This time of year is an all-time favorite! The gradual transitioning of the weather with leaves falling, lots of pumpkins, gourds, and squash. The weather in Dallas has been pleasant the last week with mornings a little crisp and the afternoons warming up to bearable temperatures. There’s always so much I look forward to at this time of the year and I wanted to put together a few fun things you can do in the city this Fall and some cool home options too! These are things my family and I have already done or we plan on doing over the next month, and you may enjoy adding to your list as well.
1. Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patches are the cutest! It really is one of those first things you notice as a sign that Fall has arrived. There are many local pumpkin patch places this time of year you can take your family to. It is an exciting experience for your kiddos when they see the variety of pumpkins on display with their different shapes, sizes, and color. I love it when we pick one or two or maybe a couple to decorate for the front porch or to carve a pumpkin! Autumn at the Arboretum is so beautiful this time of year. It’s a great place to take pictures and one of the best Fall festivals. For something a little away from the city, there’s the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm at Preston Trail Farms which is open this time of year through November 26, and has lots of pumpkins, a petting farm and rides. Definitely one we will be going to again this year.
2. Fall Events
There’s quite a number of events that are organized this time of year. A great way to step out on a date or again with the family. There’s a few I will list here:
OCTOBER 28 – HALLOWEEN SPIRIT WALK (ADULT event) at the Grandscape in the Colony, TX. You will be able to walk through the Lifestyle Center and participate in drink sampling at various locations during this event. This is a paid event ($25) and will include a drink passport. There are also FREE music events on October 29 that is open to the public.
OCTOBER 31 – TRICK OR TREAT on Main Street in Frisco, TX. Your kiddos can help themselves to all the sweets they can handle and businesses on Main Street are encouraged to hand candy outside versus inside. I believe face coverings are recommended for anyone 2 and older to wear. The city of Frisco have a few more events planned for the months of November through December but that is for a later post.
OCTOBER 31 – NEIGHBORHOOD GOODS GOAT YOGA at the Shops at Legacy West in Plano, TX. Yup, if you’re anything like me, you will want to go to this outdoorsy event which sounds like a whole lot of fun!!! Oh, and because it is so close to the end of the month, there will be a costume theme for Halloween.
EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY – JURASSIC WORLD EXHIBITION at the Grandscape in the Colony, TX. Okay, if you haven’t been to this exhibition, then you simply have to. This is a totally immersive experience that transports you to the park to learn more about the prehistoric creatures that once ruled the land. It is great for both adults and kids, and the dinosaurs move. My kids absolutely loved the experience.
3. Try New Restaurants, Juice or Coffee Shops
Y’all. there are so many new restaurants that have sprung up with good food and drinks. One of my favorite juice bars that is 100% certified organic is Clean Juice. They are located all over the DFW metroplex and in other parts of the United States. I cannot recommend this place enough and they have a seasonal pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin smoothie that is absolute heaven! You can also try a local coffee shop like Amor Coffee Shop in Allen, TX which is owned by a fellow blogger and HGTV demo renovation designer, Jenn Todyrk. I also recommend visiting the Grandscape in the Colony, TX and the Gates at Prosper for some pretty cool restaurants.
If you’re more of a homebody, then you can simply try your hands at making a new Fall drink from the comforts of your kitchen or attempt making a cup of green tea matcha with oat milk and agave. There are so many great recipes that have pumpkin for this time of year. I am a bit obsessed with homemade cinnamon rolls and will share a vegan option on the blog next.
4. S’MORES AND OUTDOORS
S’mores outdoors in your backyard are the best! If you’re vegan, there is a brand called Dandies that makes marshmallows and Trader Joe’s have some good options too. There’s always something relaxing about sitting outdoors watching the flickering of the fire as you make a s’more and enjoy it with family and friends. My suggestion is to experiment with the chocolate on your s’more. Next time you make a s’more, instead of using your traditional milk chocolate, try it with dark chocolate or peanut butter cups, or maybe a combo of both. You’ll be surprised.
5. Home Activities
Finally, there are LOTS of cool things to do at home. Remember those pumpkins I mentioned earlier? Well, you can certainly carve a pumpkin. We plan on doing some pumpkin carvings this weekend. If you don’t want to get your house messy, then puzzles are another nice way to settle in during Fall evenings with a warm cup of hot chocolate. Its a great family activity and a simple way to enjoy a quiet evening after your kids are all tucked away for the evening. You can find puzzles at stores like Barnes & Noble, Target, and Hobby Lobby. Movie nights are by far my FAVORITE activity to do at home during Fall! I love to turn on the fireplace, cuddle and catch-up on favorite shows or movies. I’m currently watching Succession and that has been entertaining.
Hope you’re able to do something fun this Fall, either in the City or at home. xo Louise