According to the forecast, Charleston should be experiencing milder temps over the next few days. By milder I mean lows in the 60’s – whatever, we will take it. This “dip” combined with pictures of all of my northern friends wearing Patagonia’s, while decorating their porches with pumpkins, has me dreaming about all the things I want to do with Patrick, Regan and Ava this fall. Being the avid planner that I am, I have come up with a short list just in case you need a little fall inspiration!
Bake All Things Pumpkin, Apple and Spiced
Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and all spice – what Halloween and Thanksgiving scents are made of. This fall I’m dusting off my kitchen-aid mixer and the girls and I are going to bake muffins, pies and breads galore. No better time of year to be in the kitchen.
Attend a Football Game
Nothing screams fall more than the start of football season, y’all. And football games are an awesome family activity. Don’t feel like your only option is to “go pro” – check out what high school teams are in your area and go support them. Some of my best child-hood memories are from under the bleachers of a local football stadium, with fifty other kids, running wild while the local high school team played on in the back ground
Visit An Actual Pumpkin Patch
Easier said than done in Charleston but we do have a few to choose from – they are just so far out. But distance doesn’t matter in 2019. I am packing up the family and we are driving to pick a pumpkin from an actual pumpkin patch – not a church parking lot.
Host An Oyster Roast
Do you know the oyster rule? You should only eat oysters in months that end in “r.” Honestly, I have no clue why and can’t imagine a situation where I would pass on an oyster because of a particular letter in the alphabet. That being said, fall is definitely the best time to host this seasonal get together. How does one throw an oyster roast you ask? Simple. Order a bushel or two of oysters, set up a couple of tables in the back yard (the more rustic the better), toss out some oyster knives, old rags, lemon wedges and cocktail sauce. Grab a steamer and cook the oysters for about seven or eight minutes (make sure to add beer to the water – one can will do). Make a pot of chili and ask your attendees to bring an app.
Hit The Road
The only way you are going to see the leaves change, if you live in a climate similar to Charleston’s, is to hit the road. This upsets me none – I’m always game for a road trip. This year I have my sites set on Asheville and the Biltmore (Patrick has not laid eyes on this wish list, FYI). Regardless of where we end up sleeping, I want to make sure Regan and Ava witness a true fall – one with an abundance of reds, oranges and yellows.
What “must-do’s” are on your fall bucket list? I’d love to hear from you!
Patrick Duffy says
Patrick has now laid eyes on the wish list… As you must have guessed when flagging it, I’m not sure the Biltmore meets my standards, but if it’s on the list, we can certainly discuss it.