Richmond’s summer season is over. After more than three months of hot, humid weather, fall is an ideal time for seniors to enjoy cooler outdoor temperatures before winter’s colder weather sets in. While the days have already begun getting shorter, there are still plenty of sunlit hours for various outdoor pursuits that help you stay active and engaged.
Residents at Hermitage Richmond have a wide array of pursuits to choose from during autumn and year-round that support physical health and emotional well-being. From gardening to creative arts, no matter what you choose to do each day, you’ll soon have a colorful backdrop of fall foliage for your daily outings.
Outdoor Projects and Gardening
Seniors can take advantage of fall weather with outdoor projects. Gardening embraces one of Hermitage Richmond’s 10 Pathways to Wellness, a holistic approach to empowering residents to reach their highest potential. Consider these projects this season:
- Gardening: Prune, water or harvest items. Plant fall flowers or prepare garden beds for spring. Gardening is therapeutic, directly supporting anyone who wants to get back to nature.
- Bird feeders: Assemble, set up or replenish bird feeders to attract and observe various bird species. Migratory birds visit Richmond in the fall, with numerous local species looking for a bite to eat.
Fall Arts and Crafts
You might discover hidden talents when you tap into your creativity with fall arts-and-crafts projects. Participating in the visual arts might also provide a new avenue for social opportunities with other seniors who enjoy artistic endeavors.
Creative expression is one dimension of Hermitage Richmond’s Pathways to Wellness program. Hermitage Richmond supports celebrating the season through art and boasts a creative arts studio and programming in various mediums. Residents may also choose to lead their own crafting sessions. Consider some of these fall projects:
- Decorative projects: Create seasonal decorations, such as wreaths or garlands, from natural materials. Perennial cutting flowers usually flourish in early fall.
- Painting classes: Participate in guided painting classes focusing on fall landscapes or thematic elements, such as pumpkins and harvest scenes. These items are perfect for displaying in your living spaces or gifting.
- Scrapbooking: Capture this season’s memories by creating a scrapbook that chronicles community events and personal endeavors in autumn you particularly enjoyed.
Seasonal Social Events
Social events at Hermitage Richmond are central to the community and residents. Many residents enjoy connecting with each other and people within the wider Richmond area. While residents can always look at the calendar to see what’s happening on campus, here are a few fall events that offer social opportunities around town:
- Harvest Festival: This annual autumn event is held at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, where seniors can enjoy everything the season has to offer. It features local produce, crafts, live entertainment and other events to make it a lively social gathering.
- Richmond Folk Festival: This event is one of Virginia’s largest, drawing 200,000 people to downtown Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the variety of American culture through traditional food, crafts, music, dance and storytelling. This free 3-day event features six stages for performers from around the world.
- Richmond International Film Festival: Seniors who enjoy cutting-edge film premieres may want to attend this multi day film festival. The 2024 event features 170 films from 26 countries, including the United States. It also offers 30 live music performances and daily special events, such as panels, industry mixers and parties.
- Take a hike: Active seniors in Independent Living may enjoy socializing during a more physical pursuit, such as hiking. Consider a 1.8-mile trek on the accessible Belle Isle Trail in the heart of downtown Richmond, or pace yourself for just over 3 miles on the Forest Hill Park Loop, ideal for all ages and skill levels.
Culinary Activities and Cooking
Cooking classes and other culinary pursuits are a delicious way to enjoy the fall season. These activities encourage creativity and camaraderie in the kitchen:
- Seasonal cooking workshops: Participate in or lead a workshop that focuses on preparing dishes using seasonal ingredients, such as pumpkins, apples and squash. The Richmond area has numerous farmers' markets where you can find various ingredients. The RVA Big Market is open on Saturdays year-round, South of the James Farmers Market is open year-round on Sundays and the Lakeside Farmers Market is open May through November on Wednesdays and year-round on Saturdays.
- Baking classes: If you’d like to concentrate on sweet concoctions, check out local baking class options, or hold a special session yourself for baking fall treats, such as pies, muffins and cookies. These desserts are perfect for sharing during community gatherings or enjoying with visiting family.
- Farm-to-table events: Another way to use seasonal produce found at local farmers’ markets is to prepare collaborative meals incorporating ingredients found at these markets. A true Farm-to-Table event emphasizes the connection between farm and fork and the nutritional benefits of eating fresh seasonal ingredients.
Contact Hermitage Richmond at 804 485 1916 to book a personalized tour of our Life Plan Community and learn more about how we celebrate the season.
