By: Dallin Rahlf

“Fall weather is the time theyear comes alive. Cozy evenings, warm fires, delicious beverages, and crisp,cool air that gets you excited for football and big time snuggles.”

We’ve got a couple of hotweeks to get through before the cool of fall starts wrapping around us likeblankets made from a very soft material. Soft material like...I wanna say… acrylic? Nylon? Polyester?If you blindfolded me and handed me three blankets made from these materials, Idon’t think I could tell you exactly which one is which, but what I could tellyou is that I would want one wrapped around me while sipping hot apple ciderwhen the air gets a little crisp.

Is fall the best season ofthe year? Tough to say. I can understand why most peoples’ knee-jerk reaction isto say summer. It’s what we certainly loved most as kids because of the big,fat vacation we all deserved. Summer is certainly great. But when that air starts gettinga little cooler and the days get darker a little earlier, it’s like life begins towelcome in the magic of the approaching holiday season: Football, Halloween,Thanksgiving, and the few December holidays. Yes, I stand by what I said aboutfootball—it is a holiday when opening day hits.

What are we at the GetOutPassmost excited for fall sneaking in around the corner? We’re super glad youasked.   

1. The scenery  

Is this not the best thingabout fall? Debatably yes, yes it is. One of my favorite parts about living inOhio was how the trees would turn brilliant purples and oranges and yellows andreds. We used to take these scenic drives through a grove of trees and watch asthey would change color over the weeks leading into fall. Truly amazing.

The trees here in Utah mightnot stand up as well next to midwest trees, but still, they look incredible.Take yourself out on a little walk or hike in the next couple of weeks andtreat yourself to the soothing winds of nature in one of its best phases. Manyof our attractions are in the outdoors, so look around and plan your next falladventure with us.

2. Spooky season

Is there any one of us thatis NOT on the Halloween hype? I don’t think I’ve met someone that doesn’t enjoyat least one aspect of the spooky season. The decorations are fun and differentthan what you’re normally allowed to put in your house. Hanging up a scary ghoststatue in your living room in February? Weird, and your friends WILL gossipabout it. Putting that same statue in the living room during October? Totally acceptable--even welcome--and your friends WILL compliment it. An interesting doublestandard, but I digress—October gives you the flexibility to decorate yourhouse in a myriad of fun décor. Yes, myriad was my word of the day. Had to fitin in somewhere.

Besides debating on puttingup a statue of Jack Skelington or Garfield, you get to enjoy cute trick ortreaters, eating more than the normal allowance of candy, festivals andcarnivals, and dressing up in costumes. That seems like a good time to me.

3. Halloween themed amusementparks

Speaking of Halloween, nothing, and I mean NOTHINGgets me more hyped for amusement parks than attending while their Halloweenfestivals are in action. Going to an amusement park in the summer is fun andall, but you gotta deal with the gnarly heat. That problem goes away when youattend during the cool of fall.

Not only is there the coolerweather, but there’s usually AWESOME HALLOWEEN stuff going on the entire time. Peoplerunning around in scary costumes, haunted houses, ghostly themes on the rides,different foods, pumpkin patches, and so on. It’s great for all ages! I’m wellbeyond my teenage years, but I still get giddy when I think about going to a Halloweenthemed amusement park. Something about it makes me feel young and care-free.YOU deserve to feel that as well. Check out some of our favorites on the GetOutPass!

Kentucky Kingdom HalloScream

Lagoon Frightmares

Elitch Gardens FrightFest 

Six Flags Discovery KingdomFright Fest

4. Baked goods and all foods comealive

Is there a certain theme wegot going on here? I feel like all my categories have had some variation offood. I’m gonna keep that going because, let’s face it, food is a wonderfulpart of the fall season. Eating food isn’t just a part of the season, it’spractically encouraged. What more could you need?

Come to think of it: why do pies and stews tastebetter when it’s colder outside? I don’t know, but I’m not going to question itwith you. Take some time this fall by learning how to make an awesome dessertthat fills the soul with yummy goodness and love, and preferably not in that order.Have you ever tried to make a pie the traditional way? Where you cut strips ofdough and lay it across like you’re tucking in some precious little baby? It’snot tough to do at all—you need to try it!

The pie thing, not the tuckingin the baby thing.

5. Football, movies, newblankets, candles

I know we talk a lot aboutgetting outside and doing things, but life always needs a good balance.Sometimes what can help you enjoy being outside and visiting out venues is toplan a fun night inside! As I said earlier, football is everything. My wife is soadorable as she watches footballs game with me and really tries her best tokeep up with my rambling about why the Broncos could make the playoffs thisyear.

However, everything needs tobe in balance. I need to make sure I’m making her fall fun too, so I plan outmovie nights, which she loves. Find a fun movie, maybe buy a new blanket so it’ssuper soft for the fall season, bake some goods, light a nice fall candle, andhave an awesome night.

You were made for fall! Enjoythe rest of your summer and start planning for good times ahead.