Living in or vacationing to paradise is a dream. On Anna Maria Island, we get year-round beach weather and most days feel like Summer. With most of our residents or visitors having moved from colder weather or visiting to seek refuge from the snowy season, we relish in our eternal Summer. While the rest of the country greets the Autumnal Equinox by digging their sweaters out of the back of their closets, going apple picking, and welcoming a crispness in the air.
The only colors that change are our sunsets, the only shoveling we do is for a sandcastle, and the closest thing we have to leaves falling is an occasional fallen palm-frond from a large gust of wind.
So, how do we celebrate Fall when it always feels like Summer? Here are 10 simple ways to add some Autumnal flair to our island lifestyle.
Set the Scene:
Adding a Cinnamon Broom, displaying some seasonal decor, and lighting a Fall-scented candle can do wonders!
Taste Fall with some Apple Cider and Pumpkin Spice
Whether you’re a pumpkin spice latte kinda person or more into the warm cider, sipping a seasonal beverage with a slice of pumpkin pie or warm apple cider donut can give you a literal taste of Fall.
3. Have a Spooky Entertainment Night
Now that you’ve got your Fall-flavored treats, cuddle up and indulge in some October programming. Tune in to Freeform’s 13 Nights of Halloween, pop in a classic scary movie, or dust off your favorite spooky book.
4. Visit the Farm
At Hunsader’s Farm in Bradenton you can get lost in the corn maze, go on a hay ride, and pick your very own pumpkin. Perfect for families, or even if you just want to feel like a kid again, Hunsader’s annual Pumpkin Festival is a treat for all.
Details: www.hunsaderfarms.com/pumpkin-festival
5. Paint Pumpkins
After you’ve picked your pumpkin at Hunsader’s, it’s time to make it your own. It’s still a little warm to leave a carved pumpkin outside, so grab some paint and add your personal creativity on the outside!
6. Theme Parks
If you do decide to really dive in to the season, you can visit one of our nearby theme parks for their Halloween festivities. Busch Gardens’ spooky Hollowscream, Universal Studio’s scream-inducing Halloween Horror Nights, Disney’s kid-friendly Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, or the magic of Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
7. Attend a Local Fall Festivals
There’s something about a festival or community gathering during this time of year that feels extra nostalgic. There are plenty of fun Fall-related festivals on the island.
Bayfest 2017: October 21st.
Anna Maria Elementary Costume Parade and Fall Festival: October 28th.
Trail of Treats: October 31st.
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No matter what you do to bring a little taste of Fall to your island life, we wish you and yours both near and far a very happy (and warm) season!