September 22nd was the first day of fall. As we usher out September with the Hoco festivities, we now look forward to beginning of the season and the many activities that come along with it.  

Listed below is a must-do list for fall that will put you in the spirit for this colorful, spectacular, wonderful season:

Pick pumpkins at a local pumpkin patch

-The possibilities are endless when it comes to pumpkins: carve ‘em, eat em’, smash em’, decorate em’… and that’s not even the best part. On a weekend you have off, go with some friends or family members to a local pumpkin patch and find the one best for you. While you’re at it, maybe enjoy some hot cider and kettle corn as well…

-Here are some local pumpkin patches: Didier Farms in Lincolnshire, Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch in Barrington, Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm in Waukegan

-If you want a similar experience but different produce, there are many local apple orchards to visit, including Apple Holler outside of Kenosha and Heinz Orchard in Libertyville! Wander the orchards with families and friends, and take enough home to enjoy a crisp juicy apple on an equally crisp fall day.

On a related note, attend the Highwood Pumpkin Fest:

-Every year, for the past 7 years, our neighboring city of Highwood holds the Highwood Pumpkin Fest, where attendees carve pumpkins provided and places them on display in attempt to beat the world record for most carved and lit jack-o-lanterns. Go with your friends and support the city in their efforts, and while you’re there, make sure to check out the live music, food tents, games, and rides.

Go for a walk:

-Fall is, without a doubt, one of the loveliest times of the year. The red and orange leaves, the colorful mums, the pumpkins that dot every doorstep. Enjoy nature by simply walking through it: take your dog for a stroll around the neighborhood, wander through the paths and shore of Fort Sheridan, take a hike through a nature preserve. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy.

Halloween plans: 

-Unfortunately, it is considered a bit creepy for fully grown teenagers to walk door to door asking for free candy. Sorry, Lake Forest High, but you can always have just as much fun going to a party, watching a horror movie, go to Fright Fest at Six Flags, or host a costume party with friends.

Watch a ridiculously cheesy Halloween movie:

-What better way to get into the spirit of the season than to watch a movie? Of course, there are the Disney Channel classics such as Halloweentown and Twitches, but don’t forget Casper or It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! 

-Or, if you have the stomach, go straight for the horror movies. Coraline is probably the scariest I can handle, but some people have no problem watching movies like The Ring or perhaps the most famous Halloween movie of all, Halloween.

Rake (and of course, jump into) a pile of leaves:

-It’s a quintessential fall activity: once your backyard trees have lost most of their leaves, take out a rake and pile ‘em up. Then, take a few steps back and jump into it with everything you’ve got! Bonus points if the leaves get in your hair and you’re still pulling some out hours later.

Eat a whole lotta food at Thanksgiving: 

-Of course, I don’t know anyone who isn’t excited for Thanksgiving. Good food? Three days off of school? Mashed potatoes and gravy? Most importantly, the pie? Over your break, make sure you give thanks, hug your family, and dig in.

Bake (or enjoy) some fall treats: 

-While some people might not have the culinary skill to bake a pie (me included), at least stop by Fresh Market to pick up some pumpkin bread or caramel apples. It is an undeniable truth that pumpkin is THE flavor of fall, so make sure to not forget to indulge in a Pumpkin Spice Latte or slice of pumpkin pie. Here is a recipe for some tasty pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, and here’s a recipe for apple pie bites that look to-die-for.

Indulge in some autumn buys:

-The weather change from summer to autumn is one of the largest and most dramatic, and you’ve got to make sure you’re properly prepared to bundle up and stay warm. You could buy a large, comfy sweater from one the Forest Scout’s top shops for fall shopping, a soft blanket to curl up with on the couch, a scented candle, or Halloween decorations to create the mood.

Bonfire with friends:

-On a night off when the air is crisp and cool, why not get a couple of friends and gather around a bonfire? A fire pit at your house is not needed; LF and LB beach both have pits available for use. Make sure to pack the fluffy blankets and marshmallows!

Happy fall, LFHS!