Movies/TV

One of the best things that comes with the fall season is the new wave of horrors and thrillers that drop leading up to Halloween. I personally love scary movies, the gorier the better. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than watching something that will give you a good scare. 

For movies, I have a few recommendations, all ones that I watch routinely. Jonathan Demme’s adaptation of the 1988 novel “The Silence of the Lambs” is one of my favorites to watch. Even outside of fall, it’s one that I always go back to. 

Additionally, if you want to go more towards the classics route, I highly suggest “Scream” or “The Shining.” While I personally enjoy the latter more, both are guaranteed to get you in a spooky spirit. If you want something that is going to have more suspense, or is “scarier,” I would recommend Stanley Kubrick’s classic. 

I have a few different suggestions for different series as well, my favorites being “Over the Garden Wall” and “American Horror Story.” If you want something a little more lighthearted and overall more family friendly, “Over the Garden Wall” should work for you. Besides an entire series, there are also numerous Halloween specials you can find, like in “Gravity Falls,” “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.”

Music

While I don’t have suggestions for songs that are straight-up written about fall or Halloween, there are some that fit the season for me. Additionally, there are entire albums I tend to play in association with each season. 

Right off the bat, and I know I often write about him, but Jeff Buckley’s “Grace” is almost synonymous with fall to me at this point. I think it has something to do with me listening to it for the first time during this season, but I just can’t stop myself from picturing myself walking to class on a cool autumn day and blasting it in my headphones. 

I think Basement’s 2012 album “Colourmeinkindness” is also one that fits the season well. From the warm album art to it also being one I listened to in the late months of the year, I can’t help but listen to it on repeat. There’s something about alternative rock I just can’t quit.

Song mentions: “The Book Lovers” by Broadcast; “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire; “Place to Be” by Nick Drake; “Folk Song” by The Sundays; “Cemetery Gates” by The Smiths

Activities

Like many others, there are certain activities that I like to make sure I do each fall. While I don’t think that any of these will come as a surprise, you should still take the time and do them anyway to enjoy the season. 

While I haven’t been one to take part in recent years, I highly recommend you carve or paint at least one pumpkin this fall. I get that not everyone is a fan of the work that goes into carving a pumpkin, so just go out and buy one anyway and crack open your craft drawer. Painting a pumpkin is easier and just as much fun as carving one. Make sure you do one before it’s too late, or else you’ll regret it and be forced to wait another year!

Going on walks routinely is something that I try to do regardless of the season, but a nice long walk on a crisp autumn day will always be superior. Whether you go by yourself, with a loved one or your pet, take the time to enjoy the outside while you still can. Winter is around the corner and I certainly don’t want to take these last few nice days for advantage.

I know that most baking gets done during the winter season with the holidays, but I love to start early. While I’m personally not over the top about pumpkin recipes–like pumpkin pie or pumpkin cream cheese muffins–the warm spices that come with fall flavors are something I can’t say no to. I like to take the time to make my favorite recipes for my favorite people! I often go for snickerdoodles, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins and cinnamon streusel cake until snow hits.