As the air gets colder and the leaves start falling, our environment becomes a colorful whirlwind with many different things to experience. Pumpkins, corn, haunted houses, dressing up, and of course, pumpkin spice lattes are all important rituals in this particular season.
"But how do I use my time to soak up all the important and aesthetically pleasing fall activities?" Well, I'm glad you asked because this article is going to break it down for you.
Do you enjoy family get-togethers or long walks with your partner looking at pumpkins? Well, pumpkin patches are the thing for you! With activities like corn mazes, hay bail rides, and access to seasonal food, it's a must-do for fall.
The number one recommended pumpkin patch is Sauvie Island. Located in Portland, Sauvie Island has all you can ask for, including flower picking, a corn maze, hay rides, a coffee shop and cafe, a pumpkin patch, a market, and even an animal petting zoo. There is a huge list of things to choose from. If that’s not your vibe, there are many other pumpkin patches in Oregon that offer just as much and even more than Sauvie Island, for instance, Bauman’s pumpkin patch (located in Gervais), which offers lots of fun games.
Image by Keiko Zellner
Next, lazy days are a must in the fall and luckily, autumn is the perfect season for it. The light Oregon rain makes the most perfect white noise, you’re able to light a candle without sweating profusely, and don't forget how the leaves create a beautiful landscape to look at.
Ultimately, playing a movie or TV show is what makes or breaks this lazy day. My recommendation for you is the TV show Supernatural, which is perfect if you like something with a little thriller but a good storyline and has 15 seasons for those of you who want to binge long series. A classic movie I personally love is Edward Scissor Hands. It’s perfect for family night or even just background noise as you relax for the day. This movie has depth, great emotion, and an aesthetic perfect for fall.
Coffee shops are just so much better in the fall. With different seasonal drinks like pumpkin spice lattes, snickerdoodle lattes, and cinnamon-based drinks, the atmosphere just really puts the autumn in fall. One specific favorite of mine is Brooks and Terry which has many locations in the Salem and Monmouth area. They have put out so many fall favorites that I personally have tried and they have not disappointed! The Governor's Cup Coffee Roasters is also a great coffee shop, located in Salem Oregon. They are very presentable and have gorgeous decor which makes you feel welcome. Their coffee is definitely worth it. It's a great place to sit down and enjoy yourself.
Apple orchard picking is another favorite fall festivity in Oregon. There are many awesome orchards to choose from. With all the apple-based desserts in the fall, picking your own organic apples is a sustainable way to support local farmers and make delicious food. My recommendation is the Kiyokawa family orchards, located in Parkdale, Oregon, which has been growing fruit since 1911. They have fruit stands that offer apple cider and other lovely holiday treats. The family farm has many different fruits to choose from if you're not into apple picking, and you can also pre-order fruit to pick up if you don't want to pick your own fruit.
These are some great ways to soak up this fall season and appreciate nature. With pumpkin patches, coffee shops, apple picking, and more these are the best activities to do across the state that most people have loved. And of course, there are many more fun things to participate in this 2023 fall season!