date ideas Archives - Leaf and Steel

It’s the most romantic time of year!

The leaves are falling. The humidity has left us (at least here on Long Island).

The air is cool. The pumpkins are out on the doorstep.

Everything starts to quiet down.

There’s no better time than fall to date.

Want to know why?

Things are about to get crazy busy.

It starts with Thanksgiving week and ends after New Year’s.

What better time to reconnect with your spouse or partner than now?

All of these are outdoor date ideas for a reason. Not only is it safer in 2021, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the nice weather before winter.

Autumn is the best season for dates because the changing leaves, crisp air, and early sunset make everything feel just a little bit more romantic.

This list isn’t just made for couples. These could all be done with a best friend or kids!

OR even by yourself!

The best way to experience the perfect autumn date is to put your phone away, be yourself, and fully immerse yourself in the moment.

These ideas can be made into a whole day, or squeezed in before sundown on a weekday.

Here are 7 romantic autumn date ideas!

1. DIY Bonfire Marshmallows

Don’t tell my husband, but I have this one planned for this weekend!

I was given a Bonfire + S’More’s Kit from City Bonfire from a relative for our recent wedding anniversary. It comes with a portable “bonfire”, marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate. I plan on setting up the little bonfire in the backyard, putting on some of our favorite music, and turning on the bistro lights for a romantic evening under the stars.

2. Walk in the Park + Picnic

What could be more classically romantic than a walk in the park and a picnic? Don’t be intimidated by organizing a picnic. Make it easy and buy pre-made sandwiches and sides.

3. Apple Orchard

I love this idea! Bonus points if you can find an orchard that actually lets you pick the apples (they’re surprisingly harder to find). We pick up a peck from our local orchard, pull down the hatch on the pickup truck and enjoy our fresh apples and cider.

You can also take the apples home and bake an apple crumble or an apple pie!

4. Pumpkin Patch

Grab some pumpkins at the local pumpkin patch and head to idea #7! Or, don’t buy any at all and just walk around! Most pumpkin patches near me make it a whole event with corn mazes, food stands and farm animals.

5. Fall Foliage Train Ride

This one might require a bit of regional research. We took a scenic train ride in Lancaster, PA. I find them so magical and peaceful. There’s no better way to see fall foliage then by train. Most areas have some sort of “fall train tour” where you can just buy a ticket and hop aboard. Some even have dining cars where you can be served a full meal or open air cars, which would work on a warm day.

6. Scenic Drive

This one is a personal favorite, and so easy to do when you don’t feel like spending money or putting in too much effort. Turn on a this autumn playlist, pic a road with some changing leaves and just go!