With the transition from summer to fall comes the inevitable drop in temperature and shorter days. Even so, the leaves are turning beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow and the familiar autumn breeze is wafting through Massachusetts. There’s so much to look forward to as we put away our colorful swimsuits and snuggle into our cozy sweaters. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Massachusetts during the fall season.

1. The first activity that comes to mind during fall is apple picking. Our favorite locations include Honey Pot Orchards in Stow, Massachusetts, or if you’re looking for a closer alternative — Lookout Farm in Natick, Massachusetts. While you’re there, make a quick stop at the maze, get on a hayride or grab some warm apple cider donuts from the orchard store.

2. Flavors like pumpkin spice, apple, cinnamon and chai are an essential part of fall. There are tons of recipes for fall-themed baked goods, which include pumpkin bread, pies, cakes and even maple cinnamon rolls. You could even try recreating some celebrated drinks like coffee or warm tea by putting your own fall spin on them. Light a candle and tie your apron because it’s officially time for some seasonal baking and drink-making!

3. We are fortunate that Massachusetts is home to many family-friendly pumpkin patches. Not only is running around the patches in an attempt to find the perfect pumpkin a fun activity, but there’s also the part where you take your pumpkin home to carve it into a jack-o-lantern. There’s so much to do with pumpkin carving, so get your knives and get creative! When you’re done, make sure to light a candle and leave your pumpkins on your front porch to show off your work and share the fall mood.

4. Decorating your house to match the changing of the seasons is a must. Scented candles can fill your entire house with festive aromas such as pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon. You could also make a stop at Michaels to pick up some fake decorative leaves to drape on your stairwell or over your mantle. Make sure to add some outdoor decor like skeletons, lights and pumpkins to your porch, deck or patio. Cheap and simple DIYs like these can brighten the mood of your entire house.

5. New England is renowned for its unique fall foliage. Whether it’s a walk through one of Wayland’s aqueducts or a hike through New Hampshire’s mountains, this stunning, colorful landscape is right at our fingertips. Admire the classic beauty of mountains with both sharp, jagged edges or with sloped, rounded tips. Listen to the beautiful singing of birds as the cool wind billows around you in a slow, comfortable rhythm as you hike through the woods.

6. There’s nothing more exhilarating than finding the perfect Halloween costume. With endless options on online retailers like Amazon, you could easily spend a whole afternoon online shopping. In-person shopping is also a viable option, with nearby stores such as Party City and Target. Another popular alternative is thrifting or upcycling past costumes, which is much more eco-friendly. YouTube has many tutorials, so while fixing up your Halloween costume, you could also pick up some useful hobbies like sewing or stitching.

7. Haunted houses are not to be taken lightly, as they can be very scary. Some nearby options include Witches Woods and Barrett’s Haunted Mansion. We recommend going with a group of friends, which can turn the experience into more of a funny one. With various ghouls, witches and ghosts popping out at you every second, it will surely be a memorable experience. It is also possible to create your own haunted house and host other people!

With so many opportunities around us, you should definitely strive to make this fall the most memorable one yet. We hope you enjoy this spooky season and try a few of these activities!