From cozy décor pieces in warm, saturated colors and twinkly lights galore to that first sip of a pumpkin spice latte or hot apple cider, there’s no doubt about it. Fall has a certain vibe that is all its own.
So how can you tap into that aesthetic this autumn and make sure you’re getting the most out of the season here in NoVA? Follow these simple tips.
Indulge in the seasonal treats
Many people wait all year for fall to come back around and bring with it the endless options of autumn flavors.
From pumpkin-flavored coffee drinks and creamers to apple cider donuts and pastries, you really can’t go wrong when it comes to fall’s seasonal treats.
Check out the Apple House in Linden — known for their mouth-watering apple butter cinnamon donuts that truly are worth a drive to sample.
‘Fall’ into the season with your décor
Adding a few decorative pumpkins and some pops of color to a room can really increase the vibes and coziness of your space for fall.
Whether you prefer the general harvest decorations vibe or you like to add pops of Halloween-specific décor into the mix, there are plenty of ways to go when it comes to sprucing up your home for the season — both indoors and out.
And the best places to find festive fall décor for your porch (think real pumpkins and autumn florals) are local farms.
Check out the Burke Nursery & Garden Centre’s fall-themed market during the month of October, featuring seasonal treats, Halloween decorations, a pumpkin patch, and more!
Spend some time outside
As that first touch of autumn crispness starts to make its way into the morning air, you know the best of the season is just around the corner.
And now is the perfect time to soak up those early autumn temperatures with a hike.
You know what they say, fall is proof that change is beautiful. So take time to soak in the scenery as the leaves begin to make their way from summer green to that beautiful array of dark reds, bright oranges, and deep yellows.
Feeling ambitious? Check out Shenandoah National Park’s most popular trail — the Old Rag circuit.
Or if you want to take it easy, but still enjoy the autumn leaves, you can never go wrong with a quiet morning spent on your porch.
Grab a cozy blanket, a warm drink, and a good book (fall is the perfect season for a good mystery thriller!) and head outside to enjoy your morning surrounded by nature.
Visit one of the fall-themed festivals
Nothing can truly get you into the spirit of fall quite like a festival dedicated to the season.
And luckily, NoVA has no shortage of autumn-themed festivals.
From the Occoquan Fall Arts & Crafts Show in Occoquan Sept. 24 & 25 to the Fall Jubilee in Manassas on Oct. 1, these are the perfect events to really immerse yourself in the fall aesthetic and get the most out of your season.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your calendar now!
Megan Herr is an editor and writer residing in the Shenandoah Valley. She graduated with a degree in journalism from Penn State University
Feature image, The Speedy Butterfly/stock.adobe.com
For more stories like this, subscribe to our Shopping newsletter.
