In keeping with the new normal of 2020 and social distancing practices, a bunch of regularly scheduled fall events around the GTA have gone virtual or have been postponed until next year. Things like Nuit Blanche and the Royal Winter Fair can be experienced online, but if you are looking for a fun activity and safe date idea, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 Date Ideas in the Toronto Area this Fall.
🍂 Immersive Van Gogh
The facts:
1 Yonge St.
Walk-through extended until April 5th, 2021 / Drive-in extended until February 28th, 2021
Visit the website for details: vangoghexhibit.ca
Immerse yourself in the works of Vincent Van Gogh at this transformative art installation. Some of Van Gogh’s most iconic works are featured including Sunflowers, Starry Night, Irises and Café Terrace at Night. The images are projected on 600,000 cubic feet of the newly repurposed warehouse space that once housed the printing presses of the Toronto Star newspaper at 1 Yonge St.
The exhibit runs for 35 minutes but you can stay as long as you like and experience it from different viewpoints within the space. The music is beautifully matched to the visual content, lending the perfect accompaniment to the soaring landscapes and still lifes.
We did the walk-through (there is also a drive-in option) just before 10 am on a Sunday morning. Attendance at that time was light, and clearly marked distancing circles for where to stand on the floor ensure proper COVID-19 measures are being followed.
Immersive Van Gogh is a beautiful presentation of sight and sound merged with innovative technology. Catch it before it ends on November 1st, 2020.
You can listen to the incredible Immersive Van Gogh musical soundtrack on Spotify.
🍂 Fall N’ Leaves Pop Up Outdoor Food & Wine Bar
The facts:
621 Richmond St. West (at Bathurst)
Runs from October 1st – 13th, 2020
Visit the website for details: fallnleavesto.com
Toronto is getting its very own downtown pumpkin patch! Fall N’ Leaves TO is an outdoor, fall-themed food and wine experience to celebrate the season with a safe, Instagram-friendly vibe.
There are 4 outdoor fires to warm yourselves by as well as a couple of wood-fired ovens cooking up some harvested gourmet delights. Fall N’ Leaves will be serving up such faves as wood-fired pizza, ribs and maple roasted butternut squash soup – in a squash bowl. Check out the Orange Zest Hot Chocolate – in a pumpkin! Lastly, make sure to catch their date night paint nights and wine tastings. 😋 🎃
🍂 High Park Fall Colours
The Facts:
1873 Bloor St. West
Visit the website for details: highparktoronto.com
You don’t have to go far to catch the lovely change of colours of autumn leaves. Toronto’s iconic High Park is all dressed up in red and gold, welcoming you to take a leisurely stroll through the leaf-covered paths and trails.
Grab some snacks and a blanket, and park your autumn bottom under the beautiful fall canopy of the park.
🍂 Pumpkins After Dark
The facts:
Country Heritage Park, Milton, ON
Runs September 18th to November 1st, 2020
Plan 1 or more hours for your visit
Visit the website for details: pumpkinsafterdark.com
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Here’s something a little different but in keeping with the season! Take a drive out to Milton and check out Pumpkins After Dark. The team here has been able to transform the event into a drive-thru experience this year. You will drive a 2.5-kilometer loop and see over 150 unique pumpkin sculptures. A guided audio tour via your radio is available as well as Kernels popcorn for snackin’!
🍂 Get Outta Town
If you’re looking to get out of the city, start with a road trip and take in the splendid colours of Ontario farmland and country back roads around the GTA. Plan an Airbnb or cottage rental in a cute little village, or perhaps a country farmhouse, or even a cottage on the lake. With the summer high season now over, you’ll usually find lower rental rates for the beautiful fall season.
Be sure to stop at one of the many farms along the way. Pick some apples along the Apple Pie Trail in the South Georgian Bay area or go pumpkin hunting for the perfect jack-o-lantern at any number of pumpkin patches.
If you are up by the Blue Mountains, check out Agora Path of Light, a unique experience for all to enjoy. Take this night walk through the woods amidst a lighted interactive art display. The installation is based on the elements and the cycle of life in nature. Tickets include an open-air gondola ride and a walk through the 45-minute exhibit. The exhibit is open until October 25th.
With these 5 Date Ideas in the Toronto Area for this Fall, you can CARVE out some time for each other, FALL in love all over again and PUMPKIN SPICE things up! OK, I’ll stop now…🍂🎃
