There’s a refreshing chill in the air.
Brown and yellow leaves fall from trees as the wind rustles through them. Bonfires, baked goods, sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced everything…fall has fallen upon us, and it’s time to celebrate! To that end, we offer some great, substance-free ideas to help you enjoy fall’s primetime months.
Staying Local: Substance-Free Ideas for Activities in Iowa this Year
Art never fails!
Probably one of the coolest events taking place this November in our beautiful state of Iowa is the eleventh annual Art on the Prairie Festival. It’s a showcase of Iowa’s very own artists, musicians, and authors. It has a long tradition, and it’s an opportunity for social and creative networking.
The quaint, cozy little town of Perry will host this two-day event, starting on Wednesday, November 13th and ending on Thursday, the 14th. Visitors will be able to see the following types of art:
- Ceramics
- Glass
- Jewelry
- Mixed Media & Painting
- Photography
- Print & Paper
- Textiles & Wood
Don’t forget: this is an awesome opportunity to buy Christmas gifts ahead of time! Many of the artists will be able to direct you to where you can purchase their art if not at the event itself.
This festival is ideal for a solo trip, a date, or a family outing. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the creativity and talent of others–and to inspire your own.
Up next: Acres of Apples!
If you’re looking for something wholesome to do with the fam, friends, or a special someone, go no further than Deal’s Orchard in Jefferson City, Iowa. Their Apple Acres offers, for affordable prices, the following fall fun activities:
- Hayrides
- Corn mazes
- Pumpkin Picking at their Famous Pumpkin Patch
If you’re wondering how you’re going to deal with the appetite you’ll work up from all the fall galavanting, don’t worry! Their concession stand is stocked with everything from pork burgers and “walking” tacos to donuts and alcohol-free apple cider.
Hibernation at Home: Celebrating Fall from the Comfort of your Home
Mission Decor: Accomplished.
Not all of us are outdoor people. That’s where decorating might come in–and you can’t go wrong with garlands! If you surf through the webpage, you’ll find all sorts of traditional garland instructions, as well as more spooky options to construct.
Have you ever wondered what the heck a pomander is and why it smells so good? If you take a look here, you’ll see how these delicious oranges decorated with cloves can make your home or space smell fantastic! They’re also fun to make with kids and family. You can set up little groupings of them around the house or use your garland skills to hang them for full-scent impact!
Getting No-Baked, Substance-Free Ideas
“But I can’t bake for the life of me,” you might be thinking. Never fear. With these no-bake recipes, you’ll still be able to achieve delicious fall goods without turning on the oven.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie: This easy-made spin on the classic that we all know and love will blow your mind and quell those Cool Whip and graham cracker cravings.
No-Bake Apple Crumble: This recipe is perfect for those of us who love apples and need a little fiber in our lives! Yum!
No-Bake Cranberry Brie Bites: If you’re entertaining or making snacks for the kids, you can’t go wrong with Cranberry Brie Bites. It’s a kid-friendly recipe, so they can join if they have the cooking bug.
On the off chance that none of this appeals to you, you can always rely on the classic options for fall fun: reading, watching scary movies, or going for long walks on a chilly morning.
Help Is Just Around the Corner
If you or a loved one is struggling with boredom or hard-hitting cravings this fall season, please don’t hesitate to contact us for support, information, or more ideas on how to keep your sobriety inspired. Transitions can be difficult, whether we’re talking about the changing seasons or changing lifestyles. St. Gregory Recovery Center can help.
