that it’s a comfort show.

08 | Sit outside and make a fire.

If you’re one of the lucky ones that has a backyard, consider getting a small, portable fit pit. Roast marshmallows, enjoy the crisp, cool air, or watch the stars come out.

09 | Expand your soup horizons.

Chilly fall nights call for many, many bowls of soup for maximum coziness. Try out new recipes every week. A simple stew, butternut squash, spicy chili, creamy chicken and orzo, pumpkin soup — the possibilities are endless.

10 | Indulge in seasonal goodies at the market.

Pumpkin-flavored and cinnamon-flavored goodies are fleeting, sadly. But that’s what makes them so special. Let yourself indulge now and then by getting a fun, season-specific taste on your shopping trips.