The pandemic has impacted us in many ways, but we can still experience the best that this time of year has to offer, as long as we do it safely. Here are some of our tips for enjoying the season, along with some online resources and virtual activities. Many of these in-person activities are well suited for social distancing, and always remember to wear a mask when you are around other people.

LOOK AT FALL FOLIAGE
Viewing fall foliage and gazing at vibrantly-colored trees is a time-honored autumn tradition. There are many leaf-peeping adventures out there which can be enjoyed either on a scenic drive, a nature walk, or a mountain hike. The site smokymountains.com has a comprehensive map showing the current state of fall foliage around the United States, as well as predictions about when the foliage will peak in each region. If you're unable to go outside to see fall foliage, there are ways to enjoy the changing colors from home. A number of organizations have set up "leaf cams" so you can follow the progression of the season from the comfort of your home. The site tripsavvy.com has rounded up some of New England best fall foliage cams.

CARVE A PUMPKIN
There are many options for carving; you can keep it low-key by using simple geometric shapes or you can be more artistic and create a spooky face with all kinds of details. There are some great sites out there with tips to help you make the pumpkin creation of your dreams. DIYnetwork.com offers helpful tips. YouTube has a number of helpful pumpkin carving videos, including several from Pumpkin Masters. If you want to get inspired, watch a video of pumpkin carver Ray Villafane at work while he sculpts amazingly detailed 3-D creations. You can view videos of his work at the Villafane Studios YouTube channel.

SUPPORT A LOCAL MARKET
Strolling through a local farmer's market in the fall has many benefits. There is a plethora of vegetables in season, and you can stock up on fresh produce coming directly from farmers and growers in your community. You may discover fruits and vegetables that are native to your region and aren't available in the supermarket. You are supporting your local economy when you buy goods at a farmer's market. It’s also better for the environment, since traditionally food items travel many miles to get from the farm to your table, using up fossil fuels and extra packaging materials. To find a farmer's market near you, check out the government site, usda.gov which has a comprehensive directory. Visitors to this site can search by city or state to find markets nearby.

VISIT AN APPLE ORCHARD
There are more than 7,500 apple orchards in the U.S., and picking your own apples is a fall tradition for many Americans. While some orchards are closed or have limited activities due to the pandemic, many are operational and ready for action. To keep things safe, a number of orchards have reduced the number of visitors and adopted strict sanitation measures. The site pickyourown.org has a list of pick-your-own orchards around the country. If you want to explore an orchard virtually, head to farmfood360.ca, where you can learn about how apples are grown and tour a farm.

PREPARE A TREAT
Apple crisps, pumpkin pies, cider donuts—there are so many delicious treats you can make to celebrate autumn. Cooking with seasonal ingredients at home is a wonderful way to enjoy the season and stay socially distanced. The cooking site delish.com has compiled recipes for 75 fall deserts, including classics such as pumpkin bread, pecan pie, caramel apples, and apple tart. Another site to check out is tasty.co, which has put together a list of 14 fall baking projects, including carrot cake and apple butter bars.

RAKE LEAVES AND JUMP IN
This is a simple fall activity that brings so much joy to people of all ages. All you need to do is rake a big pile of leaves, take a few steps back, run, and jump in! City dwellers without a yard can still partake in this activity. Most city parks have an abundance of leaves that can be scooped up into piles, even if you don't have a rake. So, wherever you are, gather up some leaves and go for it!