7 Ways to Immerse Yourself in the Spectacular Outdoor Beauty of Fall

Normally I feature some type of decorating inspiration on Saturdays, but today I’m in the mood for the outdoor beauty of fall. I thought you might enjoy soaking in the spectacular vision of autumn’s artistry to start your weekend. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy scenes from Mother Nature herself and see how to make the most of this glorious season.

1. Take a country drive and enjoy the idyllic scene of a red barn against the background of riotous color. When you reach an especially charming destination, get out and walk around to get an up-close view of the beauty.

 

2. Visit an historic neighborhood and relish that hygge feeling while envisioning what life was like for people who lived in the older homes at the time they were built.

 

These next few older homes remind me of the trip we took to Grand Detour, Illinois. Grand Detour is a small, historic neighborhood near the Rock River just outside of Dixon (where Ronald Reagan grew up).

 

 

 

3. Book an autumn trip to New England to enjoy the spectacular outdoor beauty of fall. This Vermont farmhouse features the quintessential charm of the area.

 

A saltbox style Vermont home enjoys amazing views of colorful trees and rolling hills. This view is breathtaking any time of year, but fall is especially brilliant.

 

4. Take a nature walk and notice life’s smaller treasures, like a fiery red mushroom among the fallen leaves. I’m currently watching the series “Once” on Hulu and this forest reminds me of the enchanted forest where the characters live. I can imagine Snow White appearing around the next tree.

 

You never know where your walk might lead you. Imagine strolling around a bend in the path to discover a charming red bridge leading over an equally pretty waterfall. Part of why I love exploring outdoors is that you never know what you’re going to find. Not to mention, the fresh air is a pick-me-up that can lighten your mood and outlook on life if you’re going through a rough time.

 

A wooden staircase is especially inviting when walking in the woods during the fall season. This reminds me of the time hubby and I took a day vacation to Starved Rock.

 

5. Explore surrounding neighborhoods to discover things you might never have noticed before. It’s funny how many times you hear people say, “I’ve lived here all my life and never bothered to visit that place.” We go on vacation and want to take in all the sights. But when we’re home, we tend to take local points of interest for granted. You don’t need to go on vacation to discover new things, and fall is a great time to do it with cooler temperatures.

 

Here’s an old round church found in Richmond, Vermont. Built in 1812, it’s a rare, 16-sided meeting hall that doubled as a church and meeting place. Today it’s open to the public and can be rented for weddings and events. These are the types of interesting things that might be waiting for your discovery in your own area.

 

6. Lose yourself in the countryside to enjoy the quiet serenity of an autumn day. Maybe you’re lucky to live in an area dotted with historic covered bridges. It’s easy to envision horse carriages meandering through the bridge with the clip-clop of horse hooves echoing in its cavern. I always equate covered bridges with fall, most likely from having traveled to Parke County, Indiana for the annual Covered Bridge Festival held each fall. The outdoor beauty of fall was unforgettable.

 

Follow a humble gravel road and be delighted by wooden structures and split rail fences peeking through the golden foliage. I’ve never been disappointed when wandering down the road less traveled.

 

7. Head to the local forest preserve and get a dose of forest bathing during the height of autumn. The Japanese have known for years about the many benefits of spending time in the forest, bathing in nature. You’ll feel refreshed when you breathe in the crisp autumn air. Not to mention the satisfaction of hearing the soft crunch of fallen leaves under your feet.

 

There are certainly more ways to enjoy the spectacular outdoor beauty of fall, like going apple picking, enjoying a corn maze, or browsing an outside art or craft fair. I guarantee your spirits will feel lighter when you get back home!