The last several months have been extraordinary as we all continue to navigate COVID-19. Time may have felt as if it stood still while we lived with the restrictions. But now that Summer is coming to a close, the favorite season of many is just around the corner.
Fall gives us all something to look forward to. And even though there may still be uncertainty in the world, you can enjoy the beauty of this time of year. Plan ahead and see what activities you can find to enjoy.
Here are 5 ideas to consider, all doable, even in the days of wearing a mask and keeping your social distance.
1. Take a scenic drive
Schedule a day trip when the leaves are nearing their peak colors. Choose a route that will offer some of the area’s best viewing. If possible, plan for a stop along the way to have lunch or browse an antique shop or two. The season can offer some of the best weather so be sure to take advantage of being out in the fresh, crisp air.
If you’d rather not drive, you still have options. Do you know of someone willing to take the wheel who would also love to spend the day having a peep at the leaves? Check if your community has planned a tour of the changing colors or knows of another resource.
2. Bring the fall colors to your patio or balcony
Although we can all enjoy the bright pinks and yellows of summer flowers, some of the most beautiful colors arrive with the Fall. Now is your chance to replace the plants which are slowly showing their decline with the oranges, golds and reds of the season.
Get creative by combining mums, pansies, and grasses in one container. Or consider using frost-tolerant plants surrounded by a collection of mini gourds and squash. Make sure to go beyond only flowers, as different textures, colors and heights are what make a container more interesting. One helpful tip: there won’t be time for your plants to grow and fill in the pot so pack them in close together for instant enjoyment.
3. Bring the aroma of Fall into your home
For many people, Fall not only provides their favorite sights but also the scents. And if you decide to do some seasonal baking, you’ll also have the lovely food or treats to eat. The ideas for what you can make are almost endless, but here are a few suggestions for you to consider:
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Apple cobbler, served with a scoop of ice cream on top
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Chocolate chip cranberry bread
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Apple spice muffins
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Sweet potato biscuits with honey butter
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Pumpkin spice cookies
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Pecan raisin bread
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Chocolate chip pumpkin muffins
And if sweet tasting treats aren’t necessarily what you’re looking for, now is the perfect time to experiment making your favorite soups, such as roasted butternut squash, creamy parmesan tomato or crab bisque. And if you want to really get creative, try making dinner in a pumpkin.
4. Make a seasonal visit to an orchard or pumpkin patch
If your family tradition this time of year has always been to go apple picking or make a visit to a pumpkin patch with the grandkids, you may be wondering if that will still be possible with COVID-19 remaining.
Check before you go with any orchards or patches that you’d like to visit. Many will still be open but they will be observing restrictions in order to keep everyone safe. Call ahead or visit their website to see if reservations are required and if there are any rules regarding wearing masks and social distancing.
5. Try your hand at DIY Fall decorations
If you love craft projects, are a born do-it-yourselfer or just in the mood to kick off the season and are willing to give it a try, search online for all the DIY decoration possibilities. You can craft your own front door wreath, after checking first for what your community allows, make gifts or show off your handiwork inside your home. It’s all up to you.
Looking for a few ideas to get started? Consider these:
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Create a Fall centerpiece for your table by painting small pumpkins in different shades of color and then add flowers to match.
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Turn mini pumpkins into table place cards
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Paint colorful quilt squares on a large white pumpkin
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Make a door hanging from pine cones attached to colorful ribbons
Appreciating the changes that Fall brings
The changing of the seasons gives everyone that subtle nudge that time is passing. While the last few months have no doubt been a challenge, Fall can often be the season of comfort and hominess, something that most of us can use right now.
By changing up the decorations in your home with the beautiful colors and textures of the season, you can welcome in the hopeful changes that will arrive as well.
Ingleside at King Farm Independent Living
At Ingleside at King Farm, we join you in welcoming the beautiful time of Fall. We are also here to support you in living the retirement life that you deserve. Our community, amenities and activities have all been designed to encourage you to embrace this wonderful season of life. And surrounded by the new friends you will make, we believe you will also be enriched with these bountiful blessings.
We offer some of the most spacious apartment-style senior living homes in the Washington, DC metro area. You’ll find your choice of floor plans, all with open and inviting spaces, well-equipped kitchens with granite countertops and either a balcony or patio. And we encourage you to personalize the space so that it will truly be your home.
Call (240) 455-4582 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.