Are you looking for fall things to do during a pandemic? Well, you’re not alone and we’ve put together a brief list of things that can help you make 2020 seem a bit more normal. Who says you can’t enjoy this time of year, even with some social distancing!
1. Take a Nature Walk
Davie County offers a variety of beautiful scenic nature trails like the Davie Community Park Trails, Rich Park Greenway, and Farmington Nature Park. These are the perfect locations for a fall picnic, an afternoon stroll, or a leaf gazing adventure.
2. Visit a Vineyard
Grab your friends and go visit one of the unique vineyards that are part of the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail. Whether you’re looking for an exciting weekend activity, a socially-distanced place to hang out with friends and family, or a romantic date night, these vineyards are worth adding to your list of fall things to do during a pandemic.
3. Bake Pumpkin Bread
Something about the smell of pumpkin bread as it’s baking in the oven will give you all the cozy feels. Plus, it’s the perfect afternoon snack or breakfast-on-the-go. Here’s everything you’ll need for a delicious pumpkin bread.
Easy Fall Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree*
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup flavorless oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350, and spray a 9×5″ bread loaf pan with cooking spray. Ensure a rack is in the center position of the oven.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugars, flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Make a hole in the center of the mixture, and add all remaining ingredients: pumpkin, eggs, oil, water and vanilla.
- Stir everything together very well, but try not to over-mix.
- Scrape the batter into the pan, and place in the oven. Bake for 60 minutes, and then test the center of the bread for wetness with a long toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, add another 5 minutes of baking time and test again. Ensure the bread is fully done before you remove it from the oven or it will sink as it cools!
Notes
*Be sure to buy canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Also, flavorless oil can be: vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. Anything that won’t impart flavor to the bread.
Recipe Courtesy of www.dessertfortwo.com/
4. Make a Bird Feeder
Looking for a kid-friendly activity? This one is a never-fail option! All you’ll need is a pinecone, peanut butter, bird seed and some twine, and viola! Your kids will love to watch the birds come to the feeder they have made.
5. Make a Thanksgiving Tree
Practice giving thanks this season by making a Thanksgiving tree to display prominently in your home.
Place twigs in a jar and have members of the family attach notes showing what they are thankful for. Super easy—construction paper, scissors, ink pen, clothespins or string (for hanging notes) and of course, the twigs and a jar.
6. DIY Potpourri
Gather your favorite scents….apple slices, oranges, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, star anise–you pick the combo. Combine all in a crockpot, cover with water, turn on high with the lid on for at least 2 hours. Remove lid, reduce heat to low or warm and enjoy the smells of fall!
7. Host an Outdoor Movie (or watch football on the big screen)
Nothing is better than gathering around a fire and watching something on the “big screen” outdoors. Whether it’s a movie, or you’re taking in college football, it’s easy to do. Gather your equipment– here’s a screen that we love from Amazon (or feel free to go simple and hang a sheet), a projector (here’s the one we use and it attaches to your laptop, phone or iPad–all by simply attaching an HDMI cable.), extension cords and warm blankets!
Use the list we’ve made of fall things to do during a pandemic and be sure to share things we may have missed. We’d love to hear what your family is doing during the fall (even in a pandemic).
