Autumn Weekends Are Approaching! With summer winding down and September arriving, are you ready to welcome autumn? Whether you’re missing the warmth of summer or eagerly anticipating cozy sweaters, there are plenty of seasonal activities to enjoy on weekends this month.
September serves as a transition, marking the start of the school year for many and bringing a refreshing sense of new beginnings. It’s the perfect time to appreciate the shift from summer’s heat to autumn’s crispness. Embrace this month by spending time outdoors to enjoy the changing leaves and expansive skies, and begin making your clothes, home, and life cozier in preparation for the colder days ahead.
THINGS TO DO DURING THE SEPTEMBER WEEKENDS
MAKE A FALL READING LIST
Create a fall reading list for your weekends in September. Choose books that match the cozy vibe of autumn—think mysteries, historical fiction, or heartwarming stories. Set aside time each weekend to enjoy a good read, perhaps with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy the crisp fall air while you dive into new worlds through your books.
GET DOWN TO YOUR LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET
This is a great idea for any weekend, but especially in this season when stalls are filled with fresh, local produce. It’s the perfect time to support local vendors and enjoy a morning in the autumn air, sipping a hot drink while exploring the market. September brings a bounty of seasonal foods like squashes, cabbages, courgettes, mushrooms, apples, nectarines, and figs.
UNASHAMEDLY ASSEMBLE FALL-SCENTED CANDLES
Gather some fall-scented candles for your weekends in September. Pick scents like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or apple to fill your home with cozy autumn aromas. Light them up while you relax, read, or enjoy a warm drink, and let their comforting scents add to the fall vibe.
MAKE AN AUTUMN PLAYLIST
If you’re still listening to summer music every day, try switching to a more mellow, autumn-themed playlist. Consider adding songs like “Autumn Leaves” by Ed Sheeran, “Zorbing” by Stornoway, “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day, anything by Simon & Garfunkel, or even the entire album of Taylor Swift’s Folklore.
LEAN IN TO BACK TO SCHOOL SEASON
If you’re feeling nostalgic about the back-to-school season and excited about new beginnings, it’s a great time to embrace it. Do something for yourself—learn a new skill, pick up a new hobby, or enroll in a class or online course. You might even treat yourself to some fresh stationery or a new backpack for extra fun.
IT’S PUMPKIN SPICED LATTE TIME!
As of now, Starbucks hasn’t released their autumn drinks in the UK, but Greggs has just introduced their seasonal range. Go ahead and enjoy your first taste of autumn coffee. While I’m not a fan of the PSL, I always check out other seasonal options. Costa’s Bonfire Hot Chocolate has been a top choice in previous years!
BRING IN SOME SEASONAL DÉCOR AND ACCESSORIES
Once you’ve taken care of the home essentials, add some autumn touches to your space. This new season calls for fresh decor, like cozy cushions in pumpkin designs or a soft, fluffy throw—ideal for lounging on the sofa. As the evenings grow darker, enhance your space with pumpkin-themed lighting. I’ve had a pumpkin lantern for a couple of years, and it’s still my favorite.
GET YOUR LIFE PREPPED FOR WINTER
Winter might still feel far off, but the colder weather will be here before you know it. Preparing now can help you stay ahead. You’ll be spending more time indoors soon, so if your house has been a bit neglected after summer, it’s a good time to address that.
If your boiler needs a check-up, get it serviced now before plumbers get busy with winter calls. In your garden, tackle autumn tasks and check your gutters while you’re at it. If any outdoor woodwork needs painting, do it now, as most exterior paints shouldn’t be applied when temperatures drop too low.
ENJOY SOME AUTUMN FLOWERS
If you have hydrangeas in your garden, they’re likely looking stunning right now. Cut a few and bring them indoors for a beautiful touch of late summer color. You might still find sunflowers in stores this month—they’re among the happiest flowers you can buy. Place a bunch in any room that needs a lift, and you’ll be pleased with the result.
PLAN YOUR AUTUMN AND WINTER FUN
For me, this means either finalizing plans for the October half-term break or (don’t judge!) starting to book Christmas activities. I understand it sounds early, but if you don’t schedule Santa visits and festive light trails soon, they might be fully booked by November. On a smaller scale, consider planning visits to new or favorite cafes, restaurants, museums, and other indoor spots you might have overlooked during the summer.
REUNITE WITH YOUR AUTUMN WARDROBE
Hello again, favorite knitwear! It’s time to bring out the soft and cozy sweaters. Boots and scarves will soon be making their return, so get ready to snuggle up and enjoy. As you reconnect with your sweater collection, it’s also a great time to organize your wardrobe. Pack away your summer clothes—sad as it might be, you won’t need that sundress in October. If you have kids, sort through their clothes from last year that no longer fit and either pass them on or donate them. A good clear-out always feels refreshing.
DO SOME AUTUMN COOKING
Feeling a chill in the air? Grey skies and a rainy Sunday? It’s the perfect time to head into the kitchen and cook up some comforting dishes. You might even want to dust off the slow cooker. Make the most of your fruit picking with a delicious Apple & Blackberry Crumble, or cozy up with a hearty Lamb Tagine or Beef Massaman Curry as the evenings grow colder. There’s something truly special about being in a warm, steamy kitchen while the wind and rain hit the windows. Enhance the coziness with a favorite podcast—something spooky like Lore would be perfect.
GO BLACKBERRY PICKING
This month, hedgerows will start overflowing with juicy blackberries (or brambles, as we call them in Scotland). Head out to pick some, but be sure to cover your arms and legs, as the thorns can be quite harsh.If you only find a few, enjoy them fresh. If you pick a lot, use them to make a delicious apple crumble for a perfect autumn dessert. With even more, you can make blackberry jam—something you’ll appreciate spreading on toast during the winter months.
EAT AL FRESCO
Depending on where you live, September might be your final opportunity to dine outdoors before the weather turns too cold. Make the most of it! Plan a last late-summer picnic and make the most of the cooler temperatures by skipping the usual salads. Instead, bring along a Thermos filled with hot soup or hot chocolate. Enjoy sipping these warm treats in the sunshine. My trusty Thermos flask is a lifesaver during this time of year.
ENJOY AN AUTUMN WALK
As the weather turns cooler, ease into autumn with a long walk. Pull out your wellies and enjoy the vibrant fall colors. Afterward, treat yourself to tea and scones at a cozy café or a hearty roast lunch at a country pub. Then head home to draw the curtains, turn up the heating or light the fire, and relax with a movie. For those in Scotland, you might enjoy exploring some easy walks around Edinburgh.
CONCLUSION
September, with its crisp air and vibrant colors, offers a plethora of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or cozy indoor retreats, there’s something for everyone. From exploring nature’s beauty to indulging in seasonal treats, September provides the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories and embrace the essence of autumn.
