Tis the season of pumpkin spice and pretty colors; it’s time for temperatures to go down and sweaters to come back. Here are a few ways to enjoy this beautiful autumn before we start winter.

Skytop Apple Orchard is in Flat Rock, North Carolina and is the perfect place to go if you want to see what fall does to nature. The prime apple-picking season is coming to an end, but you can still buy apple cider and apple cider donuts while you walk through the trees and admire the stunning views of the mountains. Skytop is also the perfect place to get plenty of pictures; the leaves are bright shades of red and orange and make for a gorgeous background.

Fall means sweater weather and bonfires; pick a cool night and host a bonfire with all of your friends. Stock up on firewood to keep the fire going all night long and be sure to keep s’mores on hand. Even if spooky season is over, scary stories are definitely still appropriate when you’re gathered around the fire. Sitting around the flames and spending quality time with friends is never a bad way to spend a night.

Football is part of fall’s territory. Our Panthers, along with college and NFL teams, are getting into the most important part of their seasons. Whether you’re snacking in the living room with the game on television or tailgating at a stadium doing your pre-game rituals, rooting on your favorite team is a fun way to spend a weekend.  Chapman hosts Emerald in the opening round of the playoffs this Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8.

Don’t let fall waste away; find a way to enjoy the cool weather and beautiful foliage before the trees turn bare. However you choose to spend your crisp autumn evenings, make the most of the attractions of this season.