Every season has its unique characteristics and activities that define it year after year, from flavors that are commonly associated with the season to annual traditions influenced by the upcoming major holidays. Although autumn arrived more than a month ago, there are still many seasonal activities to partake in around Boston and its neighboring cities as the temperatures begin to dwindle and the days become shorter.
Pumpkin is a signature flavor enjoyed in a variety of foods and drinks, hailed as a quintessential autumnal flavor when it comes to baked goods and coffee. Whether savoring the sweet, earthy taste of pumpkin pie or spicing up an early morning with an iced pumpkin spice latte from the local coffee chain, pumpkin flavored goods are a universal gateway to welcoming what this season can bring.
For those wanting to take a more physical approach to enjoying autumn, there is much to do around the Boston area.
One such popular activity is taking a stroll through the streets of Beacon Hill, a neighborhood primarily known for its antique Victorian-style brick row houses. The neighborhood’s quaint atmosphere and charming architecture offer a landscape that is great for taking dreamy autumn photos.
The warm sun and chilly breeze also provide the perfect weather to enjoy a scenic walk through the Boston Commons or Boston Public Gardens, where scarlet, bronze and gold adorn the foliage in trees and on the ground. It is a picturesque view that only comes this time of year and is more than ideal for a picnic with friends.
Apple picking is a staple of all autumn activities often enjoyed by families and groups from schools, youth organizations and corporations alike. Apple orchards can be found throughout the region, and some like Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, Mass., also offer additional fun elements to make each person’s visit worthwhile, ranging from thrilling corn mazes to delicious apple cider donuts and fresh cider.
October itself is a month full of activities to partake in, ones entirely special within the broad scope of autumnal activities. With Halloween right across the corner on Oct. 31, the Halloween spirit is in full force across the nation.
Watching a spooky movie is only fitting in the spirit of Halloween. For horror fans, this is their time to pull out their favorite selection of horror films and binge it under cozy blankets. For those seeking a nostalgic throwback to their childhood, lighthearted films like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Casper” are essentials for ringing in the spooky season.
Pumpkin carving is another activity to consider when contemplating ways to celebrate Halloween. Although decorating the house with skeletons, spider webs and other decor may seem appealing, it can also be costly to invest in. Pumpkin carving is both more cost-efficient and can be a fun activity with friends and family. No artistic talent is needed to carve a design, and carving a pumpkin adds a personal touch to the typical Halloween decorations.
With the plethora of activities to do in autumn, it can be intimidating to find the time to step outside and enjoy all that autumn has to offer.
There is often the unsaid pressure to be involved as the seasons come and to celebrate all the associated holidays by taking advantage of the different seasonal activities while they are available. Social media has contributed to this pressure to “keep up,” with posts from influencers and other people seeming to perpetuate the concept that doing these activities are expected.
However, it is not a necessity to celebrate Halloween or to check off the list of autumn activities.
Like every season, autumn has its opportunities for unique experiences. It all depends on which opportunities someone wants to take that guides how they decide to enjoy their autumn.