Falloween: My Favorite Picks for a Cozy, Spooky, Autumn Season
Fiery foliage at Maplewood State Park
Fall—I sink into this season the way I once dove into piles of leaves as a kid, letting it envelop me in both magic and mischief. Call me basic, but I’m a sucker for anything that celebrates this time of year. For me, that means moody playlists on repeat, nostalgic (but not-too-scary) movies, seasonal drinks in hand, and all the local traditions that make Midwest fall feel like its own little world. Check out my picks for the season—your invitation to press play, pour a drink, and join in.
Music
Looking for the perfect soundtrack to your spooky parties, foggy morning walks, crunchy leaf adventures, late-night drives, or cozy bonfire hangs? 🍂 I’ve got you covered. I put together an Apple Music playlist, aptly named ‘🍂Falloween🌕’ that blends the eeriness of Halloween with the warmth of autumn—featuring everyone from The Zombies to Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, The Weeknd, and more. Press play for magic ✨.
🍂Falloween🌕 Playlist
Movies
I don’t really like true horror movies, but I do enjoy spooky-adjacent ones. As soon as the leaves start to turn, I revisit my favorite seasonal watches. Here’s my picks from long ago, and most recent:
🪓 Sleepy Hollow
I remember this movie playing on repeat a few years ago while I worked from home. It was the perfect spooky background, and I still love it!
🎃 The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
A childhood favorite! We used to check this out from the library, and I still love how it’s both funny and spooky. Classic, old-school Disney magic.
🛌 Sleeping Beauty
I just recently rewatched this classic. I’m sure I saw it as a kid, but had forgotten most of it. It’s actually a bit dark when you think about it—another vintage Disney for the win.
✨ Practical Magic
After years of seeing clips on Instagram, I finally watched it this year. I LOVED it—even watched it a couple times since. Made me want to move into a giant house overlooking the ocean with my sister and use our powers for good ;)
🌌 Signs
Not exactly a Halloween movie, but definitely spooky! I watched it as a kid and was terrified—especially when the scratched DVD kept cutting out at the scariest parts. Finally finished it recently, and as an adult, I actually found it pretty funny.
🧛 Dracula
There’s a scene I kept seeing on Instagram—Gary Oldman as Dracula tells Winona Ryder, “I have crossed oceans of time to find you.” I knew I had to watch, and it did not disappoint.
✂️ Edward Scissorhands
The visuals, the music, the story—the whole eerie fairytale vibe just works. Tim Burton at his best, with Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder bringing all the heart and melancholy magic.
🧡 When Harry Met Sally
My only non-spooky pick, but my all-time favorite rom-com. Those cozy NYC fall walks and sweaters. I mean.
👻 Ghostbusters
Umm because this should be on every Halloween movie list.
🧙 Witches of Eastwick
Not gonna lie—this one’s a little interesting. Three women in a small town discover they have magical powers, and when a mysterious man (Jack Nicholson) arrives, chaos, temptation, and hilarity ensue. It doesn’t always make sense at times, but ultimately worthy of a watch. At least once.
Shows
From cozy comfort shows to eerie slow-burn series, these are my go-to picks for when the air turns crisp and all I want to do is wrap up in a blanket and escape into another world:
🐈⬛ Bewitched
I started watching the original 1960s version this season and was surprised by how much I love it. It’s clever, charming, and such an easy, feel-good watch.
Anyone else prepping for the final upcoming season?? A perfect mix of nostalgia, mystery, and supernatural thrills—set against the ultimate 80s backdrop.
🕯️ Charmed
This one’s perfect to have on in the background—full of sisterhood, spells, and a little late-90s camp. It’s got humor, heart, and just the right amount of magic.
Part of Mike Flanagan’s haunting anthology series, this one pulled me in from the first episode. It’s eerie, emotional, and genuinely spooky in the best way.
Fall is their season—crisp leaves, coffee cups, and small-town charm. It’s the ultimate comfort show for cozy autumn days.
Bonus: for some cozy background ambiance, I like YouTube videos like this one.
Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch
Local Activities
Fall isn’t just for curling up with movies and shows—it’s also the best season to get outside and soak up those fleeting golden days. Here are a few of my favorite local staples that make autumn in the Midwest feel extra special:
My sister and I visited this winery for the first time this year, and you could easily spend an entire afternoon there. There’s plenty to see—or you can simply sit back, sip your wine, and take in the scenery.
I went through the haunted house for the first time, thinking it would be no big deal—but I screamed and clung to my friend’s arm for dear life the entire five minutes. Totally worth it. There’s so much more to do too: pumpkin picking, a corn maze, hayrides, and plenty of cozy fall charm.
My friends and I went camping at Itasca State Park last year and had a blast. From stepping across the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi to wandering through towering old-growth pines and soaking in peaceful lake views, it’s one of Minnesota’s most scenic escapes. We even set up our own bloody mary bar on the picnic table ;)
This is a must-visit. We made a whole day of it—packing a charcuterie, sipping Oktoberfest beers, and staying until we watched the moon set above the lake. With its vibrant forests, wildlife, and sweeping views of lakes and rolling hills, it’s the perfect place to get lost in autumn’s colors.
Old Fashioned Bar
Cocktails & Cozy Sips
I’m not much of a cook or baker, but I do love a little seasonal mixology. Here are some of my favorite autumn drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—that you can grab or make at home:
☕ Starbucks’ Pecan Oatmilk Cortado
Smooth, lightly sweet, and perfect for fall. I’ve been telling everyone to try it, and so far? All rave reviews.
Tastes like a fizzy apple juice—healthier alternative to soda.
Delicious served neat. I may have had a few of these around the bonfire before :)
🍯 Spiced Honey Bourbon Old Fashioned
Okay, by now you may have figured out that I like bourbon—and especially the classic Old Fashioned. But when fall rolls around, I like to jazz it up for the season!
🍷 Mulled Wine
This was a recipe that my friend and I tried last year. Even though it can be more of a “Christmas” drink, I think it works great for fall as well.
🍏 Stella Artois Hard Cidre
This one’s delicious—crisp, light, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s the kind of drink you can really savor, though given how sweet it is, one (maybe two) is usually enough. But yeah… it’s tasty. Crisp.
Having a sunflower moment
This season is short, so I try to savor every bit of it—every foggy morning, crunchy leaf, and cozy night. Full moon tracking, playlist on repeat, seasonal drinks in hand. It’s the little rituals that make it feel alive. However you celebrate—whether it’s spooky nights, quiet walks, or indulging in fall flavors—there’s something special to be found in the everyday. Find it, soak it in, and make your own magic. ✨