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Is there anything better than a crisp autumn day, a pumpkin spice latte in hand, and taking a walk through the park that’s stunning hues of crimson, orange, and gold? To be honest, I can’t think of anything more soul-warming. Sometimes, you just need a “main character moment” to fully take in all the season has to offer.
When I’m looking to jazz up a mundane fall day, I love taking a side quest. Whether that’s driving to Starbucks to try a new fall menu item, taking a walk through the fall leaves, or taking a mini road trip to an apple orchard. There are so many easy, fun, and affordable ways to enjoy an autumn day. Below, I’m sharing 16 fall side quests you can take all sweater-season long.
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1. Try a New Fall Starbucks Menu Item
In my personal opinion, the autumn season arrives when the fall menu launches in August. Whether it’s the pumpkin spice latte (which is finally made with real pumpkin puree again), the pecan crunch oat milk latte, or the pumpkin cream cold brew, I’m trying it all. Making the return of the iconic menu a moment is on my list of top must-do fall side quests.
2. Visit A Pumpkin Patch
An equally nostalgic and notorious outing this time of year is visiting a pumpkin patch. Maybe you stop by a small stand on your way home from your work, or venture out to a local farm on the weekend to select an assortment of pumpkins. Either will instantly get you in the fall mood.
3. Pick up Ingredients to Make Pumpkin Bread
One of my favorite affordable ways to make the autumnal season come to life is baking a pumpkin treat. There’s always something about making your first pumpkin bread loaf of the season that is so cozy and delightful. Picking up ingredients on your way home from the office would be such a fun side quest from your normal routine.
4. Try a New Fall Bakery Item
As the seasons change, it’s always fun to see what local bakeries choose to make. Try pumpkin cream cheese muffins, mini apple pies, and warm cinnamon rolls. Stop by a bakery on your way to work one morning or take a walk in a new neighborhood and try their local bakery.
5. Go on a Walk in the Park
On a beautiful, crisp Autumn day, it’s so hard staying inside. One of my favorite side quests to escape the apartment is to take a walk in a park. There’s nothing more whimsical this time of year than being surrounded by gorgeous rusts and gold trees, crunching through the leaves and sipping on a hot coffee as you take in the scene around you.
6. Stop By the Bookstore on Your Way Home
There’s truly nothing like a cozy bookstore browse on a chilly Autumn day. It’s one of my favorite fall side quests that I frequently partake in during the season. With a hot latte in hand, there’s nothing more calming than searching the aisles of books to find your next read. Whether you choose to buy a book, magazine, or nothing at all, it’s still fun to browse.
7. Get a Fall Scented Candle
It’s officially that time! The time to fill your home for fall with a delicious scented candle. From pumpkin, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple notes, there’s nothing more inviting and cozy this time of year. I live for all the fall scents, and this Ginger Pumpkin scent is one of my absolute favorites.
8. Shop your Local Farmers’ Market
Shopping for seasonal fruits and vegetables is something I always love doing. However, when the produce turns from berries and greens or pumpkins and apples, I fall in love with a weekend farmers’ market outing even more. It’s a fun outing that doesn’t require you to spend anything at all. Sometimes it’s just fun to check out all the fall products and baked goods.
9. Schedule a Fall Manicure
Take a side quest to get your nails done. From moody neutral tones, burgundy red nails, and cute pumpkin nail designs, there are so many cute fall nail designs to try. Plus, a gorgeous manicure always makes you feel put together — no matter the time of year.
10. Go on a Hayride
Going on a hayride is a quintessential fall activity. A local farm or fall festival will most likely have a hayride attraction you can experience. As it gets closer to Halloween, there may even be some haunted hay rides as well. It’s the perfect spontaneous date night side quest or something fun to do with friends this time of year.
11. Shop Trader Joe’s Fall Items
As soon as Trader Joe’s fall items launch, you’ll find me in store shopping all my favorites. From their iconic pumpkin bread mix, pumpkin Joe Joes and pumpkin spice bagels. There’s so many fun goodies to shop for and it makes for the ultimate fall side quest during the autumn season.
12. Visit an Apple Orchard
If you’re fortunate to have an apple orchard nearby or a quick road trip away, it’s always a unique side quest to take in the fall. Many places will allow you to pick apples. They even serve hot apple cider and apple cider donuts during autumn too.
13. Have a Fall Picnic
Your fall picnic can be as simple or elaborate as you would like. It could look as simple as a fall-themed lunch during your work break or a planned picnic in the park with your friends. Take it to another level by packing fall-themed food like pumpkin grilled cheese, apple pie dessert bars, and crisp apple Olipops.
14. Schedule Coffee with a Friend
There’s something so special and cozy about meeting a friend for coffee on a fall morning before work. It’s an easy, budget-friendly side quest to plan. Plus, it’s a great way to catch up with friends at your favorite local coffee shop.
15. Go to a Fall Festival
Whether it’s a date night side quest or a spur-of-the-moment decision with your besties, you’ll never regret going to a fall festival. There are so many fun games to play, corn mazes, and hayrides. Plus, the food selection is always top-tier nostalgia — from apple cider donuts, caramel popcorn, and hot apple cider.
16. Make a Fall-Themed Trail Mix
Are you looking for a low-key, creative fall-themed side quest? Make a fall-themed trail mix. This is something I do at least once a year to get into the autumnal spirit. Take a trip to your local Target to gather the ingredients you need, come back home, make the trail mix, and binge-watch Gilmore Girls all afternoon long.
