15+ Social-Distancing Fall Activities 2020

Spooky season is here!

This pandemic has lasted longer than we anticipated, but that doesn't mean some of the activities we enjoy doing during the fall time can't still be done! Get those cute fall outfits and masks ready, we're socially distancing this fall! Last year, I did a Fall Bucket List that you all loved! Here is a 2020 list of things to do this fall that are socially distanced approved!

PUMPKIN PICKING

A tradition many of you have is going pumpkin picking to pick the best and freshest pumpkins for your carving contests and delicious recipes - this is still possible, even socially distancing! 

Butlers Orchard located in Germantown, MD has their annual "Pick Your Own Pumpkin" by reservation only! Tickets are only $3 Tuesday-Sunday so purchase your tickets online with the time slot of your choice to reserve your PYO session! Butlers Orchard also has a small market with fruits, vegetables, sweet treats, local meat and dairy.

CIDER AND BEER FARM

To all my cider lovers! Doc Waters Cidery is located at Waters Orchard. Their outdoor area is great to bring your picnic baskets, chairs, and your behaved doggo's! Order some yummy cider and enjoy the fall crisp air Fridays 3-8pm, Saturdays 12-8pm and Sundays 12-6pm.

For my 21 and over people, the Brookeville Beer Farm is located in Brookeville, MD and they are open for outdoor seating (first come, first serve). If you plan a visit here, their outdoor seats and lawn are available for use! A couple things to be mindful of is no more than six people at a table, they have a selection of draft beer and in cans, this is completely cash-less, the have only pizza as food available (but it is sooooo yummy) and masks must be worn at all times other than being seated at your table.

APPLE PICKING

One of my favorite and lowkey places to visit is hidden on route 15 going towards Pennsylvania. The Catoctin Mountain Orchard has their "Pick Your Own Apples" on Saturdays and Sundays for the rest of October. It's best to go early as that is when you can get first dibs on the best apples. Apple picking is available from 10am-4pm with no reservations needed - just make sure you go to the PYO check-in building. They have a strict "if you touch it you buy it" rule, so make your you keep your hands to yourself. The Catoctin Mountain Orchard also has their flower garden open daily from 9am-5pm for the rest of October as well. Make sure to visit their retail farm market - it is a hidden gem! Fruits, vegetables, baked goods (their cookies are YUM), jarred goods and great snacks are available for purchase!

HIKING AND THE CHANGING LEAVES

There are so many hiking trails all across Maryland and neighboring states that have a beautiful view of the changing leaves this season. Cunningham Falls State Park, Annapolis Rock, Harpers Ferry, Swallow Falls State Park, Great Falls State Park and Shenandoah National Park are great places to visit for a hike and a picnic.

VISIT A VINEYARD/WINERY

I am a huge wine lover but that will be on pause until next summer and fall because of baby s. Visit a winery for me!!! I have always wanted to visit the Bluemont Vineyard in Virginia - a beautiful mountain side location that offers walk-ins on the weekdays but reservations on the weekends. Check out their reservations list to see what they are currently offering - each experience is an amazing one!

Other activity ideas to do this fall include:

• Making homemade (spiked or non-spiked) apple cider/hot chocolate
• Explore some soup recipes like butternut squash or a homemade zuppa toscana
• Put your baking skills to the test! pumpkin pie, apple pie, pumpkin cookies, apple muffins, snickerdoodles the possibilities are endless!
• Out with the summer, in with the fall! clean out your summer wardrobe and bring in the fall clothing!
• My favorite... shopping!!! socially distance at your favorite stores that are open with your mask and buy some new fall decor or start your holiday shopping
• Homemade donuts anyone? cider donuts with a creamy glaze sounds like the move this season
• Start that spring garden ready! plant some bulbs in preparation for the spring blooms
• Take some time to self-care. cozy up with some blankets, a good book, some tea or a pumpkin spice latte, and watch some halloween movies!!!
• VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE!
• If it is safe, have a small gathering with some friends. Movie marathons, pot lucks, get some drinks flowing, play some bad bunny (because his albums did not get the summer they deserved *sad face*) and have a good night!
• Drive-in movies are a great result of COVID this year and so many places are offering movies. Pack your favorite snacks and some blankets for date night or a night with friends.
• Rent out a cabin or airbnb in a local state! PA and upstate NY are beautiful around this time of year!
• Take a trip into the city! DC has their amazing monuments to walk during the evening hours. Philly is also a beautiful place to visit and explore if you have never been!
• Enjoy a bonfire and roast some marshmallows! Buying a bonfire is a great investment and can be enjoyed for so much more than the fall season. S'mores sound really good at the moment so roast those mallows and melt that chocolate!

Happy Fall My Loves!!