With the chilly season beginning to set in, the DMV is beginning to open up with opportunities for fall 2025. From pumpkins to Potomac Park bike rides, the DMV’s got us set for this season. Don’t miss out on all these fun-filled bucket list activities to maximize your enjoyment of these months
of autumnal chill!

1) Pumpkin Patch Picking

Although pumpkin picking is a well-known seasonal activity, it remains a must! If you are looking to help out smaller family farms or simply want
a less crowded experience, visit pumpkin patches from Montpelier Farms, Y Worry, or Gaver Farm in Maryland.

2) D.C. Sightseeing

For a more relaxing activity, stroll around DC’s hidden neighborhoods and take in the fall foliage. Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, the U.S. National Arboretum, and Crestwood neighborhood are perfect for just this. They present beautiful scenery while keeping you in touch with the city!

3) Shenandoah National Park (VA)

Similarly, Shenandoah NP is a perfectly serene place to enjoy nature a bit further away from the city. If you’re up for it, take a little hike up Hemlock Springs or mighty Old Rag and experience a view to remember.

4) Vintage Cinema

With upcoming movies, such as Wicked: For Good, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and Marty Supreme, the fall season of 2025 promises plenty of theater visits. For something new, visit the vintage screens of Avalon Theatre, located just down Connecticut. Take some friends and settle into comfy seats paid for by inexpensive tickets!

5) At-Home Movie Marathon

Alternatively, if going out is just too much for your homebody, set up a fall-themed movie marathon. For some old throw-backs, cozy up to Wallace and Gromit, Harry Potter, or Good Will Hunting. Feeling for romance? Comedy? Pour some hot chocolate and enjoy the drama of movies When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, or 13 Going on 30!

6) Farmers Markets

For your organic, nutritious fall meals this season, look around at some of DC’s favorite local farmers markets. Try Dupont Circle’s Saturday weekend market, or further-out locations such as Silver Springs or the Arlington Market. Alternatively, visit weekday markets; the Eastern market
by Capitol Hill, for example, is open from Tuesdays through Sundays and brings to your table all sorts of colorful, fresh produce to keep you nourished through the sick season.

7) Seasonal Baking

With the temperatures cooling, outside activities are becoming less appealing. Baking can be your best friend this time of year, keeping you warm, at home, and filled with delicious treats! To keep things interesting, turn away from the typical fall recipes and dive into new flavors found on websites like Sally’s Baking Addiction- Fall Recipes, Food Network- Fall Recipes Collection, and Half Baked Harvest.

8) DIY Cider Making

Gather up a bushel of apples and take to making your next glass of fresh cider all by yourself! This activity is perfect for both welcoming the season into your home, and taking a step towards a more sustainable cider season. For recipes, search “Homemade Apple Cider” on I Am Baker for a visual, non-alcoholic guide to making cider at home.

9) Bike Rides

While the leaves are still on our trees, take a scenic bike ride around DC and enjoy the colorful fall foliage before it disappears. Suggested bike routes include Rock Creek Park’s biking path, which runs from the Lincoln Memorial down to the DC-Maryland border, as well as Klingle Trail, located just at the exit of Tregaron campus. Lastly, East Potomac Park’s 4 mile loop path is another perfect route if you are craving a flat, scenic view of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.

10) Functional Craft

Last but not least, this time of year brings a certain desire or creation to some. But what to make? Try collecting the city’s fall leaves, cinnamon sticks, and whatever else you’d like to add, stuff that into a small satchel, and create your very own scented satchel bag. For more ideas, visit Lora Bloomquist’s upcycled and repurposed list of fun fall crafts!

By Matilda Kaye