The Porch Blog by Ruoff Mortgage

S’mores, Sweaters, and Scenic Drives: Your Fall Bucket List Starts Here

Written by Bailey Twillman | October 2, 2025

Fall in love with the season – one cozy, colorful, pumpkin-filled adventure at a time.

There’s just something about fall. The air gets crisp, the leaves start to turn, and suddenly your favorite flannel and a mug of hot cider feel like the best way to spend the weekend. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice purist or an autumn adventure seeker, fall is the perfect time to slow down, savor the season, and make a few memories before winter rolls in.

If you’ve been dreaming of bonfires, baking, and backroads full of color, this one’s for you. Here’s your official Fall Bucket List – a mix of easy, affordable, and downright delightful ideas to help you make the most of the season.

  1. Take a Scenic Drive

Nothing beats a slow, winding drive through the countryside with leaves at peak color. Map out a local route with wooded roads or covered bridges. Don’t forget a cozy playlist and a thermos of cider.

  1. Make Backyard S’mores

You don’t need a camping trip to enjoy this gooey classic. No fire pit? No problem – oven or microwave s’mores taste just as nostalgic. Try mixing it up with peanut butter cups, caramel squares, or flavored marshmallows.

  1. Visit a Local Orchard or Pumpkin Patch

Support local farmers and fill your camera roll with cute photos.

  • Pick apples and take home a homemade pie
  • Hunt for the perfect pumpkin (or five)
  • Grab cider doughnuts while you're at it
  1. Break Out the Sweater Weather Style

Swap the summer wardrobe for cozy layers and boots. Treat yourself to one new seasonal staple (a chunky scarf or flannel shirt always feels right) and enjoy dressing for the new autumn breeze.

  1. Decorate Your Porch or Entryway

A few pumpkins, some mums, and a cute doormat go a long way. Bonus points for a DIY wreath or a lantern with a flameless candle for extra glow in the evenings.

  1. Host a Fall Movie Night

Set up a projector outdoors or stay in with blankets and popcorn.

Watchlist favorites:

  • Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2
  • Halloweentown
  • You've Got Mail
  • Fantastic Mr. Fox
  • Any cozy, feel-good flick that makes you want to bake something
  1. Try a New Fall Recipe

Soup season is officially here. Challenge yourself to make one new cozy recipe this month – think butternut squash soup, homemade chili, or an apple crisp with oats and brown sugar.

  1. Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Perfect for families, date nights, or fun times with friends. Don’t forget your boots – it might get muddy!

  1. Tackle One Fall Home Project

Okay, hear us out – nothing too serious. But fall is a great time to:

  • Clean the gutters
  • Organize the garage
  • Weatherproof windows and doors

Quick wins now = cozy comfort later.

  1. Just Be Still

Take a walk. Watch the sunset. Sip a warm drink and appreciate the moment. Fall reminds us to slow down – let’s lean into it.

Whether you check off the whole list or just one or two favorites, the beauty of fall is in the little things. A warm mug. A golden tree. A night around the fire. This season doesn’t ask for much – just that you pause, notice, and enjoy.

 

And if your bucket list includes a new home?

Ruoff Mortgage is here to help. Let’s make finding the perfect place to spend your favorite season a reality. Contact a loan officer today to get started.

 

About Ruoff Mortgage

At Ruoff Mortgage, we understand that buying a home is one of life’s biggest moments – not just as a financial decision, but a personal one. For more than 41 years, we’ve proudly helped families turn their dreams into reality. From our roots in northeast Indiana to now serving homebuyers throughout the Midwest, our focus has stayed the same: delivering exceptional service rooted in care, speed, and community. With an average 15-day clear-to-close time, our team is here to make your journey to homeownership as smooth and stress-free as possible. When you're ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.