9 Vegan Fall Date Ideas to Start Off Cuffing Season

Cozy sweaters, warm cider, and beautiful scenery are just a few reasons why fall is the best season for falling in love. Besides the fact that the weather is still relatively warm, the air is crisp, and the leaves are changing, a plethora of outdoor (and a few indoor) activities makes autumn the ideal season for planning the best vegan dates of the year. While the possibilities are endless, here are nine of our favorite fun, sexy, and affordable date ideas that’ll have your falling for fall.

1. Get lost in a corn maze
If you and your date are up for something spooky, consider visiting a “haunted” corn maze in the evening, or try having a fun and frisky time during the day. If you’re in the New York area, head to Hank’s Pumpkintown, a seven-acre maze full of hidden treasures and fun adventures. Rumor has it that the mazes are a perfect place to get lost in the fields and sneak in some kisses.

2. Taste some wine
Visiting a vineyard is one of the best fall activities in existence because there’s nothing better than wine tasting to get you in the mood for autumn. Some vineyards are quiet—which allows couples to spend the day sipping on sparkling wine, listening to a three-piece musical trio, and snacking on vegan cheese and crackers—while other vineyards have super cool cover bands rocking it out on the fields. Whichever you choose, nothing beats sipping wine with a loved one.

3. Go apple picking
Early-September to mid-October is the peak apple-picking season, so check out a nearby orchard for a leisurely (and romantic) afternoon together. If your plans for later include pie baking with your love, then make sure to pick some Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp apples. Our advice? Don’t forget to hold hands while walking between the apple trees.

4. Bake a pie together
Once you return home from harvesting apples, get ready to bake some pies. To accomplish this, you’ll need to break out the apples, aprons, and flour for a fun night of cooking because, as you know, there’s nothing more romantic and sexier than a partner who knows how to use their hands. Pro tip: the best part of the night is feeding each other the warm apple pie.

5. Snuggle next to a fire
Sometimes, it’s nice to stay in, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. And if it’s fall, then the best way to relax with a loved one is by cuddling next to a fire. To make the evening even more special, make vegan s’mores, and toast your marshmallows over a candle in the living room. Just don’t drip warm marshmallows onto the blankets!

6. Go for a hayride
Hayrides are the perfect opportunity to get close to your significant other. You see, evening hayrides are often romantic, but during Halloween season, they can also be spooky, which often leads couples to sit close together. So, bring a cozy blanket, have some spiked hot chocolate, and get scared!

7. Pick pumpkins
For the competitive types, visit a pumpkin patch, and challenge your date to pick the biggest and best pumpkin. When you get home, carve the pumpkins together and roast pumpkin seeds.

8. Take a long drive to see fall foliage
If you’re lucky enough to be close to areas that are bursting with fall colors, taking a long romantic drive with your partner is a must fall date. On your drive, roll down the windows, and get those vegan tunes going. And, similar to many of these date ideas, don’t forget the blanket. You know, in case things start getting toasty.

9. Watch a scary movie
Get in the Halloween spirit by screening some festive flicks together. With Halloween just around the corner, staying in with your favorite scary movies and a bunch of junk food is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday. Pick the scariest movies you can find—it’s a perfect opportunity hold each other even closer under the covers.

 

Michelle Siriani is a plant-based chef and graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City, a pastry chef at Peacefood Cafe, a recipe tester, writer, and food blogger.