As the leaves begin to change and the air begins to cool, fall settles over us and we pull our loved ones even closer. The summer months are past, and we leave behind the days of sandy toes and sun-kissed skin.

We now look forward to the next chapter — the season of shorter days and longer nights. We keep ourselves warm with fuzzy, oversized sweaters and steaming mugs of crisp apple cider. We lounge by crackling fires and toast gooey marshmallows wrapped up in flannel blankets.

We welcome the season of closeness when we spend Thanksgiving with our families and watch football games with our friends. There are so many things to do, and so many opportunities to spend time with our loved ones.

Here are 5 of our favorite date ideas to spark your autumn romance:

  1. Pick your own pumpkin…and carve it!
    Halloween is right around the corner! Celebrate the upcoming holiday together by picking out the perfect pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch. Take it home together and carve your pumpkin, and don’t forget to put a candle inside for the ultimate fall decoration!
  2. Tour a vineyard
    Fall is the perfect season for vineyard tours! Put on your favorite fall outfit and spend the day strolling through the grapevines and sampling your favorite wines.
  3. Be brave, be bold. Check out a haunted house!
    If you dare, grab your date and take them to a haunted house! Hold them tight and embrace the thrill of the unexpected. If you’re not up to a haunted house (I don’t blame you!), pop in your favorite scary movie and cuddle up on the couch for a cozy night in.
  4. Take a hike
    Embrace the breathtaking beauty of the fall foliage by getting outside and exploring the many trails that the DC/MD/VA area has to offer! Get lost in the sea of red, orange, and yellow — and don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch!
    Not big on hiking? Take a drive to check out the scenery instead! If you’ve never had a chance to explore Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, you absolutely need to.
  5. Have a craft night
    Try something new this fall and plan a craft night with your loved one! Grab a canvas, some paint and a few brushes and surprise each other with your very best attempt at a paint masterpiece. Attend a candle-making class to build your very own custom candle with your favorite warm and spicy scents. Try your hand at pottery, and see what you’re able to create together!

Whatever you do, do it together, and do it with love.

XO, Your Planners
Maddy & Cass