Forget Pumpkin Patches and Apple Picking: Here’s My New Favorite Fall Activity

Photo by Craig Adderley

Who doesn’t love Fall? In most states, it serves as a respite from scorching hot summer days that felt like they’d never end.

I, for one, am my happiest in October and November. The warm sun and cool air, paired with stunning views of colorful trees everywhere you look is a feeling that can’t be beat! I live for my essential Fall activities, including going to a cabin in our nearby National Park, and switching out my Busch Light for Busch Light Apple.

There is one new Fall activity that I don’t think we talk enough about. In the past few years, the local brewery scene across the USA has blown up. According to Statista, in the last 10 years, the number of breweries in the United States has increased from 2,500 to almost 10,000! As a side note, I’m pleasantly surprised that we have extensive data on the number of breweries that our fellow Americans get to enjoy.

As spending time at breweries has become more mainstream, so has participating in the activities there. We’ve all probably had a not-so successful trivia night at our local bar or brewery.

Last Fall, I participated in a game-changing event at my nearby brewery: Dog Costume Contest. We as humans have officially upgraded from our own costume contests, to dressing up our dogs in oversized outfits to battle it out over a $10 gift card.

Our dog Aspyn, a black Labrador, beat out Fluffy — the white Shih tzu in a ballerina costume and Felix — a Great Dane in a construction worker outfit. After calming down from the pure adrenaline we experienced from winning, we learned that we won some dog treats, a gift card, a key chain, and some of the cutest pictures of our dog that we could ever imagine!

If you have a dog and are looking for more fun, unique outdoor activities to engage in this Fall, I’d recommend a dog costume contest at your neighborhood brewery. You won’t regret it!

The bottom line is, Fall is without a doubt the best time of the year, and it’s important to spend it however makes you the happiest.

Have you noticed you’ve spent more time at breweries over the last few years? Have you ever been to one for an event, and how did it compare to other venues? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!