We hope everyone’s summer holiday has been filled with fun adventures and quality time with loved ones! Now that September is approaching, we witness the transition from summer to the autumn season. The days are getting shorter, the hot blazing weather is replaced with the cool, fall breeze and the leaves from the trees are changing colour. There are many things to look forward to for the fall season which includes embracing the seasonal change in nature, spending more time outdoors, bundling up in warm clothing and sipping on hot chocolate and devoting more time to friends and family.
The leaves Changing Colour for the Autumn Season
A very distinct feature that marks autumn season is the leaves changing colour! The colours change from the standard green leaves to beautiful red and golden yellow colours. This is the perfect season to take scenic pictures and to spend more time outdoors. Research indicates that spending more time in nature can offer many physical and mental benefits. These includes an improvement in mood, feeling more energised and mentally stronger. The autumn colours can also brighten up your mood as the colour yellow is associated with enthusiasm, cheerfulness and a positive mental state. The colour red is shown to boost confidence and improve your attention span.
When planning for your autumn holiday, Cooper Cottages has great accommodation with nature nearby. Going for an evening stroll with your loved ones can be a wonderful opportunity to bundle up in warm clothing and admire the fall colours. There are lots of spectacular nature destinations if looking to embark on a walking expedition, such as Walk Highlands- Across Scotland and Three Saints Ways – Killin to St Andrews. Walk Highlands offers an extensive range of guides for walking expeditions. There are multiple routes to choose from, that are available all across Scotland. The Three Saints Ways offers an invigorating walk from Killin to the coast of St. Andrews. This is the perfect chance to take in the breath-taking views of the rural scenery.
In-Season Fruits and Vegetables
A great thing about autumn approaching is the in-season, nutrient packed fruits and veggies. Why not indulge in these flavours of fall and include these seasonal fruits and vegetables into your grocery list. Pumpkins are a superfood that are packed with fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C ad potassium. Consuming pumpkin offers health benefits such as regulating digestion, boosts your immune system and improves your eye health. Sweet potatoes are another tasty vegetable that can provide the benefits of regulating your blood sugar levels. Butternut squash is an in-season fruit that is filled with amazing nutrients such as fiber, vitamin A, folate and antioxidants. This amazing fruit can help reduce inflammation and lowers the risk of heart disease.
If looking to add some seasonal fruits and veggies to your shopping list, visit local businesses such as the Comrie Croft Farm Shop and Deli Ecosse in Callander. The Comrie Croft Farm Shop offers an array of tasty local and organic produce and are well stocked with seasonal fruits, veg and flowers. Handpicked using organic methods located near the Farm Shop. The Deli Ecosse is located in the heart of Callander and are stocked with local, Scottish produce and supplies.
A Cosy, Holiday Getaway with Hot Chocolate by the Fire
Entering into Autumn means that the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter. Now is the perfect time to start planning for your autumn holiday getaway. A chance to explore the hidden gems of Scotland to then return to your warm, cosy holiday accommodation. An amazing holiday cottage to check out is Waterside, Braco, a characterful self-catering holiday cottage suitable for couples. This stone built terraced cottage is located in peaceful Perthshire with the local coffee shop nearby. The holiday cottage features a log fire – the perfect chance to indulge in a hot chocolate by the fire.
If looking for high quality hot chocolate, check out The Highland Chocolatier, that offers gourmet chocolates, luxury gifts and exceptional seasonal ranges. The Highland Chocolatiers have fabulous hot chocolate ranges such as their Gift Tin of Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes and Gift Tin of White Hot Chocolate. Alternatively, there are wonderful local businesses that provide amazing hot chocolate and other warm beverages and tasty treats, such as the Braco Coffee Shop, located in the village of Braco, Perthshire. Or, if planning to stay home for the fall season, why not give your home a fall touch by adding orange, red and yellow decorations and lighting up a spice-scented candle!
Spending Time with Friends and Family
Autumn is characterised as a jam-packed holiday season. This involves the October half-term breaks, Halloween and the build-up to winter and Christmas season. These holidays are considered very family oriented, making it the perfect opportunity to be thankful and surround yourself with the people you love. There are many adventures to have with friends and family in Scotland. From wildlife walks, outdoor activities such as kayaking, cycling and exploring the woods, to embracing the woods and rivers of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Examples of some great places to visit include the Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, which have indoor soft-play, a hatchery and various animals to admire. There’s also the Loch Lomond shores, an aquarium, mini-golf and treetop adventure that offers fun activities beside the central shopping centre. Furthermore, there’s Killin Outdoor, a bike and kayak hire from Killin where you can sail on Loch Tay or along the National Cycle Network.
If looking to spend quality time with friends and family, check out The Old Scoolhouse, Lochearnhead. The Old Schoolhouse is a self-catering holiday home, situated near Loch Earn which stunning views of local munros and surrounding mountains. This is the perfect accommodation to visit for the Autumn season as within the spacious lounge area, sits a stone feature fireplace with wood burning stove (logs are provided).