CHICAGO — Fall fanatics spend all year waiting for the first sight of a crunchy fall leaf. But the moment September hits, it seems like everything starts working in full speed. While it’s exciting once October arrives, it’s easy to get overwhelmed because it seems like everyone is doing so much.
These are the things on my fall buck list that I am absolutely making time for this year.
Get a Pumpkin Spice Latte with my grandma
My grandma and I have a fall tradition where every year, we walk to Starbucks and get a Pumpkin Spice Latte the day it’s released. We always take a photo with our drinks and just hang out while we drink our fall treat. We even got my grandpa to join in one year. He claims to not have liked the PSL, but he low-key finished the whole thing.
RELATED: Pumpkin Spice Latte, fall drinks officially return to Starbucks late August
Visit Jojo’s Shake Bar and get a giant milkshake
If you’re from Chicago, you’re probably familiar with the milkshake bar downtown known as Jojo’s. Jojo’s is known for decorating their entire space depending on the holiday and they go all out for autumn. It’s a place filled with pumpkins and haystacks and their milkshakes are delicious.
Take a hay ride at a pumpkin patch
Preferably on a chilly starry night while wearing a flannel.
Have a “Hocus Pocus 2” watch party
It’s been a while since I’ve had any sort of “watch party” so this year with the sequel coming out felt like the perfect time to coerce my friends and family to watch it with me. I might even get some “Hocus Pocus” cupcakes for the celebration.
Trick-or-Treating
I haven’t gone trick-or-treating in years and my son is now old enough to run around and try some candy. This year, we’ll be venturing out into neighborhood for the best Halloween tradition around. He’s so little, so chances are we’ll only hit up a few houses, but it’s sure to stir up some feelings of nostalgia.
Host Friendsgiving
Because of the pandemic, it’s been a while since I’ve hosted a Friendsgiving dinner with friends. This year is the perfect time to bring it back. Even if it’s not at the scale I’m used to doing it (we usually invite TONS of people), I’m going to make the effort to host one this year.
Take photos at Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up in Chicago
Jack’s is the only pumpkin patch in the actual city and we went for the first time last year. It had games, cinnamon donuts and tons of places to take cute photos. It was my favorite last year. So many memories were made.
Try Pumpkin at Dunkin for the first time
It’s true! I’ve never had any of Dunkin Donuts’ fall beverages or donuts. This is the year that changes. I’m totally going to check it out.
Make a Spooky Basket for my son
You know how people make Easter baskets for their kids? I’ve seen tons of people do the same thing but with Halloween baskets. It’s a cute tradition I’ve seen floating around Pinterest and Instagram and this is the year I finally do it myself.
Send Halloween cards to my spooky friends
My card exchange is back! I can’t wait to send everyone a card. There’s something so special about getting an old school card in the mail. If you want more info about how to be a part of the card exchange, sign up for my newsletter. This year, the exchange is only open to subscribers.
That’s all for this year’s bucket list. What about you guys? What are the things you absolutely MUST do this year?
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