Everyone loves summer with its warm weather, outdoor activities and endless opportunities for craziness, hijinks and carefree behaviour.  When the seasons change and autumn presents itself, many buckle down and assimilate themselves into an atmosphere that is perceived as sobering and serious.  Not necessarily so!  Autumn is a great time for cozy, fun, adventurous activities that only require some creativity and a little money.  So if you feel lost, “fall” into some of these outings with your sweetie.

Hiking

Weather can still be favourable during this season, so take advantage of the gorgeous changing scenery and go for a hike.  You may need to check in and see what times certain park trails are open, but availability should still be good.  On the trail, you can observe animal life and changes in foliage that you wouldn’t find in the summer.  Depending on the exact locale and the time of day, you may be lucky enough to catch the sunset.  And because the weather will likely be slightly cooler and fewer people are on vacation, you can avoid getting too hot or encountering very many people. 

Boat Ride

As cheesy as it sounds, there are still many places that will allow you to rent paddleboats or rowboats during the fall season.  So grab one and go! It’s a bit of exercise mixed with a lot of hilarity.  If you prefer something a tad more demure, you can always indulge in a city operated river or canal boat cruise.  If you go mid-afternoon, you’ll be able to catch the sun at its best. 

Wine Tasting

For me, autumn and wine go hand in hand.  Perhaps it’s because both are rich, mellow and mature.  There are many great wineries in many provinces that offer tours and wine tasting events.  If you live in an area which doesn’t have a local winery, don’t despair.  Keep your eyes peeled for a wine/beer festival (often local pubs will host or sponsor them) or find a great bottle and tote it along on a picnic or enjoy it on your balcony or deck. 

Farmer's Markets

Farmer's or local markets offer the freshest, tastiest and cheapest produce, hands down, and they are usually operative well into the later fall months.  Begin a lovely, crisp autumn day by strolling around and window-shopping with your sweetie, followed by cappuccino on an outdoor patio.  Then go shopping for market produce and cook a fabulous meal together.  Top it off with a great wine (or beer) and a sumptuous dessert and you will have a date that will not be easily forgotten. 

Cabin Fever

If you have a family cabin that is still usable in the cooler months, don’t hesitate to run off to it for a romantic weekend away.  Though you may not be able to swim, water ski or sunbathe, you can still go canoeing, kayaking, hiking and exploring.  And the nights are still prime time for campfires and roasting marshmallows.  Just be sure to bring warmer clothing and/or bedding, as temperatures at night can plummet.  

Fall Television Previews

Now, I realize this activity falls outside the circle of non-sedentary, outdoor activities, but I don’t want to neglect all our couch potato friends out there.  Sometimes it’s nice to have a television break.  Plus, if you and your partner are mad about Prison Break, 24 or the Simpsons (you fill in the blanks), this is an exciting time to get answers to the intrigue left behind in the previous season.  Pop some corn, make some nachos and curl up on the couch to catch the latest antics of your favourite television cast. 

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autumn, autumn everywhere

Now let’s all have a think - outside the box, that is.  Fall fun simply requires some of that and strategic planning.  The activities that result can be rewarding, interesting and a blast, especially if you’re doing them with someone you adore.  So stop raking those leaves and get wild!