Autumn, also known as my favorite season, is approaching us quickly. It is probably the only time of the year that I also appreciate living in Virginia. So here are a few of my favorite things to do around Virginia in fall. (Disclaimer: The locations I mention are attainable from Northern Virginia, but you can do the same things anywhere you live!)
Farm Stands / Farmer’s Markets
Nothing makes me feel more healthy than going to a farm stand. However, I usually end up with homemade donuts and fudge. You can drive along country roads in Virginia and visit dozens of farm stands and small shops in one trip. One of my favorite things to do in the fall is pick a location out in the country and just drive. You’ll end up with lots of junk but also fresh produce, cute Instagram photos and warm memories. You can also go to a fall farmer’s market in Virginia and find warm fresh donuts, crepes and all kinds of hot and cold cider (along with the actual fruits and veggies).
Picking Fruit
This one is related, yet a step up from farm stands. It is also something i have yet to do! It is on my Autumn bucket list this year. There are plenty of apple orchards, and places to pick berries in Virginia. I think this activity is for anyone old enough to walk and is a great way to get in touch with where food comes from. I can't wait to pick my own apples and then make a scrumptious apple pie this fall!
Getting Out In Nature
There are so many different ways you can get out there in Virginia, but my favorite spots are: Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls Park and The Cove campground in Gore.
You can go camping almost anywhere and have an amazing time, but personally, The Cove is a family favorite.
If you can’t make it there, I suggest you find a beautiful mountain campground with a swimming lake, fishing lake, hiking trails, motorcycle and ATV trails, plus many more activities to keep you on your feet. I’m sure there are dozens of camps in Virginia like this but I am very biased towards The Cove. However, wherever you go, camping in the fall will leave you with some of the best memories of your life!
Shenandoah has so much to do! Even if you don't want to get physically into nature, you can take a day to cruise the gorgeous Skyline Drive, which has 75 beautiful overlook spots. The park also has over 500 miles of trails that feature waterfalls and beautiful views. Personally I've never hiked there in the fall, I have only visited the waterholes in the summer.
Although by visiting Skyline Drive in the fall I can tell you that that whole area is beyond breathtaking in the fall. Great Falls is also a wonderful hiking and picnicking spot for all ages and hiking levels. My favorite trail (although its on the Maryland side of the park) is the Billy Goat Trail.
Whatever it is, I think getting out into what nature has to offer us is the best way to spend the fall season. So, get out there! Find your own favorite spots in Virginia because there are a ton of them.
What are you going to do this fall? What is your all time favorite spot to be in nature? Comment below, I'd love to hear from you all!
