Fall bucket list: 6 festive things to do in Pittsburgh this year

I can finally breathe again. Fall is here, the weather has dipped below the 80s on a semi-regular basis and my will to live has returned.

In case you couldn't tell, autumn is my favorite season . I've been waiting patiently all year to share my bucket list of what I plan (or hope) to do before the transition to winter. Some are events, some are businesses to visit and some are anytime activities that make the most sense to do in autumn. But they're all perfectly Pittsburgh. Or at least Western Pennsylvania.

So buckle up and get ready to check things off my bucket list with me.

Produce from Harvest Valley Farms in Gibsonia. Photo courtesy of Harvest Valley Farms.

Make a farm-fresh seasonal meal

The first logical thing to do when the leaves start to fall is to head straight to a pumpkin patch. There are plenty to choose from in Allegheny County and the surrounding counties, so I'm spoiled for choice. I've decided (just now) that each year I will visit a new pumpkin patch/farm. In addition to gourd hunting, this year I want to get as many ingredients as I can to make a farm-to-table meal. Harvest Valley Farms in Gibsonia is less than a 30-minute drive from my house, so I'll start there. If you're looking for more places to pick a pumpkin, we've got you covered .

Order a "Gilmore Girls" coffee flight at Cutie's Coffee

Yes, you read that right. A sampler of four caffeinated beverages themed around the quintessentially autumnal show, "Gilmore Girls." Coincidentally, Cutie's Coffee is located in my hometown (Greensburg), about a 45-minute drive east from Downtown Pittsburgh. You'll need to make a reservation to get your hands on these drinks, which include:

Stars Hollow – Espresso with brown sugar topped with maple cold foam, cinnamon powder and an edible maple leaf

Yale Dropout – Espresso with honey and cinnamon syrups, topped with cinnamon powder, a cinnamon stick and honeycomb

Luke's Diner Special – Cold brew with half and half, topped with pumpkin cold foam, pumpkin spice powder and a "leaf sprinkle" rim

Chilton Cherry Pie Chai – Chai concentrate with cherry purée and brown sugar, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar powder and a mini cherry pie.

Visit the Allentown Night Market on Oct. 5

I've never been to the Allentown Night Market, but based on the photos I've seen of what they have for sale (and to eat!) there, it's right up my alley. The biannual event features "strange and unusual vendors, artists, performances and food." They'll have oddities from Catacomb Creations , occult artwork from The Nameless Shop and Halloween doughnuts from Portia's Donuts , among many other vendors. See you at the 800 block of Warrington Avenue and Manton Way.

Ace the Harry Potter trivia and costume contest at Kingfly

As a big-time Harry Potter fan, I'm ashamed to admit that the last time I took part in a Potter trivia event, my team came in fifth place. The ride home was tough. Kingfly Spirits' 13 NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN event on Oct. 27 may be my chance at redemption. The costume contest and trivia event is team-focused, and teams can be two, four or six people. "Themed potions" will be available, as will plenty of photo ops, according to the Kingfly website. Tickets are $10 per person but are sold by the table.

A note on Harry Potter: In recent years, author J.K. Rowling has revealed herself to be transphobic and dangerous to trans people. Being a part of this fan community, especially one with childhood and nostalgia tied into it, has become a complicated experience. Shadyside bookstore Kards Unlimited donates all proceeds of officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise to TransYOUniting – an organization dedicated to "enhancing the health, equity and well-being of transgender-identifying individuals in the state of Pennsylvania."

Tour a Pittsburgh cemetery

Initially, I thought I could handle a haunted tour, but upon second thought, I don't think I can. So instead I'll wait for the perfect autumn day complete with max foliage and take a long walk through a cemetery. I've never walked through Allegheny Cemetery in Lawrenceville, but it is known for its architecture and beautiful mausoleums. Maybe if I am feeling extra brave, I'll stay for sunset.

Hug a cow at Hickory Hearth Highlands

If lying in a field on a bright fall day with some bovine buddies sounds as good to you as it does to me, meet me at Hickory Hearth Highlands in McDonald. At this working farm, $55 gets you an hour of cuddle time with Ollie, Millie Moo or baby Libbie , among others. Most of the cows are Scottish Highlands, so they're extra fluffy. And don't forget to pet the miniature donkeys too.

Honorable mentions: