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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.