As a lover of fall, I’m always thrilled when Fresno’s temperatures begin to dip (no, we’re not going to talk about the fact that they might bounce back up for a few days – shhhh 😉). Fall has always been my favorite season.
Growing up on the west side of rural Fresno, the distinct smell of paper raisin trays burning in the air while I walked to and from the bus stop before and after school became one of my favorite scents, because it meant fall was coming. Though burning raisin trays isn’t a practice that continues, given our air quality concerns, there are still plenty of traditions, both old and new, that I look forward to each fall. Traditions give us something to anticipate – an excuse to gather with friends and family and focus on some fun!
Here are a few of my favorite transitioning-into-fall activities, in case you’re looking for ideas to get into the spirit of the impending spooky season and schedule something fun to look forward to!
1. Start your day with an early morning walk.
While it’s still cool and crisp out, treat yourself (or you and a friend or loved one) to a seasonal fall coffee or tea afterward. The walk will boost your mood for the day ahead and give you a glimpse of the cooler weather to come. Two of my favorite local coffee shops with great fall drinks are Two Cities Coffee Roasters in Old Town Clovis and Kuppa Joy. Two Cities has an amazing Cardamom Vanilla Latte, as well as a Maple Cinnamon Latte that tastes like fall in a cup. Their back patio is absolutely lovely in the fall, especially once the leaves on the tall oak trees start to turn colors in late October. Kuppa Joy’s Pumpkin Pie Latte and Pumpkin Chai are made with homemade pumpkin pie syrup, and, in my opinion, they taste much better than a “certain” national chain’s pumpkin drinks.
2. Plan a spooky painting party with friends.
Ask your guests to check out local thrift stores for vintage or old-looking landscape paintings that would be fun to make spooky for Halloween décor. As the host, just grab a few inexpensive bottles of acrylic paint and some paintbrushes and encourage guests to bring their paintings and a fall snack to share. Add ghosts, gnarled trees, or black cats to your paintings—or, if Halloween isn’t your thing, get creative and add fall colors and leaves to make them seasonal while enjoying good conversation and snacks. Last year, my girlfriends and I had the best luck finding paintings at Neighborhood Thrift in the Tower District and the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Thrift shop on Bullard and West.
3. Visit the Vineyard Farmer’s Market.
On a Saturday morning (before 10 a.m. for the best selection), visit the Vineyard Farmer’s Market on Blackstone and Shaw and challenge yourself to make a new recipe featuring in-season, locally grown produce. Right now, beans, melons, lettuce, spinach, summer squashes, and late-season stone fruit are great, super fresh choices! While you’re there, grab a bite from La Boulangerie and a cup of coffee from Fabiano’s Coffee Roasters.
4. Get crafty with a succulent pumpkin planter.
Flex (or find—no judgment here) your green thumb by joining a workshop to create your own succulent garden in a natural pumpkin planter at Kileen’s Garden Boutique. Relax in Kileen’s patio garden, select your choice of succulents, and enjoy this hands-on fall craft. All supplies are provided, and you can book your ticket here.
5. Embrace a cozy binge session.
Looking for a super low-key way to welcome fall? I got you covered. Cozy up and binge either The Twilight Saga or Gilmore Girls. Both will give you all the fall vibes—you just have to decide if you’re a dark-and-rainy Pacific Northwest kind of fall person, or a sunshine-gleaming-through-orange-leaves-in-small-town-Connecticut type. If you want to go the extra mile, indulge in some red velvet cupcakes while watching Twilight, or order Chinese takeout and pizza like a true Gilmore Girl. (How were they always snacking and never too full on that show???) Need a takeout recommendation? Ding Ho Kitchen on Bullard and Marks is our family’s favorite!
Fall is the perfect season to slow down, embrace cozy traditions, and enjoy little moments that bring comfort and joy. Whether you’re savoring a warm cup of coffee or getting crafty with friends, I hope these ideas inspire you to make the most of this magical time of year!
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Dear Natali:
I want to thank you so much for keeping us so well informed on the wonderful places we can visit and the fun we can have in our own hometown. You do a fantastic job! I appreciate what you do for us.