Fall is the time of year when a young woman’s thoughts turn to pumpkin spice and all things various shades of orange. It’s also the time to get out of the house. Here in Las Vegas fall is the tiniest of fantastic windows when it’s bearable to be outside without sweating or shivering. Therefore, it is our duty to take full advantage of said weather with these four fall family fun spots. Of course, when I say ‘family’ I don’t necessarily mean parents and kids (I just really like alliteration), take your BFF, your squad, your Tinder hookup, just get out there and enjoy the season.

Gilcrease Orchard

Gilcrease Orchard has been around for almost 100 years! Originally owned and ran by the Gilcrease family, the “pick and pay” orchard is now a non-profit dedicated to preserving and beautifying the land. Located in North Las Vegas, the landscape provides a complete escape from city atmosphere. It’s green and peaceful. Unless you go on a weekend when it’s still green, but not that peaceful. The orchard attracts a large number of families—with young children in tow. But whenever you choose to go you’ll be treated to lovely views of the surrounding mountains and that expansive, gorgeous Nevada sky.

I love wandering up and down the rows of neatly planted vegetation, taking pictures of odd-looking bumpy pumpkins. The kind of pumpkins that no one wants to buy because they would probably be described as having a good personality. Such a taxing activity merits a delightful reward. And no reward is more delightful than Gilcrease Orchard cider and donuts. The cider is naturally sweet and refreshing, with no preservatives or added ingredients. It’s as close as you’ll get to actually drinking an apple. A perfect accompaniment is the $3 for 6 donuts deal. These mini donuts are spongy, moist, and fluffy. The ideal fall food to shovel into your face and wash down with the aforementioned cider. Grab a half gallon of the wholesome beverage to continue the experience at home.

McKee Ranch

During the month of October, McKee Ranch Foundation transforms from a ranch to a pumpkin patch. For a $20 donation (per family) you can enjoy horse and pony rides, a corn maze, access to varied vendors, a mini train, and face painting, among other entertainments. All of McKee Ranch’s regular inhabitants are also available. Friendly chickens, goats, and turkeys roam free. Actually, it’s more like they strut free. Bring carrots and you’ll be incredibly popular with the horses and bunnies.

Bellagio Botanical Garden

Okay, so technically this one is not outside. But remember those various shades of orange? They’re all at the Bellagio Botanical Garden. With every season (and Chinese New Year) the horticultural department at this luxury hotel manages to surprise and charm me. This fall is no different as they put together a stunning homage to the season with ‘Falling Asleep’. Featuring a 38-foot tall sleeping harvest goddess, the display is grand in both scale and material (her lashes are #goals).

Other creatures join the glorious goddess in her slumber. Tigers, and foxes, and peacocks, and crazy-looking enormous dragonflies. Oh my! Give yourself the time to explore and admire this man-made natural wonder. This is pretty much what Instagram was made for, snap some envy-worthy pictures and share with all those who are less fortunate (ie they don’t live in Vegas).

Mt. Charleston

You might think I’m sending you to Mt. Charleston for a brisk and invigorating hike. Rest assured what I have in mind is much more exciting. You guessed it…eating and drinking! Leave Las Vegas and all your worries behind for an afternoon as you drive up to Mt. Charleston Lodge. The weather is cooler, the air is cleaner, and the views spectacular. Hills and soaring peaks blanketed with pine trees—I think they’re pine trees—unfurl before you on the doggie friendly restaurant deck.

There’s a little something for everyone on the menu, including your four-legged companion. But I’m partial to the Quiche of the Day, filling, hearty, but not heavy. The ingredients beautifully balanced in a harmony of savory flavors. Naturally, no mountain excursion would be complete without a hot, intoxicating beverage. Mt. Charleston Lodge has twelve(!!) to choose from. With names like Girl Scout Cookie, Butterfinger, and Candied Apple they are the epitome of fall and winter imbibing. The base varies from hot cocoa, cider, or coffee with sinful additions like butterscotch schnapps, hazelnut liqueur, or coconut rum.

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling toasty already. Do you have any fall favorites here in Vegas?

Header image from Gilcrease Orchard Instagram