October Picks
Written by Emma Nagle, LCSW | October 5, 2026
Life starts all over
when it gets crisp in the fall.
~ F. Scott Fitsgerald
The change of seasons seems to bring out all kinds of feelings. Lately, I’ve been hearing from people who are sad to see summer go, already dreading the colder, darker months ahead, or feeling a little unsettled by the shift in routine that comes with fall.
So, for October, I wanted to put together a small collection of things I’m enjoying, thinking about, and recommending lately. Consider these my “October Picks”: a few books, movies, activities, and other small things that might offer a little novelty, inspiration, or grounding as the season changes.
Take what speaks to you, leave what doesn’t, and perhaps find something new to bring into the month.
Add a little whimsy to your fall decor
Who doesn’t love to be festive? Decorating has the potential to be a real mood booster.
This skull brush is multipurpose, which is such a bonus if you are purchasing a seasonal item!
Spooky season not your thing? Invest in an autumnal wreath that you can leave up for months on end that doesn’t take up valuable real estate in your home.
Immerse yourself with an unsuspecting book
This selection of books are a collection of contemporary and classic horror, psychological and historical fiction, magical realism and for those not into dark allegories, a feel-good story set in the Pacific Northwest that mirrors some of autumn’s grey dampness.
Warm up with a hearty meal
Yes, this is spaghettio’s for grown ups. Allow this meal to transport the Millenials back to the 90’s when fall was in its prime.
Get crafty
Meet your inner child with some festive crafting. I’m personally loving how easy it is to make ghosts with items I already have around the house.
Ponder over some poetry
Autumnal tints
October is the month of painted leaves.
Their rich glow now flashes round the world.
As fruits and leaves and the day itself
acquire a bright tint just before they fall,
so the year near its setting.
October is its sunset sky;
November the later twilight.
~ Henry David Thoreau
Fall, Leaves, Fall
Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.
I shall smile when wreaths of snow
Blossom where the rose should grow;
I shall sing when night’s decay
Ushers in a drearier day.
~ Emily Brontë
A Poem for Every Autumn Day offers a collection that can give language to the particular mood of fall.
Experiment with something new
Tarot isn’t new and it isn’t for everyone. I like the idea of learning how to do readings and it’s also a great activity to help with grounding and building routine. Consider an evening draw when it’s dark out and you’re searching to do anything other than watch TV this October.
Escape to somewhere new
While upstate New York is the quintessential fall trip, it’s not always the easiest to accomplish. For those eager for a new and special experience, but can’t make a trip away possible, I recommend the Queens Night Market. Every Saturday this season until October 31st the market is open from 4PM-12AM and is a fun venture into a variety of cultural foods, New York City vendors and artists. It’s free and offers space for you to spend hours on end exploring in the crisp evening autumn air. Bring a blanket, your appetite and all your friends.
If you do have the means for a quick weekend getaway and are interested in something out of the Hudson Valley norm, discover a new way to take in fall’s beauty on an 18th century college campus. Yale University in New Haven, CT and Princeton University in NJ, both offer spectacular postcard-level scenery with their collegiate gothic architecture covered in colorful ivy.
Craving more nature than this? For a journey that feels a little more removed from everyday life, consider a charming treehouse tucked away in the woods. There’s something wonderfully grounding about waking up among the trees, slowing down, and letting the quiet set the pace for a few days. Connecticut has some interesting treehouse options on Airbnb where you can truly engross yourself in the fall foliage.
Lean into the dreariness
An excuse is never needed to have a restful weekend, but nonetheless, it is easier to embrace a slower day when the weather is grey and rainy. On crummy October days I am choosing to lean in. I recommend a movie or TV themed marathon, popcorn, candles for lighting and ambiance, and all things considered “cozy.” If you’re a horror buff looking for a good theme to draw from, I’ll suggest The Conjuring Universe or found footage franchises like The Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity.
Ninety Six is a brilliant and beautiful candle brand that has the power to make staying in feel romantic and inviting.
For all the pumpkin spice haters, this brand has a delicious scent for everyone.
A dreary day at home can be an opportunity for some serious pampering. If you’re planning a slow day in, these limited-edition fall body and shower stones by Kate McLeod are a lovely addition to the ritual.
Think grounding, earthy scents of palo santo and vetiver inspired by the crisp autumn air, or warm vanilla and copaiba balsam, because sometimes staying home deserves to feel a little indulgent.
And there you have it: a few ways to settle into October, whether that means getting creative, trying something new, finding a little escape, or simply making the most of a slower day at home.
Wishing you a little more creativity, comfort, and pleasure this October.
