Right now, my Pinterest feed is filled with aesthetic fall photos. We’re talking colorful leaves, bonfires, mugs with warm beverages, blankets, and girls posing in chunky sweaters and ankle Uggs. I am loving it and really feeling those Pinterest-worthy vibes this season. I was recently telling Hayden how I am loving all the fall things more than normal this year, and then thought to myself… I sound “basic.”
This is your reminder that it's okay to embrace the cozy fall vibes even if it feels basic! Enjoy life and don’t be embarrassed for embracing the seasons. One of my favorite things about living in Wisconsin is that we feel all 4 seasons so distinctly.
We’re doing fall girl sh!t in Wisconsin this year! Here are my 10 recommendations to embrace the season:
This blog was inspired by The Everygril: 12 Fall Weekend Ideas to Try This Year That Don’t Cost a Ton
1. HAVE A PICNIC IN THE BLUFFS
Wisconsin’s Driftless region is full of beautiful bluffs with great views and overlooks–great for seeing fall colors! Pack up some goodies and make it a day trip with a scenic drive to see the colors before enjoying your cozy picnic.
My favorite fall picnic spots:
Owen Park - Merrimac, WI
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Ontario, WI
Dells of Eau Claire County Park - Aniwa, WI
If you haven’t tried Driftless Provisions, you can check them out here! They’re the perfect addition to any charcuterie board. Use WICOUPLE15 for 15% off!
2. GET A HOT APPLE CIDER
There are so many great orchards across the state. I love when they have adorable markets with local goodies–pies, doughnuts, and of course, apples. Maybe you want to pick your own apples, or maybe you just want to shop for them. Either way, don’t forget a warm cup of cider to enjoy on a crisp fall morning!
My favorite orchards:
Elegant Farmer - Mukwonago, WI
Ski-Hi - Baraboo, WI
Ecker’s Apple Farm - Trempealeau, WI
3. STROLL THROUGH EPIC
Heading into the spooky season, there is no better place for a Saturday stroll than EPIC in Verona, WI. This medical software company has a massive campus that is free to explore. Each building is themed inside and out–I spent hours exploring the Wizard & Storybook campuses and didn’t even get to see everything. Wear your comfortable shoes, bring water and snacks, and prepare for a long visit.
EPIC: Free self guided tours - 10-3 on weekends & 2:30-5 on weekdays. When you arrive, follow signs for visitors. You’ll park, enter, and get a map for a self-guided tour.
4. GO TO A PUMPKIN PATCH
What could possibly be more fall girl sh!t than posing with your pumpkin?! I love a day at a pumpkin farm and doing all of the activities that come with it. I want to pick out my pumpkin, complete the corn maze, and maybe feed the animals in the petting zoo.
My favorite pumpkin farms:
Treinen Farm - Lodi, WI
Country Bumpkin - Wisconsin Dells, WI
Schuett Farms - Mukwonago, WI
5. NO TRICKS, BUT TRY ALL THE TREATS
One of the best things about the fall season is the baked goods and treats that come with it. We all know the orchards will have amazing cider doughnuts and caramel apples, but local bakeries will also be serving up yummy seasonal flavors. Hunt down the best pumpkin bar, muffin, or cinnamon roll!
My favorite bakeries:
Buttercream Bakery - Lodi, WI
Miggy’s Bakes - Middleton, WI
Valley Sweets - St. Croix Falls, WI
6. ENJOY SOME FALL BEVERAGES
I am not a coffee drinker, but every fall and holiday season, I find myself wishing I was. However, I do love a great hot chocolate with a fun flavor mixed in. The fall seasonal flavors of apple, maple, and caramel are so delicious in any hot beverage. And don’t even get me started about fall flavors in cocktails! Grab a gal pal and enjoy some fall sips whether it be a caramel apple martini or maple latte.
My favorite places for fall sips:
Driftless Glen Distillery - Baraboo WI
3 Arrows Coffee - St. Croix Falls, WI
The Sweet Spot - Whitewater, WI
Want an easy cocktail to make at home? Check out campHER cocktail kits here!
7. HAVE A BADGER OR PACKER PARTY
What’s fall without a little football?! I love to cook and host a little get together, and the Packer games are a perfect excuse to have some friends over. Get a group together for a potluck or go to your favorite bar for the game!
My favorite game day recipes:
8. HIKE ON THE ICE AGE TRAIL
This stunning 1,200 mile trail weaves throughout Wisconsin and provides stunning landscapes, beautiful views, and great hikes. Get out into the fall colors and explore on foot, taking photos of all the pretty colors along the way!
Most Instagrammable IAT Segments:
Gibraltar Rock - Lodi, WI
Devils Lake State Park - Baraboo, WI
Dells of Eau Claire - Aniwa, WI
9. SIP A GLASS OF WINE IN THE FALL SUNSHINE
A winery with a good view is the perfect place to relax in the fall sunshine. I love that so many Wisconsin wineries are tucked away in pretty places, making them feel like a nice escape. Grab a glass or a bottle and enjoy some good views!
Wineries with great views:
Botham Winery - Barneveld, WI
Elmaro Vineyard - Trempealeau, WI
Wollersheim Winery & Distillery - Prairie Du Sac, WI
10. GET COZY AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
S’mores are a superior dessert! I love roasting marshmallows and trying new combinations. Grab some friends, get some cozy blankets, pull on a flannel, and enjoy a mallow or two!
If you’ve never tried them, I highly recommend you check out Northmallow’s s’more kit. Their graham crackers are unmatched!!!
Don’t forget to take epic Instagram photos during your fall girl sh!t and tag us @ThatWisconsinCouple!