The Ultimate Fall Bucket List To Help You Make the Most of the Season

That’s right! The ultimate fall bucket list is officially here, so it’s time to swap your iced coffee for spiced lattes and your crop tops for blazers. Fall is by far my favorite season: I prefer cozy knits to cut-off shorts, and I’d drink a hot toddy over a spicy margarita any day. Maybe it’s because I’ve never fully understood how the leaves change color, but fall has always been the most magical time of the year to me. Even though I am now (kind of) grown up and no longer dress up as a Disney princess for Halloween, the season is still just as special. You can bet I’m drinking nothing but PSLs (Pumpkin Spice Lattes) for the next few months.

To celebrate my love of autumn, I've put together an annual fall bucket list — full of activities to bring you and your crew closer, help you become your best self, and make the most of what the season has to offer. Grab your scarves, throw some apple cider on the stove, and get ready to check off the 2022 Fall Bucket List.

Give your home a cozy makeover

Your home should change with the seasons, just like your wardrobe. Start by swapping out your summer linens for warmer sheets, cozy throws, and an extra quilt. Then, pick up some cozy-scented candles (the more, the merrier), add cinnamon oil to your essential oil diffuser, and throw in a fuzzy rug or throw pillows. For more inspo, check out this fall decor you can score on Amazon or my favorite items on Etsy to decorate for both fall and Halloween. If you want to deck out your front porch to give your neighbors an extra dose of seasonal cheer, you know what to do. Lay out the themed doormat, stock up on pumpkin decor, and get a dried floral wreath in seasonal colors like burnt orange and golden yellow.

Make a new fall drink

In years past, I might have recommended DIY-ing your PSL. (I love you, Starbucks, but I could really put that extra $6 toward buying more cozy-knit sweaters.) While I'm still a huge fan of pumpkin spice, it’s time some other fall flavors entered the spotlight. Whether you’re team apple cider or team hot cocoa, experiment with warm, comforting drink recipes using all the flavors of the season. Who knows, you might find a new drink that’s even more satisfying than classic pumpkin spice.

Have a fall-inspired movie marathon

Sound the alarm and call the Sanderson Sisters — it’s spooky season! Get in the spirit by playing your favorite scary movies back to back. (Yes, Halloweentown 2 counts.) Don’t forget to grab a bowl of popcorn (sprinkled with pumpkin spice seasoning) and light your favorite fall candle (as long as it’s not the black flame candle — I still have nightmares). If you’re like me and scary movies are more torture than fun, watch some of these not-too-creepy classics or opt for a movie with impeccable fall vibes like When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, or Dead Poet’s Society. Nothing gets me in the mood for autumn quite like Meg Ryan in black tights and a chunky knit.

Take your workout outdoors

Whether you’re a treadmill gal or a devoted yogi, consider taking your workout outdoors as the weather gets cooler. Enjoy the gorgeous views and refreshing air on your morning jog, or do a few sun salutations in your yard or local park. Just imagine the sound of crunching leaves when you go into the cobra position! No matter what your preferred workout is, aim to take it outside at least once a week. Bonus: Exercising in cold weather might have some additional health benefits (as if the views weren’t enough).

Invest in the perfect cozy sweater

Sweaters are undoubtedly the fashion item of fall. You wear them indoors and outdoors. They work with loungewear and stylish OOTDs. And, as soon as temperatures drop, you don’t want to wear anything else. While I'm a huge fan of affordable basics (and have piles of under-$20 sweaters in my closet to prove it), there’s nothing like investing in a high-quality fabric that you’ll want to live in. This season, splurge on the perfect sweater in the shape, fit, color, and material that you won’t want to take off. Trust me, the right one will last you for years — as long as you know how to care for it.

Start a spooky book club

I love a horror movie in the fall as much as the next basic b*tch, but there’s something about a good page-turner that’s even more chilling. Gather your friends for a spooky book club to challenge yourselves to read more and to discuss the scariest thrillers. Bonus points if you DIY a cozy reading nook for the season. Keep a throw blanket, candle, and a coaster (for a warm cup of tea, of course!) nearby.

Eat seasonally

PSA: There’s more to fall produce than pumpkins. This season, load your fridge with produce like apples, green beans, kale, sweet potatoes, beets, chard, figs, and radishes. Get creative trying new recipes, or add some autumn ingredients to your favorite go-to recipes (apples and figs, anyone?). Bonus points for shopping at your local farmer’s market, where you’ll find an array of fruits and veggies that are in season near you. Plus, don’t forget to add classic flavors that taste like fall: cinnamon, sage, nutmeg, and so on.

Change up your beauty routine

Just like how you may add tans, lighter highlights, and extra SPF to your skincare regimen come summer, cold weather also requires adjustments to your beauty routine. Avoid dry and scaly skin, dull complexion, and chapped lips when temperatures start to drop. Try adding a heavy moisturizer or overnight mask, replacing powder makeup with cream versions, and having an on-the-go mist, balm, or oil for emergencies. Likewise, use less dry shampoo and increase deep conditioning treatments to keep your locks lush. To step it up a notch, add a fall beauty trend to your routine, whether it’s a dark lip or an of-the-moment hair trend.

Plan a 'for yourself' fall-themed date

You know what I’m talking about! Get cozy with blankets and apple cider to watch a spooky movie. Rake leaf piles and then jump in them — IDK, I’ve seen it in movies. Or check out the coziest coffee shop in your town before heading to the bookstore. No matter what your ideal fall 'for yourself' date looks like, autumn is arguably the most romantic season to love yourself in, and you should make the most of it. Plus, cozy sweaters are arguably sexier than bathing suits. There, I said it. It may seem weird to treat yourself lovingly, alone, but don’t be afraid to get #extra and plan the fall date of your dreams (and yes, cozy sweaters are required).

Make your favorite fall recipe from childhood

Nothing screams fall quite like the smell of chili on the stove or delicious pumpkin bread in the oven. Revisit your childhood by making your favorite autumn foods, whether it’s an apple pie like your mom used to make, roasted pumpkin seeds (as easy to make as they are tasty), or classic apple butter. Cook with the flavors of the season and indulge in the tastes that bring back memories. If you need some inspiration, check out the Internet's favorite fall recipes, recipes with pumpkins, recipes with apples, or some delicious sweet treats if baking is more your style.

Stock up on your favorite fall candle

There’s something about a pumpkin spice candle that just hits differently. A great fall candle can transform any space into an autumn oasis. So if you can’t get enough of all things pumpkin, you go, girl. But just like with produce, there’s a lot more to fall than pumpkin. There are countless other scents that were practically invented for cool evenings spent curled up on the couch. Try a variety of candles with notes like fig, vanilla, leather, sandalwood, or woodsy tones. Once you find the fall candle you like best, stock up on it because you’re going to want to light it every day.

Have a fall picnic

Why should summer get all the fun? Picnics are not just a hot weather activity. In fact, I’d make an argument that fall is the optimal time to grab your friends and have a picnic. Picture this. The leaves are orange and red. You’re cuddling up in cozy sweaters and layers of blankets. And there’s a tasty spread of butternut squash pasta and pumpkin cookies in front of you as you sip on hot toddies. In other words, you’re living out a scene from a classic fall rom-com. Whether you bring a blanket and a Thermos of apple cider to your local park or go all out with a picnic basket of seasonal foods, plan a picnic to enjoy all the views that autumn has to offer.

Which idea are you crossing off your Fall Bucket List this year?