There are many aspects of our everyday life that are being altered by COVID-19. Things that we all take for granted such as gathering with friends, going to dinner with family and even going to class have been completely turned upside down. It is in the nature of many to want to be with friends and family and to participate in our favorite activities. There is no doubt that in the opinion of many…fall is the absolute best time of the year!! Even though it may seem as if participating in fall traditions is not attainable, there are many activities that you can do with friends and family such as apple picking, pumpkin carving and even baking, all while being safe and cautious in regards to COVID-19.
Apple picking is a fun way to participate in fall activities in the safety of the great outdoors. This is not only a COVID-19 safe activity, but this is also a great way to support local producers. By going to an orchard, picking apples and even buying the local goods they have, you are safely participating in all that fall has to offer as well as allowing locally owned business owners to thrive during these difficult times. Orchards such as Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock, NC are only a little over an hour drive from the Clemson area. They have a beautiful orchard full of all different kinds of apples, farm animals and loads of local produce you can buy. Best of all, they make warm fresh apple cider donuts that are sure to put anyone in the fall spirit. Speaking from personal experience, this is a great way to enjoy fall while still being safe amidst COVID.
Pumpkin carving is a sted-fast staple tradition that is still a great go-to fall activity even in the midst of a pandemic. You can carve them with friends and family and even socially distance while doing so. The possibilities are endless when carving pumpkins! You can carve them inside, carve them outside, actually carve them, paint them and basically do anything the fall season calls you to do. This is something that can even be turned into a competition among friends and family. See who can carve or paint the most creative pumpkin or even make themed pumpkins with others! If you’re anything like me and consider yourself to be on the less creative side when it comes to carving pumpkins, there are so many fun stencils that you can buy to take your pumpkin carving to the next level. There are so many options for creativity with this super fun COVID-friendly fall activity.
Baking is a fall activity that creates nothing but positives for everyone involved. If you are feeling stuck or bored with staying inside this fall…crack open the cookbooks and get to baking! There are so many fun fall treats to make such as homemade apple pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread or any other recipe that is a staple in your family. This is one of my favorite fall activities because it’s a creative outlet that doubles as a tasty treat! This is the perfect time to try new recipes or even the ones that you always seem to consistently get wrong. Everyone involved in these fall baking activities, whether you are a baker or a taster is an absolute winner. As if the thought of eating homemade pumpkin bread isn’t enticing enough, all of this fall fun can be done from the comfort of your own kitchen and away from the stress of being in public places during COVID-19!
Whether you are an outdoorsy person, a pumpkin carver or a master chef, these COVID-19 friendly activities are sure to put you in the fall spirit. This time that we are in creates so many challenges when trying to make the most of the seasons we are in, but by making the best of it with participating in safe activities for yourself as well as your friends and family, your favorite time of the year can be just as memorable as ever!
