#1 Watch Halloween Movies

The best way to fully experience the fall, and spooky season in Southern California is to watch movies where the characters live in a place that has actual seasons. For instance, the arguably most watched show in the fall season is Gilmore Girls, for this exact reason. Something about watching Lorelai and Rory, the two protagonists, walking around a small New England town with their sweaters and coffee really sets the mood for fall. It is almost as if viewers can pretend the temperature outside is below 75 degrees and the leaves on our trees are orange and red. Additionally, for the spooky season, it is imperative that students watch as many Halloween-based films as possible. For optimum effect, I recommend watching Girl Vs. Monster, a classic film amongst Disney Channel Original Movie enthusiasts. The movie follows a young girl, Skyler, who up until the start of this movie, has never experienced fear. While watching, viewers can enjoy a heartfelt film highlighting the power of courage while simultaneously easing their way into the Halloween spirit. The most critical part of these suggestions are as follows: as an experienced Halloween fanatic, I would say the most effective way to use this strategy is to watch one Halloween movie every weekend and at least one episode of Gilmore Girls per week. 

#2 Bake a Pumpkin Pie

The second strategy to immerse yourself in the Halloween/fall spirit is to bake your very own pumpkin pie, or some other type of fall treat like pumpkin bread or apple pie. I was hesitant at first, as baking a whole pie seemed like a lot of work, but all I had to do was buy the crust and make the inside. While mixing all the ingredients, my house began to smell like pumpkin and cinnamon, and it felt so much like fall. Baking is an easy way to feel, and taste, the fall. It is also great practice for the second best fall holiday of Thanksgiving, at least in my opinion. 

#3 Roger’s Gardens

Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach is the perfect place to get into the holiday season. Roger’s Gardens has an entire section dedicated to Halloween. Each year, the Halloween section follows a different theme. This year, the theme is A Nightmare Before Christmas. Walking through the exhibit was like taking a stroll through Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. The dark lighting and spooky decorations are perfect for establishing a sense of fall and the ominous Halloween spirit. Personally, my favorite part of the exhibit were all of the little skeletons that were dressed in adorable costumes, some wearing witch hats and others floor length dresses. Walking into that room felt like entering an entirely different world. Everything was gloomy, foreboding music played in the background, and haunted looking figurines adorned the walls. The best way I can describe it is, magical. It’s a portal that places you straight into the movie.

#4 Tanaka Farms in Irvine

Tanaka Farms is a strawberry farm in Irvine, but during the fall months they have a pumpkin patch. There are scarecrows, pumpkins, and beautiful flowers lining the whole patch. The farm also holds a farmers market, wagon rides, and strawberry picking! This is a perfect place to visit with family and friends. Once I stepped onto the grounds, it felt like I was entering a small town. Everyone was so friendly and excited to help. There are hay mazes and ghost caricatures, and the scenery is just overall so different from anything we have here in Southern California. Additionally, the market is absolutely adorable. It mainly sells produce, though they also have fun Halloween trinkets for purchase. My favorite was a  mummy sign they had placed in one of the nearby hay stacks. I would definitely recommend visiting Tanaka Farms during the fall season, but it is just as wonderful at any time of the year. 

#5 Pumpkin carving!

Pumpkin carving is probably the most nostalgic fall activity. The process is far more laborious than any of the other activities listed in this article, but it is, in my opinion, the most fun and engaging. Similar to baking, this activity involves creation. I started with a plain pumpkin and ended with a smug little jack-o-lantern that I now have right by my bedside. This experience feels much more personal than the rest. Additionally, this activity will last the entire season. Unlike movies or baking, this activity is not fleeting. You can have your jack-o-lantern for several days before it decays. I love seeing my carved pumpkin, as it’s the best reminder of fall.

Do you have any fun fall activities? If so, let us know in the comments!