We truly are! We love the month of October and the harvest it brings and represents. Not only does it typically signify the start of fall weather in Tennessee, but football (Go Vols!), fiery leaves, and updating our home decor all hold their own special places in our hearts. We look forward to the beginning of October every year and all of the fall festivities associated with it, and today we are sharing the Ultimate October Bucket List to help you plan your month well!


1) Explore a Corn Maze: Cool mornings, warm days, and chillier evenings... it's what Octobers are made of AND the perfect weather for corn maze exploring. Whether you're five or sixty-five, adventuring through a corn maze with friends and family members is a perfect fall day activity. Not only does it put you outdoors and enjoying the crisp air, but it also gets you moving and using your brain to problem solve. Looking to add a little spookiness? Check out a nighttime corn maze! Just be sure to bring a flashlight... you never know what could be hiding in the husks! Not sure where your closest corn maze is? CHECK OUT THIS HANDY MAZE FINDER >>


2) Host a Pumpkin Carving Party: We mentioned this in our "Top 5 Traditions of Fall" post earlier this season, but hosting a pumpkin carving party is a fun way to gather all your friends together to celebrate the beginning of a new season! SEE MORE HERE  >>

3) Scout Out the Best Leaves: The changing colors of leaves in the fall is perhaps one of the most spectacular beauties of nature... and being close to the Smokies gives us one of the best places in the USA to view that beauty. Don't fret if yo are not on this side of the U.S., autumn leaves are predicted to be gorgeous across the entire nation this year! Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring your own town's parks and trails to soak up the stunning crimsons, rich tangerines, and bold yellows.  Want to know the best time to catch your city's prime foliage? CHECK OUT THIS NATIONAL FOLIAGE MAP  >>

4) Get Out the Crock Pot: After being stored away for most of the summer in exchange for salads and garden-fresh foods, it's crock pot season again. With days getting shorter and darkness creeping in a little earlier, coming home to already-prepared dinners is always a win in our books. From soups and roasts to stews and easy-to-make desserts, using a crockpot for your fall meals provides endless options! Looking for some new ideas to add to your autumn recipe cycle? CHECK OUT THIS RECENT ARTICLE BY DELISH  >>

5) Front Porch Sittin': While summer porch sitting offers ample time for sweet teas and conversation, the fall provides just as much - if not more - opportunities for front porch time. With the chilly night air, soft light of candles, cozy knit blankets, and the glow of creatively-carved jack-o-lanterns (from your pumpkin carving party, of course!), your porch offers the space you need to entertain and chat with friends and family members. Plus, you've got to soak up all your porch time while you can... Old Man Winter will soon be knocking! 

6) Bake Some Fall Goodies: While Pumpkin Spice Lattes seem to get all of the attention and focus during the months of September - November, fall offers plenty of other sweet treats and goodies! Not only does carving out time for fall baking offer itself as a lovely fall tradition, but we also believe there are a few things that truly do rate higher than the ever-favorite PSL. CHECK OUT THIS POST FOR SOME YUMMY IDEAS  >>

7) Apple Picking Adventures: And no, we're not talking about choosing apples in a grocery store! Like the corn maze, apple picking at a local orchard gets you outdoors and enjoying the crisp air... only this time, you also get to reap some of the benefits of a plentiful fall harvest! FIND YOUR CLOSEST ORCHARD HERE >>

8) Decorate For Fall: We're all for decorating our homes with the changing seasons and fall is no exception! Even if you just change up your pillow inserts with fun fall covers, a little updating can go a long way to cozying up your home just in time for the cooler months! 

9) Football Sunday Gathering: We often mistake the warmer months and holidays as the only times of year to host neighbors and friends... but why not use football Sundays as an excuse to get together and enjoy some delicious snacks while rooting for your local teams? Don't worry about creating tons of extra work for yourself though, invite everyone to bring a side or dessert to share... then get ready to cheer for all the touchdowns! CHECK OUT THIS POST FOR 30+ FOOTBALL SNACKS  >>