Fall Bucket List – AKA me missing America

I loooove typical fall activities, like pumpkin carving, going to the patch, hayrides, eating caramel apples at the fair, and all that stuff. And let’s not forget about all the lovely fall decor that hits the shelves in stores like Michael’s.

However, these things are also very typically American. This is the first time in five years I’ll spend Fall in the Netherlands, so it’s bound to be different. But I can’t quite call it Fall if I don’t do at least a couple of typical Fall activities. So here is my Fall bucket list, adjusted to international standards.

Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkin carving is basically a requirement to have a successful Fall. I’ve done it super often, but somehow I still suck at it. It’s so fun though! We actually took this tradition back with us from Arizona in 2002. Luckily, no longer living five minutes’ drive from a pumpkin patch won’t stop me from carving out some jack-o-lanterns. The Netherlands has plenty of pumpkins, too, so no excuses for me!

Visit a Brewery

This one is very specific for me actually, because I already have a brewery in mind. There’s nothing quite like settling down with some friends and a dark Fall beer accompanied by some good food. I went to the La Trappe brewery in Tilburg in 2018, and it was incredibly fun. I’d definitely like to go here again, but I also wouldn’t say no to discovering some new breweries!

Have a Fall Photoshoot

Being in a different country doesn’t mean there aren’t good spots to take a few autumnal pics! I can’t wait to grab my friends and go out into the city or the woods to take some cute pics in our favorite outfits. And it the weather permits it, playing around with dried up leaves is super fun, too! Plus, I recently good a new camera I really want to try out in nature. Haven’t really had the chance for that yet with everything going on.

Take a Nice Fall Walk

Last year I had hiking on my Fall bucket list, but we don’t have hills to hike in the Netherlands… So taking a walk in the forest will have to do! Despite being relatively small, our forests do have a lovely variety of plants and critters, and it’ll be fun to discover it all. Especially all the mushrooms that pop up…

Make Apple Cider or Mead

This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I didn’t get to it last year. I have a bunch of friends that for some reason know how to brew tasty alcohol, so I’m sure if I borrow their expertise, it’ll be a blast. Especially if I get to combine it with a campfire and some yummy s’mores! Speaking of s’mores, I’m going to do my best to introduce them to The Netherlands. I feel like we could all use a gooey marshmallow-chocolate-cracker combination treat!

Need some more ideas? I got you!

  • Go apple picking
  • Try on Halloween costumes
  • Make a pumpkin of apple pie
  • Visit a corn maze
  • Try on all your cozy sweaters
  • Have a movie night with lots of blankets
  • Try out Halloween candy
  • DIY some decorations
  • Go chestnut hunting
  • Watch spooky movies
  • Visit a Fall fair with your friends
fall bucket list graphic

Is there anything in particular you want to try this Fall? I hope to cross some things off this list this year!

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4 Comments

  1. October 3, 2020 / 1:49 pm

    Ooooh the Netherlands don’t have the same fall traditions as the USA?! This is so cool to learn! I would love to learn about their fall traditions! I hope you get your bucket list done for this fall! 😀

    -Amber

    • simonevanheijst
      Author
      October 3, 2020 / 6:47 pm

      We are Americanizing more and more, but some things just aren’t the same haha. Especially the decor, the US just has a lot more to offer!😄

    • simonevanheijst
      Author
      October 4, 2020 / 11:58 am

      Thanks! I love corn mazes, but it’s been so long since I’ve been to one… I should go this year!😄

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