My Marion Bucket List: Fall

waterfall surrounded by fall leaves

And just like that, summer is over.

In a mere four days, it’s officially fall! Aside from pumpkin spice lattes and infinity scarves, with the new season comes a new bucket list.

If you haven’t been keeping up, this year I’m making a Marion County bucket list for each season, with some regional fun thrown in for good measure. (If you’re curious, check out the spring and summer blogs to prepare for next year.)

This fall, there are a few things I’d like to do that I’ve never done – and I’ve lived here for a good, long time. I’ve also included a few things that I have gotten to do that I think everyone should absolutely experience. So get ready, get set – we’ve only got from September 22 to December 21 to do it all – and go!

man wearing a cowboy hat and red & black western shirt holding a guitar First up is … Sagebrush Round-Up: Country and fall are basically synonymous with each other. Case in point: flannel and cowboy boots. Wear them to Sagebrush Round-Up! Because I’ve already been, I can say with certainty that it’s a must-see for anyone who lives in or visits Marion. If you’ve never experienced a good ol’ fashioned country time, this is where you can find it and enjoy it. Country singin’, square dancin’, and old-time cookin’ are all you really need to know.

It’s finally time for PSL!

Obviously, I have had a pumpkin spice latte in my lifetime. (And if you haven’t, put it on your bucket list!) It’s not the drink that’s on my bucket list but its unique and crazy variations. Now that it’s fall, the notorious Pumpkin Spice Latte is finally back and morphing faster than you realize.

Get it legit at Joe n Throw. Or, get it in ice cream at Dairy Creme Corner. And in beer form at The Rambling Root! Through the years, I’ve ingested more than enough PSL themed edibles at both Joe n Throw and DCC to say that it should be on your list to experience! But The Rambling Root? I have no idea, but I’m excited to get one! Pumpkin beer, here I come!

Explore the pumpkin spice transformations throughout the region, too. I’m willing to consider trying a pumpkin spice whoopie pie from Tutto Gelato Cafe in Morgantown. I might even try Almost Heaven’s pumpkin parfait down in Bridgeport.

Of course, I’m going to Valley Falls in the fall, and it’s something you have to do, too. It’s arguably at the height of its beauty. And so are the saw-whet owls – if you’ve never seen one then now is your chance. A wilderness professional will show how he catches, bands and tracks them at Valley Falls. (It’s a pretty cool experience, so add it to your bucket list STAT.)

However, there are some places in the county I’ve never gone for beautiful autumnal scenery: the Barrackville Covered Bridge and the Hamilton Round Barn are both on my bucket list. Picture it: a background of gold, orange, and red leaves, a flannel shirt, cute boots, and West Virginia history. (Now, that’s what I call hipster.)

Fall activities should also include the quintessential elements of coziness, fun, and scarves.

I’ve never really attempted to be crafty, but why let my lack of artistic ability hold me back from fully participating in the season?! Here I go to Sew Chic for sewing or knitting or crocheting or whatever is typically used to make those quintessential infinity scarves.

Struggling with this bucket list’s fall fashion project? Go to Savvy Consignment for cute, affordable jackets, scarves, gloves, shoes, sweaters, jeans, which will prepare you well for the next item on the bucket list…

WVU merchandise

As long as I’m outfitted with warm clothes, a WVU Game is on the list! That’s right, I’ve never been to any WVU sporting event. And to be sure I’m not only warm but supportive and at least appear athletically enthused, I’ll stop by Riders’ Pharmacy, Gifts & Collectibles for all my blue and gold gear.

Marion County isn’t the only place with awesome autumnal activities (and amazing alliterations). Marion County is a convenient middle ground to get to the rest of the fall fun West Virginia has to offer. Aside from infinity scarves, sports, and pumpkin spice, tis the season to be scared!

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum  is both educational and traumatizing! I should know – I’ve done the night tour. This is essential to a successful and well-rounded bucket list.

Ghost Stories. Walking. Nighttime. That’s really all I know about Harpers Ferry Ghost Tour because I’ve never done it before! I’m always up for a new experience even if I might need to watch a Disney movie after…

Depending on your level of fear, you might need to maintain some control of the situation. And that means a trip to Kerri’s Korner Bookstore for the Telltale Lilac Bush! It’s only the most iconic West Virginia ghost stories ever! I know this because I had the courage once to read it. (It was a long time ago, so I should probably work up the courage again to enjoy the season as a true West Virginian.) So grab that book and head to the Little Red Hen (for it’s relaxing and not scary atmosphere). Trust me, you’ll need that sticky bun.

Some of these activities are necessary – but only once (hello, Trans Allegheny) – and some of them become traditional (shout out to Joe n Throw Valley Falls). And the ones I haven’t done? I have high hopes for gelato and whoopie pies – I definitely envision that going well. And the others? We’ll just have to hope for the best! (That’s right, I’m looking at you Rambling Root, Harpers Ferry, WVU!)

What fall adventures are you most looking forward to?  

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