27 Ways to Make it Feel More Like Fall in Hot, Humid Florida!
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
9. Stroll around a flea market
If you love flea markets, you are in luck as the state is home to a never ending supply. I’ve seen more flea markets in Tampa than anywhere else. The Oldsmar Flea market is one of my personal favorites. Take advantage of the milder weather and enjoy a morning hunting around for vintage treasures. Yes, there is a lot of strange stuff at these markets, but I’ve also found numerous antiques, video games, and retro toys.
10. Scare yourself silly at a haunted house/forest/corn maze
Any haunted Halloween attraction will make it feel more seasonal, whether it be a house, corn maze, hayride, forest, or any other crazy attraction popping up today. Ironically, I’ve found that most warm weather areas tend to offer more haunted houses. There are many, many choices no matter where you are in the state. Murder House in Tampa is one of the scariest.
11. Attend Universal Studios’s Horror Nights
For something a bit scarier than Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disney, look no further than Universal’s scary Horror Nights festival. In addition to enjoying Universal’s fantastic regular rides, you will also be able to enjoy special shows, seasonal decor, and some of the scariest haunted houses in the state.
The frightening haunted houses are based on terrifying shows and movies like American Horror Story, Halloween, The Exorcist, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, making the experience all the more realistic & frightening. In 2019, they included a really coolKiller Klowns haunted attractions. As one of my favorite 80’s horror movies, this was a cool experience!
I’ve covered the Universal parks extensively after years of visiting. You can check out my First timers park guide for a full overview of both parks.
12. Treat yourself to a pumpkin spice latte
Everyone knows about Starbucks delicious seasonal drink by now. However, have you ever tried a PSL featuring real pumpkin? Buddy Brew, one of my favorite local roasters, serves a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte and also tasty pumpkin bread. Aside from Starbucks, Panera Bread also offers a tasty version, as do many local coffee houses.
For a low cost version, find a recipe from the myriad of options online. Not a coffee drinker? Try the Pumpkin Pie Smoothie at Jamba Juice or a Pumpkin Chai tea drink for an espresso free, yet just as tasty alternative. Also most coffeeshops offer pumpkin treats to go along with your cup of joe.
13. Enjoy a horror/Halloween movie marathon
Pick out about 5 or 6 of your favorite Halloween or horror movies and enjoy a long day lounging around and feeling festive. To make the day even more Halloween-ish, decorate your house beforehand, make some pumpkin flavored snacks, turn up the AC real cold, and enjoy a delicious mug of homemade hot apple cider. All these little extra touches really do wonders for making the day feel more festive. You can also invite some friends over and vote for your favorite movies to watch.
A few of my personal faves to check out: 1408, Urban Legend, The Faculty, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, It, The Cabin in the Woods, Identity, Brainscan, Hocus Pocus, Forget Me Not, Child’s Play series, Scream Series, and Fright Night.
14. Spend the day exploring Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter
What’s more festive for Halloween than wizards, goblins, and wands? The Harry Potter movies are always a great addition to any Halloween movie lineup. But, it’s even more fun visiting the amazing theme park at Universal – by far the park’s biggest and best attraction.
Both Universal and Islands of Adventure have a theme park dedicated to these great movies. Featuring realistic replicas of the Hogwarts castle, Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade, 3 fun themed rides, and a convenient means of transportation between the 2 parks courtesy of the Hogwarts Express, a visit is a must for any Harry Potter fans out there. I really, really loved this section of the park. There are so many great rides, the butterbeer is delicious, and I just love all the little shops. They did a great job recreating the movie experience for fans.
You purchase your own interactive wand to turn on special features throughout the park and participate in countless photo opps in front of memorable movie sights like the 9 3/4 Platform and the Knight Bus. Don’t miss out on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The waiting line, which winds through the inside of Hogwarts castle, is a dead on replica, complete with talking portraits adorning the walls & appearances by your favorite characters courtesy of realistic holograms.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is super fun to visit anytime of the year, but even more festive during Halloween. And don’t forget to plan a visit to Universal Horror Nights, a fantastic time to enjoy special haunted attractions throughout the park! Might as well take advantage of being located in the state with the best theme parks in the world!
More info and pics from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
15. Bake pumpkin flavored fall treats
Be creative and try out some new pumpkin flavored fall treats – search on Pinterest for exciting new recipes. Or enjoy classics like pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, or Halloween shaped sugar cookies topped with Halloween sprinkles and frosting. And you can’t go wrong with some classic pumpkin pie! Just smelling the pumpkin pie cooking will bring back great memories of fall seasons past.
16. Browse around a Spirit Halloween store
Spirit is the place to go for anything Halloween. Costumes, masks, spooky indoor and outdoor decor, gifts for horror movies fans…the list goes on. Every year empty storefronts in strip mall plazas across the country are transformed into everyone’s favorite Halloween store. It’s great fun to check out all the unique Halloween decorations and try on costumes. Sometimes I just walk around for fun – they do a nice job with the displays and it brings back so much nostalgia!
