I know I am not the only one who can’t wait to walk Ellie, our golden doodle in the sharp fall air, wearing a favorite sweater and breathing! Here are my favorite three outings to take advantage of before snow hits the ground.

The Fall Park Picnic

Of course, first on my list is a fall picnic. Our family will go on a picnic no matter the season. We just love being outside in our beautiful Metro Parks, a true gift that few towns have.

Simple cheeses, grapes, and fresh bread with bits on ham make an easy spread. Some warm mulled wine is also a plus.

On Thanksgiving, we go out in the wilderness (ok, the Metro Parks again),and the kiddos and grown-ups alike, and pick anything that is interesting to make a centerpiece for the table together. We have had some wild and crazy arrangements over the years, but the gathering together and chatting on the walk is really the point, not the flowers. The kids really love being included in something as fancy as the center piece.

Hocking Hills in Ohio

If you haven’t ever been, this bit of Ohio is beyond anything you would expect. It is just south east of Columbus, so not a bad drive at all. We went with our ‘Colorado Family’ this summer and they were blown away, as were we. Waterfalls everywhere, hiking of every variety, rolling hills and roads, zip lines through the forests, and adorable cabins by rivers and streams. A must if you haven’t been! They say it is out of this world in the autumn season, but reservations should be made well in advance as they sell out quickly.

Sitting Patio-Side in Your Favorite Sweater

And last but certainly not least, putting on that favorite sweater and relishing the cool. I don’t know why, but I feel especially alive in autumn. The sky is so clear, the slow fade of summer’s glory happens slowly and beautifully if you take the time to watch.

Somehow, Mother Nature knows just what to do, when to do it, and how to show off her skills in a magnificent transformation. The best treat is sitting out on a local restaurant’s patio before they close shop for the snow. Grab a glass of wine and order a warm meal.

Try to find the time in your busy lives to take a small detour down to the Metro Parks and drive through the beauty for a couple of miles. Or if you have the time, take a weekend in Hocking Hills, I promise you will be amazed.