11. Carve tons of pumpkins

bat-jack-olantern-carving

Make the season more special by carvings tons of Jack O’Lanterns in all different styles. Get creative or use the pre-made designs found in the carving books. Trader Joe’s is a great place to stock up as their large pumpkins are priced under 10 bucks.

12. Stock up on seasonal pumpkin items at Trader Joe’s

trader-joes-pumpkin-treats

When it comes to Halloween, Trader Joe’s has you covered with a pumpkin version of almost everything. I highly recommend the Pumpkin Muffin Mix, Pumpkin O’s, Pumpkin Oatmeal, Pumpkin bars, Pumpkin Ravioli, Pumpkin Coffee, and Pumpkin Spiced Rooibos Tea. They really have everything and anything you could possibly think of here. If you have ever wanted to try out a new pumpkin product but were afraid to do so, Trader Joe’s is the perfect choice as everything is so affordably priced here, and thus, less of a risk to try out.

Check out the full pumpkin product list at Trader Joe’s

13. Enjoy seasonal treats at your favorite chain restaurant

The seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake at the Olive Garden is worth the sugar splurge! Pair it with a new Pumpkin Spice Latte!
The seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake at the Olive Garden is worth the sugar splurge! Pair it with a new Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Olive Garden and Cheesecake Factory both have delicious seasonal cheesecakes on the menu. Starbucks has the ever popular Pumpkin Spice Latte and the most delicious seasonal Pumpkin Bread. Jamba Juice has a wonderful Pumpkin Pie Smoothie that actually tastes like you are drinking pumpkin pie – it’s a must try! And Dunkin’ Donuts has the most tasty pumpkin spice donuts. And don’t forget to check local restaurants in your area – many offer seasonal specialties this time of year, with everything from Pumpkin Ravioli, to pumpkin soup beginning to show up this time of the year!

14. Watch Halloween classics on the big screen at Harkins

Fall at the Harkins Theater in Flagstaff, Arizona

During the month of October, seasonal selections like Halloween and The Lost Boys are screened for just 5 bucks at select Harkins locations throughout Arizona. Check this year’s lineup of Tuesday Night Classics.

15. Watch fall movies

The Blind Side, You’ve Got Mail, School Ties, Good Will Hunting, and Dead Poets Society are a few examples of great movies to add to your fall viewing lineup. These are all wonderful films that just happen to take place during the gorgeous fall season in regions of the country known for gorgeous foliage. All of these selections are great films which just happen to feature numerous scenes highlighting the beauty of the season.

16. Attend Boo at the Zoo at the Phoenix Zoo

lion-at-the-phoenix-zoo

The Phoenix Zoo puts on 2 great Halloween events. One is a family-friendly daytime event featuring festive seasonal attractions, and the other a nighttime celebration featuring scarier attractions. The daytime Celebration of Fall, held all month long, includes themed fall areas, a Haunted Lighthouse 4-D show, and the opportunity to watch the animals playing with pumpkins. The Howl O Ween night event held October 28th and 29th, includes a wide range of seasonal fun including special shows, a Jack O’Lantern and trick or treat trail, haunted houses, ghost stories, and more.

Update: Phoenix now hosts Spooky Safari which includes 3 nights of trick or treating and special entertainment.

Additionally, The Reid Park Zoo in Tucson also offers a nice Boo at the Zoo event. And Prescott’s tiny Heritage Park Zoo offers a special celebration held yearly on Halloween.

17. Turn the AC on super cold & read a fall novel

Shut the blinds to block out the sun, turn on the fireplace, get into some cozy pjs and enjoy a good fall novel like Harry Potter. Make a hot cup of pumpkin spiced tea/apple cider and you will feel like it is fall in no time!

18. Take advantage of fall festivals

Halloween Harvest Festival in Flagstaff, Arizona

There are numerous seasonal festivals to enjoy throughout the state. If you can put up with the less than ideal fall weather, Phoenix has tons of great fall festivals to choose amongst. If you prefer your weather a bit cooler, head up north 2 hours or so to Flagstaff where a whole lineup of fun seasonal events & activities are on the schedule. A few to check out include: Octoberfest, a Pumpkin Walk at the Arboretum, and The Grand Canyon Railway Pumpkin Patch Train.

19. Hunt down new fall recipes on Pinterest

Pumpkin Ravioli

Just browsing through the thousands of fall inspired recipes will keep you busy all day! Some of the great finds I have tried in year’s past include Pumpkin Chili, Pumpkin Pasta Bake, Butternut Squash macaroni and cheese, and Pumpkin Waffles! Try something new! The season is always more exciting when you have plenty of interesting new recipes to check out!