From changing leaves to cooler weather, there is so much to love about the fall! And while this wonderful season may be short-lived in Atlanta, there are a few ATL bucket list items that are (in my opinion) absolute musts. So dust off those boots and start crossing these activities off your list!

1. Go apple picking.

Apple season in Georgia typically begins late August and goes until the end of October. Whether you’re looking to bake apple pie, make some moonshine or just snap a few really awesome photos in the orchard, fall is the perfect time to stop by an orchard! Plus, it’s a great family activity.

Georgia has a ton of amazing orchards that aren’t too far from Atlanta! Some of my personal favorites are B.J. Reece Orchards, R&A Orchards and Mercier Orchards.

2. Visit a pumpkin patch.

Whether you’re a fan of Halloween or Thanksgiving (or both!), it’s crucial to pick out the perfect pumpkin. To me, pumpkins are synonymous with fall. And while a quick stop at Kroger is probably the easiest option, its nowhere near as fun as visiting a pumpkin patch!

Here’s a list of some great local pumpkin patches. And many of them have other fun activities like hayrides, corn mazes and more!

• Burt’s Farm
• Washington Farms
• Southern Belle Farm
• Uncle Shuck’s
• Mitcham Farm

3. Sip on wine at a local vineyard.

I love visiting the wineries up in North Georgia all year long, but fall is one of the best times to make the trip. Grape harvesting season is typically in September/October and the lush nature looks stunning as the leaves begin to change. And of course it’s the perfect temperature to stroll through the grounds!

There are many options when it comes to choosing a vineyard in Georgia. Some are known for their views, others are known for their wines and others for their amazing prices. But find safety in knowing you can’t go wrong because they’re all amazing! Some of my go-to Dahlonega vineyards include Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Frogtown Cellars and Montaluce. And if you go out East a bit you’ll find Chateau Elan in Braselton, which is another incredible option!

4. Take your bike for a ride.

Atlanta is filled with gorgeous walking, running and biking trails, but the past few months of summer heat have made it virtually impossible to enjoy them. So take advantage of the gorgeous fall weather and take your bike (or rent one!) out for a spin.

The PATH Foundation is filled with amazing biking trails. And some of my favorites include the Atlanta Beltline, Silver Comet Trail and the Freedom Park Trail.

5. Have a picnic.

The temperature has finally cooled down enough for you to enjoy a meal outside without getting swarmed by mosquitos and/or melting before taking the first bite! So stop by your favorite local market or deli to pick up some yummy bites, pack it all up and head over to one of Atlanta’s many picnic spots.

Any of Atlanta’s parks make great options for picnics. Some of my personal favorites include Piedmont Park, Chastain Park and Grant Park.

6. Stop by a farmers market.

If packing up food for a picnic isn’t for you, many of the local parks have farmers markets over the weekend! Atlanta’s farmers markets are filled with fresh produce, delicious baked goods, prepared food and more. And the fall is the perfect time to stroll through them to check out each of the vendors.

Check out my list of the best Atlanta farmers markets. And be sure to stop by soon, because most of them shut down for the season by mid December!

7. Go for a hike.

Something that makes Atlanta so unique is its versatility. Parts of the city are very urban with amazing restaurants, bars and buildings, while other parts feel like you’ve escaped to the countryside. I love going on walks and hikes through Atlanta’s many incredible trails, and there’s no better time to hike than in the fall!

The views are breathtaking with the changing leaves and the temperature is just right. I always check out Atlanta Trails for hiking inspiration and love this article on the best fall hikes near Atlanta! One of my all-time favorite fall hikes? Sweetwater Creek.

8. Watch the sunset from a rooftop patio.

Back in the spring I talked about Atlanta’s best rooftop patios. And while the summer is filled with sunshine, the heat made it a little bit tricky to fully enjoy these spots. So now that it’s fall, it’s time to return to these gorgeous rooftop patios! They’re great for happy hours, dinner or (my personal favorite) watching the sunset. We only have a little while longer before the winter darkness – and cold – comes, so enjoy these rooftops while you can!

9. Tailgate!

And no fall bucket list would be complete without football! No matter which team you are rooting for, there are many reasons to get in the tailgating spirit. From the competition to the booze, football season is a ton of fun. You can tailgate at the Georgia Dome, Georgia Tech or even take a shuttle up to Athens for a UGA game. (And as much as it pains me to say this as a Gator fan, I hear the Bulldogs really know how to party.)

So be sure to get out and mark some of these fall bucket list items off your list! Because as we all know, winter is coming. 😉