One of my favorite things about fall is how easy it is to enjoy the season without making big plans. After a busy summer, there's something nice about slower weekends, cooler weather and finding simple ways to get out of the house without spending a ton of money.

You don't need a packed itinerary or an expensive reservation to have a fun fall weekend. Sometimes, the best plans are the ones that cost little—or nothing—at all.

Get Outside

Fall is one of the best times of year to get outside, especially here at the beach when the temperatures finally start to cool off. Take a walk along the beach, explore a local trail, head to the Conway Riverwalk or spend an afternoon walking around downtown checking out the Halloween decorations. 

Have a Cozy Night In

Not every fall weekend needs to involve leaving the house. Pick up a few inexpensive ingredients and make a cozy dinner, bake something, put on your favorite movie or settle in with a good book. You could even make it a little more special by lighting some candles, making a seasonal drink or pulling out a favorite fall recipe.

Take a Day Trip

You don't always have to travel far to feel like you've gotten away. Pick a nearby town you've never explored, take a scenic drive or spend the afternoon walking around somewhere new. Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks before you leave, and you can turn a simple drive into a full day without spending much once you get there.

Make Your Own Fall Tradition

Some of my favorite seasonal memories come from things we do every year, and they don't necessarily cost much. Maybe it's making a certain meal, taking an evening walk, visiting a favorite spot when the leaves start changing or having friends over for a cozy night.

Pick something you genuinely enjoy and make it your thing. Having a little tradition to look forward to can make the season feel special without adding another expensive activity to your calendar.

Look for Free Local Events

Before making weekend plans, take a few minutes to see what's happening around your community. Fall is packed with local festivals, markets, outdoor events, live music and community activities, and many of them are free or inexpensive.

Make a Fall Weekend Bucket List

Instead of trying to fill every weekend with plans, make a short list of things you want to do this fall and pick one when you have a free Saturday or Sunday. Take a long walk. Visit a new town. Make your favorite fall dinner. Have friends over. Find a free event. Spend an afternoon outside.

Fall tends to fly by, so this year I'm trying to focus less on how much we spend and more on making the most of the season. You don't need a big budget to have a weekend worth remembering.

There’s something about the start of fall that makes me want to spend more time in the kitchen. Once the temperatures start dropping, I’m ready for cozy dinners, warm soups and meals that make the whole house smell good. But as much as I love fall comfort food, I don’t want dinner to become another place where I’m overspending.

The good news is that some of the best fall meals are also some of the easiest and most affordable to make. Soups, chili, casseroles, pasta dishes and slow-cooker meals can all turn simple ingredients into something filling and comforting. And because many of these meals make plenty of food, you can stretch dinner into lunch the next day, too.

Start With What You Already Have

Before heading to the grocery store, take a quick look through your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. You might already have the makings of dinner without realizing it.

A can of beans, some broth and a few vegetables can become a hearty soup. Ground beef can turn into chili, tacos or a pasta dish. Potatoes can stretch a meal with chicken or sausage, and leftover vegetables can easily be added to a casserole or soup. Building your meals around what you already have is an easy way to use up food and avoid buying ingredients you don't really need.

Make Meals That Stretch

One of my favorite things about fall cooking is that you don't necessarily need an expensive cut of meat or a long list of ingredients to make a satisfying meal. Ingredients like beans, rice, pasta, potatoes and ground meat can go a long way when they're combined with vegetables, seasonings and a good sauce or broth.

Think about meals like chili, taco soup, chicken and rice, baked pasta, chicken pot pie, beef stew or a simple casserole. These are the kinds of meals that can feed several people and often leave you with leftovers. Budget-friendly recipe collections also tend to rely on these same staples because they can make a full meal without requiring a long list of specialty ingredients.

Embrace the Leftovers

If you're already cooking, why not make enough for another meal? Fall comfort foods are especially good for leftovers, and having lunch ready to go can save you from spending money on takeout during a busy workday.

Soups, chili, casseroles and pasta usually reheat well, and some can even be frozen for another night. I also like the idea of treating leftovers as a starting point rather than eating the exact same meal several days in a row. Leftover chicken can become a sandwich or soup, while leftover taco meat can become nachos, quesadillas or a taco bowl.

Don't Be Afraid of the Slow Cooker

Fall is also the perfect time to let your slow cooker do some of the work for you. A few simple ingredients can simmer throughout the day, and you can come home to dinner that's basically ready to go. Current fall cooking ideas are full of slow-cooker soups, stews and other “dump-and-go” meals designed to make busy weeknights easier.

This can also help with those nights when you're tempted to order takeout simply because you don't feel like cooking. Spending a few minutes in the morning getting dinner started can make a big difference when you're tired and hungry at the end of the day.

Make It Cozy Without Making It Expensive

For me, that's really what fall cooking is all about. You don't need an elaborate meal or expensive ingredients to make dinner feel special. Put a pot of chili on the stove, make a big pan of baked pasta or throw together a simple soup, then add some warm bread and you've got a pretty great fall dinner.

And if you're looking for even more inspiration, this season is full of recipes built around cozy soups, stews and casseroles — many of which are designed to be simple enough for a weeknight.

Fall is one of my favorite times of year to slow down a little, get back into a dinner routine and enjoy some of those classic comfort foods. With a little planning and a grocery list built around ingredients you can use more than once, you can enjoy all the cozy meals you want without letting your grocery budget get out of hand.

There are a few events that my husband and I look forward to every year, and Conway Burger Week is definitely one of them. What started as a fun excuse to try a few new restaurants has turned into one of our favorite food traditions. 

Conway Burger Week runs September 11–20, 2026, and this year marks the fifth annual event. Participating restaurants throughout downtown Conway create their own unique burger for the competition, and the best part is that the public gets to decide the winner by voting for their favorite. There's no registration required — just check out the menu, grab some burgers and start eating!

Make a Burger Week Bucket List

If you've never participated in Burger Week before, I recommend checking out the menu ahead of time and making a list of the burgers you want to try. There are so many creative options that it can be hard to choose just one!

My husband and I usually pick one night during the week to make our own Burger Week date night. We'll choose two or three restaurants, order a burger from each and split them between the two of us. It lets us try several different burgers in one night without paying for a full meal at every restaurant. Plus, it's a fun excuse to walk around downtown Conway and make an evening out of it.

Our Favorite Burger Week Tradition

Another way we've celebrated Burger Week for the past few years is with friends and football. We'll get together on Sunday, turn on the games and order burgers to-go from several different participating restaurants.

We cut each burger into four pieces so everyone can have a bite of each one. We split the cost between everyone, and by doing it this way, we've been able to try nearly every burger on the menu.

It's basically a Burger Week taste test and a football watch party all in one — and honestly, it's become one of our favorite fall traditions.

Support Local While You Eat

One of the best things about Burger Week is that it gives us a reason to get out and support the local restaurants that make downtown Conway such a fun place to spend time. Instead of going to the same restaurant you visit every week, you can try somewhere new and maybe find a new favorite along the way.

Don't Forget to Vote

After you've made your way through your Burger Week lineup, don't forget to vote for your favorite. Since the competition is decided by the public, your vote actually helps determine which local restaurant takes home the bragging rights.

Whether you make it a date night, a night out with friends or a football Sunday like we do, Burger Week is a pretty great excuse to eat your way through downtown Conway.

Happy Burger Week! 🍔

View the 2026 Burger Week Menu & Details

In the past few years, CCU football games have started taking up a pretty big chunk of my fall calendar. Gamedays are pretty much a full-day affair with the tailgate, the actual game and, of course, packing everything I'll need into the car the night before.

As fun as gamedays are, they can also be a little stressful if you're not prepared. With a new head coach, new gameday traditions and six home games on the 2026 schedule, there are plenty of reasons to make it to Brooks Stadium this fall. Here are a few of my tips for making the most of your CCU gameday.

Check the Schedule

The Chanticleers have six home games at Brooks Stadium this season, starting with the home opener against Fordham on Saturday, September 12. The rest of the home schedule includes Liberty on September 24, Georgia Southern on October 3, Appalachian State on October 16, Old Dominion on November 7 and Arkansas State on November 14.

A few kickoff times are already set, including the 7:30 p.m. home opener against Fordham, the 7:30 p.m. Thursday night matchup against Liberty and the 8 p.m. Friday night game against Appalachian State. The remaining kickoff times will be announced throughout the season.

Plan Your Gameday Outfit

Whether you have a lucky jersey or like to put together a trendy outfit in your school's colors, plan your gameday look ahead of time and lay it out the night before. The last thing you want is to be digging through the dirty hamper on gameday only to find your lucky jersey has a chili dog stain.

And don't forget to check the theme before you pick your outfit! This year's promotional schedule gives fans plenty of opportunities to dress for the occasion:

• September 12 vs. Fordham: White Out & Beach Bash
• September 24 vs. Liberty: Teal Out
• October 3 vs. Georgia Southern: Family Weekend & Hall of Fame
• October 16 vs. Appalachian State: Wait ’Til You See This Game
• November 7 vs. Old Dominion: Black Out & Homecoming
• November 14 vs. Arkansas State: Senior Day & Salute to Service

Prepare for the Tailgate

Whether you're hosting or attending a tailgate, you'll want to come prepared. Pack your chairs, tables, games, decorations and anything else you'll need the night before so that the only thing you're worried about grabbing on gameday is the food.

Don't forget your parking pass, either! Make sure you have it with you before you leave home and know where you're headed once you get to campus. CCU also has shuttle routes connecting several parking areas to Brooks Stadium, so check the parking information before gameday to see which option works best for you.

And if you're planning to tailgate, there are a few rules to keep in mind: each pass allows one vehicle and one space, charcoal grills aren't permitted, and tailgates should stay within your designated space or adjacent green space without blocking traffic.

Take Advantage of Free Concessions

One of my favorite things about CCU gameday is back again this season: free concessions!

The CCU Kickoff Meal Deal is returning for every home game, giving ticketed fans complimentary hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks at designated concession stands. You can make unlimited trips, but you'll receive one of each item per visit and will need to have your game ticket available in the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers App to be scanned. Free concessions are available through the end of the third quarter.

That's one less expense to worry about when you're planning your gameday budget — and definitely something worth taking advantage of!

Get to Know Coach Ryan Beard

This season also brings a new era of Coastal Carolina football as Ryan Beard begins his first full season as head coach. After opening the season on the road at West Virginia, the Chants will return to Conway for their home opener against Fordham.

If you want to get to know Coach Beard and hear what's happening with the team throughout the season, you don't have to wait until Saturday.

Make Teal Tuesday Part of Your Week

One of the newest additions to CCU football this year is Teal Tuesday, a weekly pep rally in downtown Conway. Beginning September 1, the free event will take place every Tuesday from 5:30–7:30 p.m. outside Chanti's Pizza, with The Ryan Beard Show airing live from 6–7 p.m.

The event will feature the CCU pep band, cheer and dance teams, football players, coaches and special guests, along with autograph opportunities. Food, drinks and local vendors will also be available, making it a fun way to get into the football spirit before Saturday's gameday.

Have a Plan for Your Tickets

Your gameday outfit and delicious tailgate snacks won't matter if you can't get into the actual game! CCU uses digital tickets, so make sure you have the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers App downloaded and your phone charged before you leave home. You'll also want to make sure your parking pass is easy to find when you arrive.

A little preparation the night before can save you a lot of stress the next day.

With new traditions, themed games, free concessions and a new coach leading the way, there's plenty to look forward to at Brooks Stadium this fall. Whether you're a longtime Chanticleer fan or just looking for a fun way to spend a fall Saturday, I'll see you in Teal Nation!

It's still hot outside, but somehow fall has already arrived in the stores, coffee shops, and our social media feeds. Pumpkin spice drinks are making their return, retailers are releasing their fall clothing collections, and before we know it, we'll be swapping summer décor for pumpkins, candles, blankets, and everything else that makes our homes feel a little cozier. I love fall as much as anyone, but there's something about the excitement of a new season that can make it really easy to spend money just because something feels new.

The good news is that you don't have to skip all the fun to stay on budget. With a little planning, you can enjoy your favorite parts of fall without buying every new thing that lands on the shelf.

You Don't Need a Whole New Fall Wardrobe

There's something about a new season that makes us feel like we need a completely new wardrobe. Suddenly, we "need" a new pair of boots, a sweater for football games, and enough flannels to last until Thanksgiving. Before you start filling your cart, take a look at what you already have.

Fall is one of the easiest seasons to shop your own closet because so many basics can be mixed and matched from year to year. Pull out last year's sweaters and jackets before buying anything new, and if there are a few pieces you really need, consider setting a specific amount aside for them rather than letting a few "just because it's cute" purchases add up.

The Pumpkin Spice Tax Is Real

Fall drinks are one of my favorite parts of the season, but those $6 coffees can add up quickly when they're happening several times a week. I'm all for treating yourself to the seasonal drink you look forward to every year, but you don't have to make every coffee run a fall event.

Try making your favorite seasonal drink at home, or decide that you'll treat yourself once a week instead of every morning. You can still enjoy the pumpkin cold foam without wondering where your coffee budget went by November.

Your Home Doesn't Need a Fall Makeover

Fall décor is another one of those categories where it's very easy to get carried away. Every store seems to have a new collection of pumpkins, wreaths, candles, blankets, and signs, and suddenly your cart is full of things you didn't know you needed five minutes ago.

Instead of redecorating your entire house every season, shop your own home first. Reuse pieces you already have, move décor from one room to another, and look for small ways to change the feel of a room without buying everything new. If you do want something new, consider investing in a few pieces you really love rather than buying a whole collection that you'll have to store for the next eleven months.

Watch Out for the “Limited Edition” Effect

Seasonal products are designed to make us feel like we need to buy them now because they won't be around forever. Limited-edition drinks, seasonal candles, special clothing collections, and holiday décor all create a sense of urgency that can make it harder to stop and think before spending.

Before you buy something, ask yourself whether you actually want it or whether the fact that it's seasonal is making it feel more exciting. If you would still want it in six months, it's probably worth considering. If you're only interested because it has pumpkins on it, maybe give yourself a day before checking out.

Give Yourself a Fall Fun Budget

One of the easiest ways to enjoy seasonal spending without feeling guilty about it is to actually plan for it. Set aside a little money specifically for fall fun—whether that's seasonal coffee, a pumpkin patch, football games, fall festivals, or a new sweater.

Having money set aside for the things you enjoy makes it easier to spend intentionally instead of feeling like every little purchase is putting you behind. A budget doesn't mean you can't enjoy the season; it simply gives your spending a place to live.

The Bottom Line

There is nothing wrong with getting excited about a new season. I love the first pumpkin spice drink, a good fall candle, a cozy sweater, and all the little things that make this time of year feel special. The trick is remembering that you don't need to buy every version of them to enjoy fall.

So enjoy the seasonal drinks, pull out your favorite sweaters, decorate your front porch, and make some fall memories. Just don't let every "new fall drop" convince you that you need to spend money to experience the season. Sometimes the best way to enjoy a new season is simply to appreciate what you already have—and save a little money for what's coming next.

There’s something about the start of a new school year that feels like a fresh start for everyone. After a few months of later nights, vacations, summer activities, and a much more relaxed schedule, August brings us back to routines and a little more structure. While the kids may be the ones heading back to the classroom, I think this time of year is also a great opportunity for parents and families to hit the reset button.

A new school year doesn't have to mean making a long list of resolutions or completely changing your routine. Sometimes it's simply about taking a look at what's working, what isn't, and what could use a little more organization before the busyness of the next few months begins.

Get Your Schedule Back in Order

Summer has a way of making the calendar feel a little less important. Between vacations, beach days, late dinners, and weekend plans, it's easy for routines to go out the window. Once school starts, suddenly everyone has somewhere to be and a time they need to be there.

Taking some time to get the family calendar organized can make a huge difference. Add school events, practices, appointments, birthdays, and other commitments in one place so you can see what the weeks ahead actually look like. A little planning now can help prevent those "wait, we're supposed to be where?" moments later.

Reset Your Spending Habits

Our spending habits can change quite a bit during the summer, too. Maybe you've been eating out more, traveling, spending more on activities, or making the most of those spontaneous summer plans. There's nothing wrong with that, but the start of the school year is a great time to take a look at where your money has been going and make a few adjustments if needed.

Take a look at your budget and think about what your expenses will look like during the school year. Maybe you'll spend less on travel but more on gas, activities, childcare, or after-school expenses. Your budget should reflect your actual life, and when your routine changes, it's okay for your budget to change with it.

Create a Routine That Saves You Time and Money

Getting organized isn't just about making life easier—it can also save you money. Planning a few meals for the week can help cut down on last-minute takeout, packing snacks before heading out can keep those convenience purchases in check, and knowing what's on the calendar can help you avoid unnecessary expenses that come from being unprepared.

You don't have to meal prep every meal or have every minute of the week planned out. Even a little preparation can make those busy school nights feel much more manageable.

Revisit Your Financial Goals

A new school year can also be a good reminder to check in on the financial goals you set earlier this year. We're already more than halfway through the year, so where do things stand? Maybe you wanted to build your emergency fund, pay down a credit card, save for a vacation, or simply get better about tracking your spending.

You don't have to wait until January to make a change. If something isn't working, adjust it now. There are still several months left in the year to make progress toward the goals that matter to you.

Make Room for the Fun, Too

Getting back into a routine doesn't mean summer fun has to completely disappear. Football games, fall festivals, weekend trips, and family activities are right around the corner. Part of resetting your finances is making sure you leave room for the things you actually enjoy.

A budget shouldn't be about saying no to everything. It's about knowing what matters to you and making sure your money supports it.

The start of a new school year is a natural time to reset, not just for students but for the entire family. Getting organized, adjusting your budget, revisiting your goals, and creating a few routines can help make the transition from summer to school a little smoother.

You don't have to overhaul your entire life just because the calendar says August. Sometimes a fresh start is simply taking a step back, getting organized, and making a plan for the season ahead. And if that plan happens to leave a little more room in the budget for the things you enjoy, even better.