When it comes to fall, there will always be detractors — those who can’t bear to see summer end and see the falling of leaves as a death knell on fun.
Then there’s the rest of us. We’ve had enough of sunblock and heatwaves, and are all harvest festivals, country drives with pumpkin-chai lattes, showing off our cute fall outfits in seasonal selfies.
For that camp, we’ve curated your one-stop for seasonal fun. Whether you are seeking Halloween fun, a new fall dining experience or some outdoor leaf-peeping time, consider this your Fall Bucket List, Delaware-style:
6 places to hike, soak up history, see autumn leaves & maybe a few ghosts
What’s better than getting our steps in outdoors on a beautiful fall day? How about long rambles that also include a history lesson?
Lace up some sturdy shoes, get ready to become a local tourist, and check out these six, maybe new-to-you places in and near Delaware that have relatively easy walking trails.
Some locations are free, while others require a park or a museum membership. Many have interpretive signs along the trails so you can learn more about the site’s lore or soak up nuggets of information while on a stroll.
And fair warning, there are a few ghost stories lying in wait, as well.
More:Walk this way: 6 places to hike, soak up history, see autumn leaves and maybe a few ghosts
Leaves are changing colors in Delaware. Here’s a guide to local fall foliage
To be honest, a little part of us may wish we could spend a week in the Hudson Valley surrounded by the full palette of fall splendor.
But First Wonder is no shirker when it comes to beautiful fall foliage.
If you’re sticking close to home, we’ve got you covered, whether you are looking to hike, take a Sunday drive or work on your Instagram skills.
More:Leaves are starting to change colors in Delaware. Here’s a guide to local fall foliage
13 freaky and fun Halloween events in Delaware and Maryland
Whether your idea of a great holiday is as much gore (and sugar!) as possible, or you prefer one or two treats offset by nothing scarier than Casper, we are there for you.
Our Halloween events guide offers lots of options — from a paranormal experience and Frightland to Boo at the Zoo and a Zombie 5K.
Now all you need is a costume, and a place to stow the loot!
More:13 freaky and fun Halloween events in Delaware and Maryland
Delaware beaches don’t quit after Labor Day. What to know about fall events, parking
OK, we know we said summer is over, yet fall is a famously great time to sneak in one more trip to the beach minus the hordes and the heat.
While some events have passed, there is still plenty to enjoy in the shoulder season and beyond at Delaware beaches. Check out our guide.
More:The Delaware beaches don’t quit after Labor Day. What to know about fall events, parking
Where to get apple foods, drinks in and near Delaware this fall
Why should pumpkin get all the love?
If you’ve paid attention this year, you’ll see apples are having a big moment — especially in the beverage industry. Hard and soft cider, caramel apple cocktails, and plenty of apple beers are out there for the picking.
And Delaware restaurants aren’t sleeping on this trend. Find your new favorites here.
More:Where to get great apple foods, drinks in and near Delaware this fall
8 restaurants where you can cozy up to a firepit in Delaware
Firepits, outdoor fireplaces and heat lamps were all the rage during the first years of the pandemic. And that may be one silver lining to a very dark time.
After all, who doesn’t like the option of dining or drinking outdoors in more months of the year? There is nothing cozier than cuddling up near a roaring fire, and it’s even better when someone else is cooking and serving you your favorite dishes and libations.
Check out our guide to some worthy firepits deserving of your autumn and winter attention.
More:8 restaurants where you can cozy up to a firepit in Delaware
7 places to get s’mores-flavored foods, drinks in Delaware
Ideally, your childhood includes plenty of s’mores memories.
And October is the perfect month to linger over those sweet times with, well, more s’mores.
But why stick to a campfire pile-on, when you can also get a bit crazy with s’mores-inspired dishes and other treats? Which doesn’t preclude that backyard bonfire and DIY experience, too, of course.
So, are you brave enough to go for the S’mores Tots?
More:7 places to get s’mores-flavored foods, drinks in Delaware
Satisfy pumpkin spice cravings at Delaware restaurants, shops and bakeries
Pumpkin-spiced nearly everything makes its debut earlier and earlier each year.
But if you aren’t tired of your favorite flavor profile just yet, consider trying the pumpkin tortilla chips at Trader Joe’s.
Even better, check out our great list of pumpkin-flavored goodies from restaurants and other Delaware businesses.
More:Satisfy pumpkin spice cravings at Delaware restaurants, shops and bakeries
Enjoy fresh produce? Here’s a guide to u-pick sites and activities in Delaware
We all remember Linus’ advice that a pumpkin patch must be the most sincere.
If you are seeking the best place to pick your own pumpkin, apples or perhaps tag that early Christmas tree, our U-Pick guide is here for you.
More:Enjoy fresh produce? Here’s a guide to u-pick sites and activities in Delaware
5 new places to eat in Delaware: Hotel rooftop bar, Chancery Market & more
A busy fall season may mean eating out more often.
After all, it’s a beautiful time of year to get out and gather with friends.
Want to try somewhere new? Dining reporter Patricia Talorico has you covered. And consider subscribing to her Delaware Eats newsletter to stay on top of all things Delaware and dining.
More:5 new places to eat in Delaware: Hotel rooftop bar, Chancery Market & more
Daylight saving time: Delaware falling back despite U.S. Senate approving Sunshine Protection Act
Love it or hate it, it’s coming: Daylight saving time.
Get ready to “fall back” at 2 a.m. EST Sunday, Nov. 6, Delaware residents will have to set their clocks back by one hour.
Look on the bright side, er, dark side. You can still use the Chef “If I Could Turn Back Time” GIF at least one more time.
The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill called the “Sunshine Protection Act”, which was introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida. The bill would permanently extend daylight saving time from eight months of the year to the full 12 months. But the measure has not yet been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, nor has it been signed into law by President Biden.
More:Daylight saving time: Delaware falling back despite U.S. Senate approving Sunshine Protection Act
Celebrate the arts this season
Fall means arts groups are in overdrive, offering full calendars of concerts, plays, musicals, dance performances, exhibitions and more throughout the First State.
Don’t miss out on the chance to soak up some culture this season.
Follow our Open Call column every Sunday to find out what dozens of cultural institutions and arts organizations throughout Delaware have in store. It’s also a great place to learn about educational and volunteer opportunities, and be among the first to know their long-term plans.
More:Open Call: Del Shakes brings reimagined, bilingual ‘Twelfth Night’ to neighborhoods
Find year-round fun in Delaware
To stay on top of the coolest stuff happening all year, check out our DO Delaware newsletter, where lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar shares tips for fun, funky and family-friendly events throughout the area.
And please consider subscribing to Delaware Online to support local journalism: Visit delawareonline.com/subscribe
