While you’ll still get to savor pumpkin spice latte season, some typical things to do in the fall, like hosting Halloween parties or enjoying a football game, may be off-limits during the pandemic to keep everyone safer. But just because we’re staying closer to home, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the very best things that fall has to offer.
When you think of great places to enjoy fall and its foliage, California is probably not the first state that comes to mind. While it’s not what you expect fall to be, the state still has a lot to offer that is worth checking out. Here are some fun things to do this fall in California while social distancing.
Pick your own apples
Is it really fall if you haven’t gone apple picking? Many farms are still planning apple picking this season (with mask requirements and social distancing guidelines in place, of course), while some orchards are doing reservations only and others are just doing curbside pickup. Put on your favorite apple picking outfit and remember to stay hydrated!
Visit a pumpkin patch
It might be a bit cliché, but it’s beloved for a reason: spending the day at the pumpkin patch is a great way to enjoy the fall season. So if you’re looking for a pumpkin to carve or a place to spend time with your family, some farms are allowing in-person, socially distanced pumpkin patch visits, while others require reservations or are limited to curbside pickup.
Enjoy the season in the great outdoors
Fall is about getting outside and enjoying the weather. So lace up your hiking boots and trek across the ever-changing landscape to see what the season has to offer. Or pack up your tent and go camping. While many people prefer to camp during the summer months, the fall typically brings lower temperatures, less crowded campgrounds and fewer bugs. Just don’t forget to bring the essentials like a first-aid kit, food, and your travel mug.
Watch a movie at a drive-in theater
Miss the big screen? With indoor theaters shuttered due to COVID-19, drive-in movie theaters have been making a comeback across the country and many will remain up and running well into the fall. One of the best things about a drive-in movie is that you can bring your own food. You can pop your own popcorn, enjoy your favorite hot beverage in a reusable insulated mug, or anything else your family likes.
Find some fall foliage
While this is not Vermont, California does have some fall colors. Driving through the mountains is one way to see some fall leaves, but you can also find some splashes of color closer to home in botanical gardens. Gingkos, gum trees, Eastern redbud, maples and sycamores bring yellows, gold, oranges, and crimsons in late fall, but there are more colors to be seen that are worth returning for as the season unfolds.
The continuing impact of the pandemic is making fall in California look different from past years, but there are still ways to make the season special without having to travel far from home. So whatever activity you embark on this fall, don’t forget to maintain a safe social distance, wear a mask, and stay hydrated with a NAYAD stainless steel vacuum insulated drinkware.
