It’s Fall in Israel, Yall!

Posted on September 23, 2021 by Maureen Hochdorf

Fall Vibes in Israel?

If you’re looking for those Vermontesque Fall foliage photos, you might be a bit disappointed. We don’t really have all things FALL over here, so every year I pretty much live through all those Instagram FALL pics. But, if you really look hard enough – and get lucky with the weather – you might just find some of the IG worthy moments.

Best time to see Fall Foliage in Israel

Although summer seams to linger throughout September and some of October in most of the country, if you head up north, you’ll experience cooler weather and Fall vibes. But if you’re looking to see those gorgeous red-orange colors, you might have to wait a little longer. The best time to see any Fall foliage is from mid October – mid November. And sometimes even into late November – early December.

Where to Find Fall Foliage in Israel

The best places to find fall foliage in Israel is of course in the north – but where, specifically? The Metula area has some great areas for seeing the leaves change colors as well as the Upper Galilee, Judean Mountains, Gush Etzion Valley, and even the Jerusalem Hills.

5 Activities That Will Have You Falling Hard for Fall in Israel

Horseback Riding at Megiddo

Saddle up! One of the best ways to see those gorgeous Autumn leaves is to jump on a horse and head out into the backwoods. You’ll not only experience the open roads like never before, but you just might see some Fall colors popping up around. We had a great experience at Dubi Ranch in Ramot Menashe. They have various options available for trail rides, taking you out into the Megiddo Forest.

Carving Pumpkins

If there’s one sure way to help you fight the Fall-time blues, it’s pumpkin carving. We might not have trick-or-treating – or Halloween for that matter – but that doesn’t mean you can’t light up your life with a few jack-o-lanterns. We get pumpkins every year, and carving them has become one of favorite family traditions.

When we lived in Tel Aviv, I used to get pumpkins from the weekend market in the Tel Aviv port (north Tel Aviv). They have larger pumpkins and gourds available, but prepared to pay a hefty price for one!

And now that we live outside the city, we get our pumpkins from Moshe’s Farm in Risphon. Every year he harvests hundreds of pumpkins to be sold at markets around the country, but he will also let you come to the farm and buy some from him. We’ve been going to Moshe since Mia was a baby.

TIP: Get creative with your carving experience. Lower your expectations and know that you might just need to settle for a smaller pumpkin to carve. We’ve even carved gourds that turned out cute!

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Apple Picking in Israel

How about them apples? Another tried and true way to living apple-y ever after is by going apple picking. September is a great time to go apple picking, and there are several places in the Golan such as Bustan Bereshit that offer picking opportunities as well as tractor rides, apple pie workshops, and more!

Bustan Bereshit is located about 2km north of Kibbutz Ein Zivan

עין זיוון

Pelican Migration in Israel

Did you know that half a billion birds cross the skies of Israel every Fall? They make their annual flight to the south and make a quick layover in Israel. Although it’s not your typical Fall activity, it’s truly a spectacular sight to see! Cranes and pelicans can be spotted at Lake Hula in the Galilee region and also at Emek Hefer in the Sharon region.

You can usually find them at the end of October, but unfortunately, they don’t give us a heads up on their arrival time. The best way to know when they arrive is by keeping tabs of the Hula Reserve around that time – they usually have streaming videos to watch.

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

So, not to burst your bubble, but NO – we don’t have pumpkin spice lattes here in Israel. (moment of silence for us, please!) BUT, I have a solution for you! And it will require a little bit of work, but if you’re like me, it will be worth it!

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Some things are just worth the extra work. And in my case, I need my pumpkin spice latte in the Fall!

Here’s a recipe that will have you feeling sweet as pumpkin pie!

2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)

2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

1 to 3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup strong hot coffee

Whipped cream

Directions:

Add milk, pumpkin puree, and sugar and heat on the stove on medium. Heat until hot, but do not boil. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and the coffee.
Makes two mugs. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

TIP: You can find cans of pumpkin puree at Meatland in Raanana. It’s a supermarket that carries American and international foods. I also bring pumpkin pie spice back with me from the US so I always have a supply with me.