It may be 95 degrees at your house, but the calendar says Autumn has arrived.
And the change of seasons brings a return to some familiar rhythms of life. Because kids are back in school. Friday night lights are ablaze in cities and towns across the country. And pumpkin spice is absolutely everywhere.
After the lazy days of summer, life accelerates this time of year. That means calendars fill up quickly. And then the Christmas Countdown begins.
Before things get too hectic, establish or re-establish the habit of weekly dates with your spouse.
And dates don’t have to blow the budget. Because intentional time spent together is what’s important.
12 dates that inspire togetherness this season:
- Spend a late evening stargazing. Autumn offers some of nature’s best light shows. And a quick internet search can help you find the best nearby location, and tell you what to look for in the night sky. So pack a thermos, grab a blanket and enjoy.
- Take a brisk walk, hike, or bike ride. As the temperatures begin to fall, it’s a great time for outdoor activities that won’t leave you and your date drenched in sweat. So take a stroll around the neighborhood or find a nearby park or trail. Then find a quiet place to sit and catch up on conversation.
- Check out a local fall festival or art crawl. You might even get lost in a corn maze. Spend a couple of hours leisurely taking in the season together.
- Cook together. Simmer some spicy chili or mix and bake an apple pie. Then add some good music. Because time in the kitchen creating a delicious seasonal treat is a great way to unwind and reconnect.
- Try out the new seasonal flavors at your local coffee house. Or why not try making your own chai tea latte at home. (Click here for a recipe.) You might do this after the kids are in bed. Then you can snuggle on the couch and talk.
- Make a date for a scenic drive. Especially if you live close to fall foliage, don’t miss this chance to celebrate the beauty of nature together.
- Visit a favorite local drive in fast food joint. Indulge in a cherry coke or corn dog or some other treat and talk about favorite fall memories. Your most memorable Halloween costume? Your first Haunted House?
- Pick apples in an apple orchard. There’s nothing quite like the taste of crisp applies right from the tree. So why not pack a picnic and enjoy a lovely autumn afternoon.
- Visit a pumpkin patch. Find a perfect pumpkin or two. You can carve them together, and then finish your date by decorating the front porch.
- Take in a high school football game. Because even if the kids are out of school, this is a great way to experience the excitement and energy of fall together. You might join in a tailgate party with friends.
- Build a bonfire and make s’mores. You can also do this over a small outdoor fire pit, or even a grill. It’s fun with the kids, yes. But it’s a fun and romantic date when it’s just the two of you. Feed each other melted chocolate and warm, gooey marshmallows. Yum.
- Enjoy an outdoor movie or play. Live close to a town with an old fashioned drive in movie theater? Does your city or town offer outdoor live theater? Cooler evening temperatures make this a great date night option.
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