Everybody has their favorite time of the year. Somebody likes winter because of snow and Christmas holidays; some prefer spring because of blossoms and nature's awakening; others love summer because of the much-needed vacation, beach, and sea waves. As for us, we love autumn for its beauty, the feeling of coziness when we get home, for nature's gifts. Life around slows down. The weather is not much cold yet, but the air is already fresh and crispy. Sun rays feel so mild and cozy on the skin. Light sadness is in the air, with the aftertaste of a sweet summer. The Equinox is marked in the fall calendar. After this day, nights will start to get longer, and days will become shorter. There are a lot of fun fall activities to brighten up the mundanity of this period. Choose something from the list, make sure you enjoy it, and live your life to the fullest!
Top things to do in autumn
Fall photography ideas
It may be the right time to look through that huge gallery on your phone and choose the best pictures to keep in your photo album and your heart. Look through your summer photographs, choose some for printing, and add them to the album, or you may print them in small size and make a collage or attach them with pins to a few layers of rope for an accent on the wall. It catches the eye and reminds you of places you went to and the good times you experienced with your dearest friends. Who knows, maybe by just looking at them, you might want to get a perfect autumn-inspired photoshoot.
Lists, playlists, and some good reads for fall
It is never too late to create movies, TV shows, or music playlists. Remember, Halloween is near, so you might warm up yourself with a scary watch list. If you are not into horror movies, maybe some classic films will be a better choice. Our favorites are "You've Got Mail" and "Autumn in New York." However, it all depends on your preferences. As for the music, nothing says autumn better than a turntable, but if we speak of digital tracks, the music streaming services already have their autumn-inspired soundtrack collections, and you may even create your own. If you are a bookworm, maybe it is the right time to pick the reads you always wanted to start but did not have time for them. If the weather is not too nice to spend the time outdoors, make yourself a drink, grab a snack, and stay cozy at home. It is rewarding and will recharge you for the whole next week.
Sugar, spice, and everything nice
Look up new fall recipe ideas for seasonal dishes and shop for spices to restock your pantry if you are cooking. Great things happen when you browse through somebody's concepts and come up with your own. Feel comfortable looking through our collection of autumn-inspired pictures for an easy dose of inspiration.
Remember, autumn is a harvesting time for a lot of good stuff. For example, pumpkin picking may happen in autumn only. So, get some with your family and carve them, or make pies or pastries that are super tasty, too. Or, bake some apple pie, brew pumpkin spice caffe latte or cozy drinks of your choice, and make some fruity jams. Then, invite your friends over; a good mood is guaranteed!
Here is a great fall recipe for Pumpkin Syrup from our team to brighten up the days when you feel like you need a mood booster:
- 5 tbsp pumpkin puree, fresh or canned
- 1 cup sugar or the corresponding amount of sweetener of your choice (note, the sweetener is usually more sweet than sugar)
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 4 cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves or 2 whole pieces
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Once sugar is dissolved, add spices along with a pumpkin puree, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture starts to look like syrup and coats the cooking spoon. Remove from heat and strain through a mesh or a cheesecloth, then transfer to a glass jar and store in the fridge.
Add it to your caffè latte: reheat a few tablespoons of the syrup with milk, froth the mixture, and top it with a strong espresso shot. Add whipped cream and caramel drizzle, if you like, or sprinkle ground nutmeg or cinnamon. You may also add the same syrup to enhance the taste of your favorite pumpkin pancakes, waffles, or smoothies, and even give it as a gift in a nice jar.
Perfect time outdoors and holiday planning
Go for a stroll in the nearest park or even on the sidewalk. It does not matter whether you are alone or with a pet, with your friend or a group of friends, as every option has its pros. Even if you are all by yourself, it is perfect timing to grab your favorite drink, reflect, and meditate while enjoying it. Do you remember that rustling leaves produce one of the most pleasant and relaxing sounds when you walk through them? They also make lovely bouquets. If you look carefully, you might even find pine cones, acorns, or small branches along with bright-colored autumn leaves that will become a perfect crafting material for your house decoration or art projects with your children.
While fall weather allows, you may still go hiking or fishing, attend a harvest festival, or even have some barbeque outdoors together with your friends. Did you know that marshmallows are the best when toasted and straight from the fire? While enjoying your grilled food, you may plan your fall holidays together, so many coming in fall: Oktoberfest, Halloween, Thanksgiving. So, beers or treats, what do you choose? Do you like Halloween costume-making and home decoration? Do you miss the taste of your auntie's signature cranberry sauce yet to match with the turkey you will make together with a family and share some good stories of old times?
Home decor for the autumn mood
You may re-decorate your house or apartment every season to match your current mood or prepare it for the autumn holidays. Even if you do not have a dedicated budget for this, remember that a little goes a long way when it comes to fall decorations. For inside, changing the throw pillows and adding some scented candles or just a simple bouquet of dried flowers is refreshing for a place you live in. Pine cones, along with candles and bright-colored autumn berries, will make a visual difference to your living room and will cozy up your home for fall.
For outside, decor for autumn dry branches that you picked at the walk in a park or a forest can make a base for an autumn-inspired wreath to place at the front door. Add some dry flowers and leaves, and it's done. Browse our autumn images collection to choose something that fits you the most.
Visit africaimages.com for more autumn inspiration
Let's celebrate this season of autumn and make the most of it! Visit the africaimages.com library of photos available to inspire your fall activities.
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Africa Images is a passionate team of professionals. Our goal is to make africaimages.com the best place to buy visual materials taken by Africa Studio for individual, business, and non-commercial projects, including but not limited to informational, educational, cultural, and scientific uses.
