You know those people that love fall? I am not one of those people. I’m a summer kind of gal. The fall upsets me because I know that after fall comes winter. All of this leaves-changing business sends me into a tailspin of seasonal depression. I don’t think it’s pretty and I don’t want to wear a light jacket in the morning. I’ll keep my shorts and tank top, thanks.

My point, and yes I do have one, is that I have come to understand and recognize the “Oscar the Grouch Syndrome” that takes over once August comes to an end. As with any un-fun thing, you must find the positives to get you through. What was it Mary Poppins said? Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down? Well… bring on the sugar.

In order to get through the retirement of sundresses, I’ve focused on the unique things that come with fall. And, as with anything shared on MFW, I tried to be wallet-friendly in my activity search.

So, here it goes. My heaping, overflowing spoonful of sugar:

• Camping and hiking: Somehow sleeping on the ground in cooler temperatures is slightly more appealing than sleeping on the ground in… warmer temperatures.
• Bon fires: Bon fires go hand-in-hand with camping. No one likes a smoking mountain of heat in the middle of July.
• Apple orchards: I’m discovering quite a few local farms that allow for a pick-your-own fruit setting. Perhaps I’ll make a day of it and gain some ingredients for new recipes.
• Pumpkin patches: Okay, I’ve always loved this. I enjoy picking out my own pumpkin and carving a masterpiece (no template allowed).
• Halloween: Alter egos are quite amazing… I wonder what I should be this year…
• Corn mazes: Slightly terrifying for the claustrophobic, super fun for everyone else.
• Haunted house tours: I won’t set foot in one, but those who dare are welcome to take my place.
• Hay rides: Can easily be squeezed into a visit to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Plan B? Just hook up your little brother to a wagon.
• Tailgating and watch parties: Alright, football is pretty fun. Bet you wouldn’t guess that I’m a certified referee for the sport!
• Thanksgiving: As an annual tradition, I make a “Fakesgiving” feast for my close friends the week before the actual holiday. It takes quite a bit of planning, but it’s totally worth it. Perhaps I’ll share my tips in a later blog…
• Craft fairs: These seem to show up all over the place once the weather turns. Nearby communities will host many in the upcoming weeks.
• Homemade caramel apples and cider: Never attempted, always desired. 2011 may be the year.
• Playing in the leaves: You may look like a 5-year old, but when they take away your pool and diving board, this is what you’re left with.

If you have any fall favorites, please share. As a self-proclaimed Vitamin D junkie, I need all the help I can get in the upcoming months.

Tags: end of summer, fall activities