Ah, fall. The Northern Hemisphere’s first lean into autumn – Which astronomically signals the end of the lengthiest and warmest days of the year, with a promise that colder weather is right around the corner.

JK. We live in Florida where, really, there are two seasons: hot and hotter.

But being fair both to Florida and my pumpkin spice loving friends, (looking at you, Jessica) means admitting that we are occasionally granted a cooler 55° day. So in order to take advantage of that, here are 10 LAL #mustdos that may help put you in a fall mood this season. (You can’t spell fall without LAL right?)

Winter is coming, my sweet summer children. 🍂 So without further ado, let's fall into autumn.

🍻 Food + Drinks

Starbucks PSL | Photo by @thelaltoday

Starting with everyone’s favorite subject, nothing really says fall like a spiced drink + and some good ol’ fashioned comfort food.

Federal Bar, Lakelands Beer Rev, Cob and Pen, Brew Hub, The Red Door + Swan Brewing are just a few (of the many) places in town with tasty af seasonal alcoholic bevvies that are sure to put you in good spirits. (Or at the very least, help you forget how incredibly hot it is outside.) Though, as always, we advise you to drink with caution.

Of course, flavored coffee is always a fall #mustdo + with these 10 LKLD coffee shops, you can’t go wrong.

And in a town with restaurants galore, we’ll leave it up to you to know your own go-to fall comfort foods. We will say, nothing puts us in a more seasonal mood than a pumpkin-flavored treat at Born and Bread Bakehouse.

🚶‍Take a Hike

Se7en Wetlands | Photo by @_kayleeholland

Before you try saying it’s too hot, the hiking season in Florida actually starts at the beginning of October and continues until April.

Enjoy that brisk kind-of-fall air by trekking down a path at Circle B, Gator Creek Reserve, Se7ven Wetlands, or whatever scenic trail you frequent. For more local trails, check out our guide on 14 trails we hope will 'peak' your interest.

🤝 Collect for our food banks

kidsPACK volunteers | Photo by @thesambowling

With fall being a time where family + friend get-togethers are commonplace, why not bring your leftover non-perishable items to one of Lakeland’s many food banks?

Wings of Eagles International, kidsPACK, Lighthouse Ministries + Agape Food Bank are some organizations in our locale that give the gift of food to others. Find out more information on their websites. We all feel better when we all do better.

🎨 Autumn-themed crafts

Leathermaking workshop | Photo by @boondock_studios

Get a head start on your holiday gifts (or just decorate your own humble abode) by creating some fab fall decor. Boondock Studios + Scout and Tag hold workshops and events perfect for your inner creative.

🌽 Farmers Market

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Photo by @thelaltoday

Is there really anything more fall than a farmer’s market? We get the pleasure of having over 10 amazing markets in the area. From autumn leaf-scented soaps to homemade brittle, take your fall goals to the next level + swing by.

🛍 Go antiquing

There’s just something comforting about searching for new-old finds. It’s a fall activity to enjoy with friends or family and Lakeland is home to 10 of the cutest, most kitschy, historical + art-filled stores. Antiques, not your thing? Visit The Beatnik Exchange and Luka Blue Vintage.

🧛 Horror movies

Silvermoon Drive-In | Photo by @twentysevenlkld

Picture this: A comfy blanket, hot cocoa + a big screen, all without leaving the comfort of your car. The over 70-year-old Silver Moon Drive-in screams horror movie fall fun. Or get to the Cinemark on a Tuesday for $5 film deals, for a more indoor aesthetic.

🍁 Fall Events + Fests

Scout & Tag storefront | Photo by Lakeland Intern

Lakelander's can do fall, no doubt. We'll make sure to keep you updated on the lastest/coolest events this season in Lakeland, so you'll get near limitless options to mix + match your weekends. A few ones we've been excited about in previous years include Halloween Boogie Nights, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Haunted Jail Tour + Joggin’ for the Noggin! 5K. LMK which ones you plan to attend so we can all coordinate our costumes accordingly.

🏈 Tailgate parties

Victory Field | Photo by @seufootball

Do you bleed for the red, white + black? Or is your allegiance to another team? Either way, with so many colleges around, you can make your own pigskin dreams come true both on the grill and at a game by celebrating the cooler weather with this fav American pastime.

🍁 Fall events + Fests

Pumpkin patch | Photo by @rileighgracee

If you’re already over pumpkins, go ahead and skip this segment. But if you are ready to live your best pumpkin-filled life, look no further than Lakelandmom’s Fall + Halloween Guide.

Question

May the gourds be with you this season,

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)