As much as it breaks my heart to put the golf clubs away, there’s a silver lining... snowboard season with my daughter is right around the corner!
Before we trade rakes for snowboards and start making hot cocoa a daily food group, let’s make sure your home is buttoned up for the cooler months ahead. And while you’re at it, don’t miss out on everything fall in Rochester has to offer — from pumpkin patches to sky rides and everything in between.
Fall Home Cleanup Checklist
1. Gutters: The Unsung Heroes
Clear out leaves, twigs, and whatever mystery gunk has gathered.
Make sure downspouts drain away from your foundation.
Bonus points if you wear flannel while doing it.
2. Lawn & Garden TLC
Rake the leaves (or jump in them first).
Trim shrubs and perennials.
Give your lawn one last mow at a lower setting to keep it healthy.
3. Windows, Doors & Drafts — Oh My!
Check weather stripping and caulking to keep the warm air in.
Add draft stoppers under doors — think of it as giving your house a cozy scarf.
4. Safety First
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Replace old batteries and check your fire extinguisher’s expiration date.
5. Fireplace & Furnace Prep
Schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection.
Change your furnace filter and book that annual HVAC tune-up before the first freeze.
6. Outdoor Cleanup & Storage
Bring in or cover patio furniture.
Drain outdoor faucets to prevent frozen pipes.
Put tools, hoses, and toys away before they disappear under snow.
7. Add a Little Fall Magic
Hang a wreath, line the porch with pumpkins, or string up warm lights — a little autumn décor goes a long way.
Fall Fun Around Rochester
Because life isn’t all gutters and furnace filters — it’s cider donuts, corn mazes, and crisp air too.
1. Pumpkin Patches & Farms
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Stokoe Farms — Harvest Fest, pumpkin picking, and family fun.
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Wickham Farms — corn maze, zip lines, treats, and cozy vibes.
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Long Acre Farms — home of the Amazing Maize Maze and wagon rides.
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Powers Farm Market — pumpkin teepees and all the fall charm.
2. Leaf-Peeping & Scenic Walks
Mendon Ponds, Highland Park, Durand Eastman, and Mount Hope are all stunning this time of year.
Take a scenic drive along the Seaway Trail or down through Naples for incredible views.
3. Festivals & Seasonal Events
From the Hilton Apple Fest to Oktoberfest at the Public Market, there’s something happening every weekend.
Don’t forget haunted hayrides and spooky trails if you like a good scare.
4. Rainy Day Adventures
The Strong Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, or a show at Geva Theatre are all perfect for a cloudy afternoon.
5. See the Colors from Above
Head to Bristol Mountain for their Fall Sky Rides — it’s one of the best ways to take in the season.
Ready for What’s Next?
With your fall checklist complete and some local adventures under your belt, you’ll be ready to swap the rake for a snowboard and embrace winter head-on.
I may miss the fairways, but carving fresh powder with my daughter more than makes up for it. Rochester fall is short but so sweet — make the most of it while it’s here.
📲 Thinking of buying, selling, or just chatting real estate this season?
I’m always here to help — and maybe share a cider donut or two.
Sam Little
Anthony Butera Team, Keller Williams Greater Rochester
📞 585-645-8101
