10 Romantic Fall Date Ideas For You And Your Boo

It’s no secret that in the fall, spicy cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove take center stage: cinnamon rolls, pumpkin spice, apple pie, oatmeal cookies, fall-scented candles… These spices are the stars in all of our favorite autumnal treats, and with good reason. Cinnamon, and other warming spices like it, have been used as aphrodisiacs since the 10th century B.C., and today, many people still hold that these spices are fully deserving of their ancient allure and mystique. 

So with that in mind, here are 10 romantic fall date ideas to get you and your man into the spirit of the season.

1. Apple Picking

Apple picking is probably the quintessential fall activity…as long as you live far enough north, that is. As a Southerner, apple picking is a top item on my fall bucket list, and I’m so jealous of all my Northern friends' photos each year. Honestly, what could be cuter than holding hands with the apple of your eye as you both peruse rows and rows of the fall fruit, searching for the freshest, most perfect ones? Additionally, it also gives your date the perfect opportunity to make you swoon over his chivalry as he holds ladders steady and carries the heavy apple basket for you both. 

2. From Pumpkin Patch to Pumpkin Carving

For my friends in the South, pumpkin patches are where it’s at. If you find one with hay bale photo booths, tractor rides, a petting zoo, and multiple varieties of the gourd, you’ve got yourself the perfect outing.

Make sure you don’t kiss your pumpkin goodbye before he helps you carve a jack-o'-lantern, though! Not only can he do the dirty work of scooping out all the inside ick of the pumpkin before you start slicing, but you can also compete to see who can give their jack-o'-lantern the scariest (or most “original”) face.

Also, any pumpkin seeds you save can be seasoned and baked up during your carving session and enjoyed shortly after, making this date a perfect, all-day activity. 

3. Bake a Pie Together

Nothing suggests pie season better than chilly air, cozy sweaters, and autumn leaves. There’s just something about warm fruit and buttery crust that demands to be enjoyed under such conditions. Additionally, with all those apples and pumpkins you just picked, what better use is there than enjoying a freshly baked, spice-loaded pie with your cutie pie?

Pie is so versatile, there are options for everyone (whether you think you like pie or not). For the fillings, you have everything from pecan, custard, chocolate silk crème, apple, pumpkin, sweet potato, cranberry, pear, and meat. For the crusts, you have gluten-free, low-gluten, and full-gluten options. You can also make them with Oreos, graham crackers, ground pecans, and pretzels if traditional crust isn’t your thing. The possibilities are endless! So round up your favorite recipes, send them to your honey, and get started on creating your own perfect rom-com memories together. 

4. Fall Movie Night in a Blanket Fort

There are so many good fall movies out there. From your generic fall classics such as Fantastic Mr. Fox to your Halloween hits such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Hocus Pocus, and Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp, there’s bound to be at least one you both can agree on.

Come to a decision with your man, and then pair the movie with your favorite fall treat (bonus points if you bake him something) and a blanket fort to make the perfect environment for romance to thrive in. Pro-tip: Add fairy lights and a fall-themed charcuterie board for an extra special spark.

5. Dinner Al Fresco

The weather has finally hit the sweet spot between blistering hot and bone-chilling cold, so it’s time to take your dining experience outdoors for a change and enjoy the fresh air, lack of insects, and beautiful autumn foliage.

Most restaurants during this time also switch over their menus to warm and deeply nourishing dishes featuring nutty mushrooms and earthy root vegetables. Make sure to partake in these seasonal staples as they’re not only delicious, they’re good for your overall health as well.

6. Road-Trip the East Coast

The best place to see autumn sights is, by far, the East Coast. Old churches framed with leafy halos of red, orange, and brown. Rustic barns nestled down in cozy, windswept valleys. Misty tendrils of fog rising from rivers and ponds at dawn to blanket pastoral landscapes. With plenty of bed and breakfasts dotting the countryside up and down its length, the East Coast is a romantic leaf peeper’s paradise.

Fly there and rent a car or drive the whole way from wherever you live, just be sure to plan out your routes beforehand and book your rooms in advance. The beauty of the East Coast in the fall isn’t exactly a well-kept secret, so you may find yourself competing with other leaf lovers if you arrive unprepared.

7. Fall Stroll Through the Leaves

Even the most mundane gets new life in the fall. Take in the sights and the crisp air with your beau, and take turns trying to find the most perfect fall leaf. Bonus points if enough leaves have built up for you both to crunch through. There’s just something so satisfying about that sound!

Use the opportunity to talk about slow and thoughtful things together. Questions that lend themselves to a deepening familiarity with each other build trust and are always good. If you have trouble thinking about what sort of questions would fall into that category, there are actually lots of games and internet sites with tons of good suggestions.

8. Last Picnic of the Year

You might feel this is just a dressed-down version of dining al fresco, but I assure you, it’s not. Think about all your favorite fall foods, just tiny and cute. Tiny pecan pie, tiny sandwiches, tiny soup, and of course, warm coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in tiny teacups.

Your man may not be as impressed with the tiny foods as you are, but he’s sure to appreciate your enthusiasm and excitement as well as the taste of the actual food itself. Be sure to garnish the occasion with some fall flowers such as mums and sunflowers for a sweet little finishing touch.

9. Romance Novel and Cuddle

It’s the grown-up, classy makeover Netflix and chill has been in desperate need of, and we have our girl autumn to thank for it. 

Pick out a romantic novel (think more Hallmark Channel and less HBO) with your cuddle buddy, and set the stage with soft blankets, squishy pillows, candles, and warm drinks (I recommend a hot toddy). Read in silence next to each other or take turns reading aloud. Don’t forget to turn your phones off in order to keep the focus on each other and the thickening romantic plot the two of you are building together.

10. Haunted House

Know what else really gets the heart pumping? Adrenaline. To me, there’s nothing better than walking through a slightly chilly, slightly spooky Halloween maze with my boo. We get startled, and we automatically hold onto each other a little more tightly. Then, we get to enjoy full-body laughter together over the absurdity of it all. All of these things are bound to boost feelings of camaraderie in your relationship as you brave each new twist and turn and decide which scare to take on next.

Be sure to enjoy some late-night munchies together afterward. It’ll give you both the opportunity to calm down and discuss your favorite parts of the evening.

Closing Thoughts

There really is no better season than autumn. It’s that relaxed exhale of *I made it* after a long, hard push beginning with the New Year and ending with that first slightly cooler than average day. 

It has the best weather (a nice balance of sunshine and rain, not too hot/not too cold), the best scenery (though I adore spring flowers, fall leaves are more prolific and accessible), the best food, almost all the best holidays, the best activities, and therefore, the best climate for romance to blossom in. So grab your man, cozy up, and get ready to settle into the most romantic time of the year together.

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