September is here, which means Fall is just around the corner! I have long adored making seasonal to-do lists (see my fall 2018, fall 2017, fall 2015, fall 2014, fall 2013 lists here), and this year in clearly no exception! We’re really excited to embrace time here in town to seek out new adventures, explore our area, revisit old favorites, and soak up all this glorious season has to offer, especially since my fall wedding season is a smidge lighter than it commonly is.

Autumn is definitely one of my favorite times of the year, and there is much to look forward to with the changing seasons (even if it’s still hot here in North Carolina!). We just got home from a glorious vacation at the beach, and we thoroughly savored the last bits of summer… and now I’m ready to welcome fall with open arms! I adore the crisp air and crunchy leaves, the vibrant trees and leaves, anything and everything pumpkin and apple, constantly being outside enjoying the season, wearing scarfs and boots and layers again, festivals and fairs, red wine and hot apple cider, trips to the mountains… there is so much to look forward to as the season changes!

Fall 2019 Bucket List

• visit the mountains for a getaway weekend and see the fall foliage (we alternate between Blowing Rock/Boone and Asheville each year, and Asheville is up this year!)
• decorate our house for fall, including our front porch
• go apple picking
• visit a pumpkin patch or two
• go out West for a family wedding + week-long family trip to Albuquerque, Red River, Sedona, the Grand Canyon (!!!), and Phoenix
• host our second annual chili cook-off party
• host a blind wine tasting party
• enjoy mornings and dinners on our deck
• plan a trip to Charlottesville (for fall fun and also for wedding planning for one of my 2020 weddings there)
• go to an Oktoberfest and/or the NC state fair
• go for lots of walks and play tennis
• visit a winery, cidery, or brewery (or all three)
• go hiking amongst the autumn leaves
• make “thankful” treats for friends & family for Thanksgiving
• celebrate Thanksgiving in Charlotte with my side of the family
• bake several pumpkin and apple recipes (I have a long list already made!)
• make mulled red wine and salted caramel apple cider

Whew! I think that’s more than enough to include on this year’s edition of my annual Fall Bucket List! We are so lucky to live in an area that has so many fun activities going on, and I love getting out an exploring new-to-us areas and events, seeking out adventures, and spending time with loved ones.

What are you most looking forward to this autumn? Do you have anything new you’re itching to check out or try? And if you have any local favorites (in the Triangle of NC), you know I’m all ears to hear more suggestions and ideas!

If you want to host a fall dinner party or cook my favorite fall recipes or throw a chili + cornbread party – then don’t miss these wonderful posts from years past!