Grand Rapids Fall Bucket List 2019

Guys, can you believe it’s already Fall? Summer always seems to fly by, but it seemed to go even quicker with our wedding and honeymoon this year. So to be honest I’m looking forward to a slower season, cozy sweaters and all the comfort food. I love making this bucket lists each season and we love using it to check off different activities or events. You can scroll to the bottom of this post for the bucket list image and print yours or save it to your phone. I hope you have a great Fall season and please share your bucket list with me!

Eat a Pumpkin Spice Donut

Nothing says Fall like a pumpkin spice donut. Am I right?! I can’t get enough of the pumpkin spice flavor throughout the autumn season in muffins, pie or donuts. If you’re on the hunt for a great pumpkin spice donut my favorite can be found at Robinette’s.

Do a Corn Maze

If you’re looking for something fun to do with friends or family this Fall why not try a corn maze? A corn maze is a perfect way to enjoy an outdoor activity when the weather is mild. Here are some West Michigan spots to try a corn maze: Robinette’s, Ed Dunneback & Girls, and Crane Orchards.

Try an Apple Cider Cocktail

For a cozy night in with friends try making an apple cider cocktail. We made this apple cider old fashioned for our engagement party last Fall and it was a huge hit. Cheers!

Make an Apple Crisp

I absolutely love an apple crisp during the Fall months. The tartness from the apples with the sweetness and crunch of the crisp topping is the best. My favorite recipe for apple crisp can be found here. I love using a mix of sweet Honeycrisp apples and tart Granny Smith apples.

Go to a Football Game

Fall and football go together hand-in-hand. We love watching or attending college games (Go Blue) on the weekends with friends and family. Do you have a favorite football team?

Try Apple Picking

Apple picking is a must during the Fall. We’re lucky living in West Michigan to have so many apple orchards in the area (Robinette’s Moelker Orchards, Versluis Orchards and Wells Orchards. Take some time with your kids or significant other to pick your favorite apple variety.

Go on a Fall Color Tour

Michigan has so much beauty during the fall months with the leaves turning color. Hop in the car to take a little road trip and see the beautiful colors. Check out Pure Michigan for some Fall Color Tour ideas.

Go to the Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Save the date for the Wine, Beer & Food Festival happening November 21-23 at DeVos Place. This is a great event to try different types of wine, your favorite beers and delicious food.

Do the Great Pumpkin Run

Take advantage of this cooler weather to do the Great Pumpkin Run! This pumpkin themed 5k race takes place in Riverside Park on October 12.

Decorate Your Home with Mums

I love decorating my front porch with pumpkins and mums during the autumn months. My go-to spot for mums is Ludema’s or the Fulton Street Farmers Market because I love the colors and variety.

Cheers to Cocktail Week

Did you know Cocktail Week kicks off with Experience GR on November 13-24? This is a great time to try a new cocktail with an appetizer pairing at local distilleries and restaurants.

Make Chili

My family loves to have a chili cook-off on Halloween night. My sister and I always make a vegetarian option and last year Cory made a yummy white chicken chili. Share your favorite recipes below!

Go to Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is right around the corner! Head to Riverside Park this Friday and Saturday (September 27-28) for Oktoberfest Grand Rapids 2019.

Explore Project 1

Get out to explore Project 1 by ArtPrize that’s happening now until October 27. You can find some amazing pieces of artwork all around town.

Go on a Hayride

You can’t go wrong with a hayride during the Fall months! Head to a local orchard to take a hayride with your kids or friends to see the apple trees.

Go to Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival is happening at Blandford Nature Center on October 12 from 10 AM – 4 PM. You can make scarecrows, try candle dipping, go on a wagon ride, and try food from local food trucks.

Dress Up for Zoo Goes Boo

I’m still trying to decide what to dress up as for Halloween this year….any ideas? If you have kids and are looking for a fun place to trick-or-treat this year check out Zoo Goes Boo at John Ball Zoo happening October 18-20 and October 25-27.

Take a Ride on the Pumpkin Train

Have you taken a ride on the pumpkin train? Coopersville & Marne Railway do a pumpkin train during September and October and it’s a fun activity for families.

Carve Pumpkins

My family can get pretty competitive when it comes to carving pumpkins. We always try to carve something different each year and it’s fun to research out-of-the-box ideas. I would love to host a pumpkin carving contest with our friends this year!

Take a Cooking Class

If you’re looking for a fun Fall date night idea try a cooking class! The Downtown Market has a Cooking with Craft Beer class and Sur La Table has some great Fall inspired classes.

Ready to start checking things off the Fall Bucket List? You can download and print this Grand Rapids Fall Bucket List or copy the image below. I also left some empty spaces for you to fill in a couple of other projects or events you want to try this season. Enjoy and please share your bucket list with me on Instagram or Facebook!