Fall has always been my favorite season. The changing colors on the trees, cooling temperatures, football games, bundling up in cozy sweaters and drinking apple cider are some of the best things in the world to me. It may not feel like fall time yet, but that doesn't mean that we can't celebrate the season! There's so much more to do than the average corn maze or pumpkin carving, so try something different this year and celebrate fall to the fullest. Autumn is here, enjoy it!
1. Visit a State Park
Hiking is a great way to stay active as the temperatures start to drop. Check out this link to find the nearest state park to you as well as which seasonal activities each park may offer.
2. Fall Foliage Tour 
If seeing all of nature's beautiful colors is your favorite part of autumn, check out this opportunity in French Lick, Indiana. It offers an almost 2-hour train ride through the Hoosier National Forest and promises spectacular views and fun for your whole family.
3. Apple Picking
Local apple orchards' season is in full swing! Dress in your favorite flannel and spend the afternoon picking apples, drinking cider, and munching on caramel apples. Don't forget to make an apple pie when you get home!
4. Fishing 
Fishing is the perfect mix of sports and relaxing. Whether you want to spend some quiet time in nature or you're out with your friends and family competing to see who can get the biggest catch, make sure that you're licensed in your state before you reel anything in! Check out Field and Stream to get some tips on where to find fish as the weather and water get cooler.
5. Wine Tasting 
Wine Tasting is a great way to explore your state and discover all that your local wineries and vineyards have to offer. It can make for a great date night, girls night or "just because" night. Look up Indy Wine Trail for four suggestions of where to get started. Be sure to bring a bottle or two home with you to enjoy as well.
6. Host a Tailgate Party 
Football season is here! In my house, we say "Roll Tide" and Saturdays are spent watching the glory that is college football. But whether you prefer college or pro, we can all agree that few things are better than sitting in front of the TV and eating your fill of delicious game-day snacks. Invite some of your fellow fans over and cheer on your team!
7. Train For an Up-Coming Race 
With Fall comes all kinds of warm, delicious, filling meals as well as the coming promise of our favorite holiday dishes as Thanksgiving and Christmas loom closer. Signing up for a charity race or 5k in your area is a great way to get some fresh air and stay in shape before it becomes too cold to want to be outside for longer than it takes to get the mail. Check out this site to get a list of races coming up in the Indianapolis area.
8. Try a New Recipe 
If staying in is more your speed, how about spending the evening trying a new seasonal recipe? Soups, chilis, slow-cooker meals, and warm desserts are practically begging to be enjoyed. Follow this link for some fall soups to try for dinner and this one if boozy, autumn-themed drinks are more your style.
