If you grew up in a region that offered the four seasons, or have lived at installations where you can at least experience some color in the fall, it can then be a huge disappointment to move to an area that doesn’t have much to boast during autumn.

Vibrant colors, hayrides, pumpkin patches, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and apple cider have a special way of making fall complete.

So what happens if you are now living in an area that cannot provide the same opportunities? 

Here’s a few of my experiences of which you may be able to draw some inspiration:

Vibrant  Fall Colors

You might currently live in a warmer, more tropical region, or in the middle of the desert, and lack the fall colors and crisp air that just welcome fall right in.

Years back, we had lived in an area where I drove by a gorgeous, mature oak tree every time I went into town.

When fall hit its peak, the tree was breathtaking wearing all its vibrant colors, and I remember seeing the perfect little pile of leaves falling below it.

I had planned to take my one child I had at the time for fall pictures under the tree, but by the time I found an opportunity, all the leaves were gone. I was so disappointed I never got my fall picture. We moved overseas the following year and when fall arrived again, I was hard pressed to find any trees like that formerly magnificent one.

There was honestly little color at all near the new installation, unless we drove up to the mountains. One day, we went to a zoo, and lining the walkway to the entrance were vivid trees with decent layers of leaves below it.

I swiped up the opportunity and put my (then two) children under the trees to play in the leaves, and I took some pictures.

My husband thought I was silly, but I snatched my fall pictures when I found an opportunity that I may not have again.

I had been missing fall, and I had to search to find my little piece of it. 

Apple Cider and Pumpkin Spice Lattes:

While I’m bringing up living overseas, apple cider and Pumpkin Spice Lattes were no where to be found in South Korea when we lived there several years ago.

Even the commissary didn’t supply apple cider, and the on-post Starbucks didn’t offer PSL’s.

I wasn’t too into that particular latte then, but I sure did miss my cider.

So, we had to modify – we bought Simply Apple juice at the Commissary, as we realized it can be quite similar to cider. (You should try it for yourself)!

The Facebook chats blew up with recommendations to make your own PSL’s, namely using a pumpkin spice seasoning blend that many family members from the states would send over.

However, if you’re in a place where it is difficult to find a Starbucks selling PSL’s, try a quick search for an online recipe – there are so many simple ones out there.

And I bet you they taste even better!

Pumpkin Patches

Most of the places we’ve lived, we’ve been able to find some kind of farm or orchard that offers a good old-fashioned pumpkin patch.

It’s fun to take the kids and walk through the rows of pumpkins, searching for the perfect one to carve or paint.

Our first year living in Southern Florida, however, I was puzzled when we took a field trip to a pumpkin patch.

When it came time to choose a pumpkin, we were instructed to walk over to a large, black tarp on the ground where all the pumpkins had just been scattered and placed on top. 

That’s when I started realizing a lot of pumpkin patches chose to just ship in the pumpkins, rather than grow them themselves.

It was a slightly different experience for me, but at least the children were able to go to a “pumpkin patch” and choose their own pumpkin.

Whether you find your pumpkin in a true pumpkin patch, or you go to a farmer’s market or the commissary to buy one.

Choosing at least a small pumpkin to paint and/or decorate your home sets the criteria for fall!

Hayrides

We have gone many years without a true, old-fashioned hayride.

A lot of pumpkin patches and farms don’t offer them, or if they do, it’s a plain wagon with no hay.

I have missed the tractor and wagon rides where I’d jump into a pile of hay with my friends or sit on haybales.

If you are unable to find a typical hayride, load the children up in your vehicle and drive a little ways to the view the fall foliage in your area.

With a quick internet search, you can find the best locations and the dates they are at their peaks.

As another option aside from hay and foliage, try the corn!

A corn maze at a local farm attraction may just do the job. We tried a really fun one last year and got ourselves lost! Such a blast!

Apple Cider/Cinnamon-Sugar/Pumpkin Donuts

You just can’t get through autumn without some of these tasty donut flavors!

Our current area maintains a couple of restaurants and farmer’s market stores who are known for these amazing flavors of donuts.

Just by word of mouth, you should easily be able to discover your new favorite bakery or farmer’s market who offers something similar and enjoy this special taste of fall! 

We have moved a couple of times during the peak of fall, and other times we’re still getting settled and cramming to find all the best adventure spots to enjoy the season.

Talk to the new people you meet, do a community search for events or the best times to seek out the fall foliage, and mark a few fall-friendly items off your bucket list.

One thing I’ve learned is to take up the opportunities right away as they present themselves.

I have missed out on some things because I thought we’d do it next year, and then we moved before we could, or the same opportunity just didn’t present itself again.

I absolutely love the color, the smells, and the tastes of fall! If you do too, GO, get out there!

Seek out the unique opportunities in your new area and don’t miss out on one of the most beautiful times of year!       

*For more from LaVaughn, check our her M:M Author Page.