Northern Colorado is a Wonderful Place to Start a Halloween Tradition
“There was a dentist in our neighborhood who used to pass out full size Snicker’s Bars because he felt guilty for giving us toothbrushes. He was one heck of a businessman,” ~ Mike
Let’s kick off this article with a craving for pumpkin spiced latte. Seems this time of year, the co-workers are raging over this signature drink. But, besides coffee and everything-pumpkin, Halloween seems to be the first of the holiday season, where family and friends are gathering. From carving pumpkins to neighborhood events, we’ve outlined why Northern Colorado is a wonderful place to start a Halloween Tradition. Here’s some pre-and post-Halloween celebrations you can start this week!
Visit the Local Brewer for a Mug of Pumpkin Beer
Pumpkin Beer is a huge attraction for many of our local breweries. Handcrafted with mulled spices poured over a frosty mug seem to make the spirit even brighter. A few recommended places for this nutmeg ale would be The Loveland Aleworks, Verboten or Drätz Brewing. Be sure to stop in and request their October Specialties. Even when you think there is too much pumpkin, this is one you will want to add to traditional ‘Must haves,’ for the Fall.
Tour of Decorations
They fill the neighborhoods with spooky decorations, creating the excitement for the holiday. From giant spider webs to witches flying across the yard on a broomstick, there are so many fun ideas. Why not make it a family tradition to drive around each neighborhood looking for the best houses? You can give them a rating from 1-skull to 5-skull and discuss what each person liked most. This is something fun for the entire family and a good way to see the creativity throughout Loveland, CO.
Do a Candy Swap
Now, if you are like most of us, you have a selection of favorite candy. But not everyone is a fan of candy corn or Bazooka Joe. Why not separate the candy you are not fond of and do a swap with a neighbor, office mate, or a friend? This way you can get more of what you like and treat the others without the goods going to waste. Wrap with decorative tissue paper and some ribbon to make it more exciting for the sweet-tooth donors. You can also bring the unwanted candy and place it on your desk for visitors. Either way, you’ll be happy the sugar is out of your hands.
Host a College Football Party
Invite your friends over for some tailgating (In your backyard) and watch your favorite football teams rival against each other. You can make it extra funny giving it a Halloween theme where they can dress up like their team players and everyone brings a haunting dish. Nonetheless, this is a pleasant way to reconnect with everyone you miss.
Binge on a Scary Movie Marathon
Gather the kids and curl up with warm blankets, build a fire, and binge watch Harry Potter or Goosebumps. Choose age appropriate movies for the entire family to enjoy. This is perfect for snow days and a friendly way to spend your time just relaxing.
Bike Ride Leaf Tours
There is nothing like the smell of Autumn in the air. Take a ride on your bicycle to view all the beautiful leaves. Enjoy the sound of fallen leaves crunching under your tires or feet. The excitement of the colorful array of trees, plants, and flowers will make a nice backdrop while riding. Make it a family or friend day with a caravan of bikes touring the community. Nice way to spend the weekend.
Visit the Local Pumpkin Patch
Another nice weekend plan is to visit the pumpkin patch. We recommend Osborn or Jack Lantern’s Northern Colorado Corn Maze. Activities for both daytime and night, the locations are ideal for memorable experiences. Don’t forget to bring your camera for taking dynamic photos with all the colorful decorations.
Stock Up on Winter Goods
Stocking up on winter goods does not have to be a tradition, rather it’s just smart to stock up on items the family will need. Since we have unpredictable weather, it’s good to fill the pantry with non-perishable items in the event we’re snowed in for several days. Don’t forget to purge old items with a Spring-cleaning for the Fall. Make a checklist to ensure you are ready for things like power outages. Stock up on batteries, water, and firewood. You’ll be stress free if you can’t leave the house for a few days. Also, donate some of your canned goods to a local food pantry to help others in need.
Scare Your Neighbors with a Boo!
This new theme allows you to show how much you care about your neighbors. In the event you have never been ‘Booed’ before, here’s how it works. Fill a decorative container with a variety of fun gifts. You can give pumpkin scented candles, carving kits, and Halloween decorations. Depending on the age of recipient, throw in a bottle of wine or Spiced Coffee Beans. Once you fill the basket, drop it off on the porch with a cute “You’ve Been Booed” card. Ring the doorbell and run. When the recipient opens the door, they are delighted with a surprise. Part of the fun is they won’t know which neighbor booed them.
Make Caramel Apples with the Family
During Christmas or Hanukkah, families traditionally make baked goods. For Halloween, make a night for dipping caramel apples. This is an easy recipe on the back of Brach’s caramel squares. You can also find some great ideas on my Pinterest page. Get creative with the toppings by adding mini-chocolate chips, toasted almonds, and fancy sprinkles. This is such a blast; the family will want to do every year.
Visit Masonville Orchards
If you haven’t been to a cider mill, be sure to visit Masonville Orchards in Fort Collins. Pick your own apples and pears to make homemade pie or just enjoy a crunchy-healthy-snack. Not to mention, when the orchard is open, you can partake in some of their gatherings. Learn how to make your own apple-wine or take your favorite person for grown up beverages of hard cider. The cider mill is an excellent way to bring the family closer.
Its Favorite Sweatshirt Season!
Ah, the Fall, the temperatures are crisp; the apples are crispier and wearing your favorite sweatshirt is part of the season. It’s time to store your flip-flops, breaking out the boots. Enjoying this special time of year, welcoming Winter, saying goodbye to the blazing hot days of Summer. Now is the time to snuggle up with a favorite sweater. Bring it on!
Host a Chili Cook-Off
Decorate the house with straw bales and gourds. Hang the Indian corn over the door and challenge your neighbor to a chili cook-off. Be sure to select the judges who will determine who the winner is giving prizes to the winning chef. For residents, this is a good time. Heck, if you want to make it a community party, invite the entire street to this one-of-a-kind neighborhood contest.
With these activities you can kick off the season in style and with warm wishes to all. From booing the neighbors to spending time with family, Northern Colorado is a wonderful place to celebrate with Halloween traditions. We wish you and yours a very Happy Halloween and a Pleasant Autumn.
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