Autumn Adventures Abound!

Crisp morning air, earlier sunsets, and colorful autumn leaves signal the end of summer, but they don’t have to signal the end of our outdoor activities. No matter where we live, there are adventures and new opportunities just waiting to be discovered…

Imagine yourself surrounded by vibrant autumn colors and the refreshing, crisp air, ready to explore all that the season has to offer.

And, where better to do that in the midst of a pandemic, but the great outdoors? Not only are outdoor activities safer choices for the months to come, but being immersed in nature enhances the incredible benefits they provide, including some that you may not know about.

Let the spirit of adventure inspire you to continue seeking new experiences and discoveries throughout the season.

Three Reasons to Play Outside

• Improves our memory — Just one hour in natural sunlight can improve memory and attention span by 20 percent, according to a study at the University of Michigan.
• Perks us up — A University of Rochester study found that spending time in nature increases energy and vitality.
• Improves our health — Sunlight can help us to make most of the Vitamin D we need in order to reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and even a heart attack. Fresh air helps produce white blood cells to battle viruses and inflammation.

Make Your Outdoor Adventures Wish List

If you’re up for an outing, but not traveling at this time, or you’re bored and don’t know where to have safe fun nearby, it’s time to get curious and creative! This is the heart of the philosophy that my Icelandic mother instilled in me—cultivate the curiosity and the desire to experience life and the creativity to find many ways to do it. In my book, On With the Butter! I challenge readers to keep moving, keep doing and keep living, and that’s particularly important as we age.

The book title, inspired by the Icelandic expression áfram með smjörið means “carry on,” “keep doing what you’re doing,” forge ahead, or “keep moving.” When I started writing this book last year, I had no idea how timely this advice would prove to be. And since I challenge readers and myself to embrace the ‘On With the Butter’ way of living, here are some ideas to consider for your list.

• Take a walk and bring a sack or small cart to collect pinecones. You can use them to make holiday centerpieces or decorative wreaths, give them whimsical paint jobs, or use them to make other crafts as gifts, extra income, or to enjoy yourself.
• Drive through a state or national park to take in nature’s autumn splendor. Or simply sit on a bench in a nearby park and watch the world go by.
• Find an outdoor farmer’s market or fall festival where you can buy seasonal vegetables like squash or rutabagas. Ask friends to share their favorite recipes so you can enjoy preparing and eating your autumn bounty or go on a treasure hunt for new recipes. You can check cookbooks out of the local library, search for recipes online, or join a cooking group on a social media site to ask for recommendations. One short stop at a market or festival can lead to hours of engaging activity and many enjoyable meals. While you’re there, enjoy a cup of hot tea as a seasonal treat.
• Watch the birds. Millions of birds migrate south for the winter, so Autumn is a great time to see (varieties) that aren’t in your vicinity year-round. There are a lot of bird identification books to choose from, but my birder friends recommend the ones with photographs over those with drawings. There are also bird identification apps that can identify birds for you. In addition to being a relaxing activity, learning helps to keep our minds sharp. Outings like bird watching also offer the added benefits of walking and quickly grabbing the camera or binoculars can even sharpen our reflexes.
• Join a virtual marathon. Sign up, then walk or run on your own or with a small group, and then log your miles. If you don´t know of any sponsored locally, check sites like active.com, millenniumrunning.com/virtual, or even eventbrite.com to find one. Some are free, and others have an entry fee, so browse around to find one that works for you.
• Take a hobby or project outside. If you don’t drive, can’t leave your house, or don’t want to, move a hobby to whatever space you have outside, whether it’s a backyard, deck, or even a tiny balcony. You may have to be creative to adjust for wind, but that’s part of the fun.
• Join a local bike ride or attend a fall festival featuring bikes to experience the fun and community of outdoor cycling events.
• Explore a nature or adventure course, such as a ropes course or a marked hiking and biking trail, for a new way to enjoy the outdoors.
• Take a walk along a scenic river or participate in river-based activities to enjoy the calming sights and sounds of flowing water.
• Visit a fall festival or go leaf-peeping to see the peak foliage—October is an ideal month for these activities.

Focus on “How,” not “If”

It’s easy to justify why we’re not experiencing everything life has to offer us, but it’s more fun and fulfilling to challenge ourselves to find ways to do whatever our hearts desire in whatever form or fashion we can do those things now. Instead of thinking in terms of “if” we can do this or that, I’m challenging you to place your attention firmly on the question of “how” you can do it. Undoubtedly, focusing on “how” instead of “if” leads to more positive outcomes and opens up new possibilities. For every excuse you come up with challenge yourself to be creative and find a way over it or around it. Coming up with these “workarounds” is a fun challenge and it’s so satisfying when we come up with our way of doing something. Finding creative solutions brings hope and inspiration, reminding us that obstacles can be overcome and new paths discovered.

I’ve made that way of thinking a habit over the years and didn’t give it much thought until the day my husband asked me if I wanted to do some target practice. I got down on my stomach, wiggled into position, and pulled the rifle snug against my right shoulder. Then I  closed my right eye and squinted through my left as I took a deep breath and then pulled the trigger, piercing the ring just outside the bull’s eye. Satisfied, I lowered the gun and glanced over at Raymond. I expected him to look surprised since he’d never seen me shoot, but instead his brows were furrowed.

“What’s wrong?” I said.

“You’re right-handed. You’re supposed to use your right eye when you’re aiming.”

I explained that the vision in my right eye is poor, so I use the left one.

“Then, why didn’t you just shoot left-handed?” he asked.

“I never thought about it. I can shoot right-handed just fine if I use my left eye.” I said. “Isn’t that okay?”

He laughed a little and shook his head. “Well, there’s the right way to do things, a wrong way to do things, and then, Heidi, there’s your way.”

Seasonal Tips and Recommendations

As the crisp air settles in and the vibrant autumn colors begin to paint the landscape, New England transforms into a haven for autumn adventures. If you’re dreaming of a getaway filled with fun, discovery, and the magic of fall, here are some tips to help you make the most of the season.

Plan Your Visit for Peak Color:Labor Day weekend is often the sweet spot for catching the most dazzling fall color displays. Whether you’re hoping to hike a scenic trailhead, bike along a winding route, or simply watch the world turn gold and crimson, this is the time to head out and explore. Don’t forget your camera—these are the moments you’ll want to log and remember!

Embrace Technology for Adventure:If you’re eager to sample the sights before you go, or want to bring a taste of autumn home, try downloading the “VR Stories” app from Google Play or the App Store. With immersive 360-degree videos and virtual reality experiences, you can get a sneak peek at the adventures that abound in New England—perfect for planning your next trip or sharing the excitement with friends and family.

Choose Sustainable and Cozy Accommodations:For a truly memorable stay, look for eco-friendly lodgings nestled in the heart of the action. Many local inns and hotels offer special autumn packages, so check their websites or Facebook pages for the latest deals. Staying local not only supports the community but also lets you wake up surrounded by the sounds and sights of the season.

Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages:Autumn in New England is a playground for kids and adults alike. Apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes are just the beginning. Many villages host weekend events and festivals, where you can sample local food, sip fresh cider or craft beer, and enjoy live music that sets the perfect mood for a Saturday adventure.

Savor the Local Flavors:No visit is complete without indulging in the region’s culinary delights. From hearty clam chowder to farm-fresh produce and artisanal treats, New England’s restaurants and markets are ready to delight your taste buds. Don’t miss the chance to grab a meal at a cozy café or sample a flight at a local brewery—each bite and sip tells a story of the season.

Stay Informed and Inspired:To keep up with the latest events, sign up for newsletters from local tourism boards and follow community pages on Facebook. You’ll find details on everything from historical tours to outdoor concerts, ensuring you never miss a moment of fun. And if you’re a history buff, be sure to visit local museums and historical societies to discover the stories that shaped this magical region.

Adventure Awaits—Start Planning!Whether you’re hiking through the White Mountains, biking the Berkshires, or exploring the charming villages of Vermont, New England offers endless opportunities to create your own autumn adventure. The world feels a little more hopeful and bright when you’re surrounded by nature’s masterpiece and the warmth of a welcoming community.

So, pack your layers, grab your sense of wonder, and get ready to immerse yourself in the unforgettable sights, sounds, and flavors of autumn. Adventures abound—are you ready to discover them?

We Can Overcome

I took that as a compliment. While necessity may be the mother of invention, we don’t have to wait for those moments to create workarounds. By deliberately taking that approach, we can overcome any excuse and create ways to enjoy more of what life has to offer.

As a native Icelander, my Mom not only lived the On With the Butter! philosophy, she was also the embodiment of Icelandic optimism. Icelanders call this “þetta reddast,” and it translates to “it will all work out okay.” It’s the practice of embracing positive possibilities for the future, no matter what ahead. Our family’s traditions and philosophy have been passed down through generations, shaping our approach to life. We recognize the challenges, but we don’t fret about them or let them stop us from spreading more living onto everyday life.

Finally, we get On With the Butter!

How will you live the ‘On With the Butter’ philosophy this autumn? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this page. 

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