As the crisp scent of autumn fills the air and the leaves turn shades of amber and gold, Virgin River star Alexandra Breckenridge is embracing the season with heart, home,

and a whole lot of creative energy. Known for her warm portrayal of Mel Monroe on the hit Netflix drama, Breckenridge’s off-screen life mirrors the comfort and grounded spirit that

fans have come to love in her on-screen character. This fall, the actress opens up about her personal bucket list—filled with cozy traditions, culinary adventures, and meaningful

family moments that capture the very essence of the season.

A Season of Reflection and Renewal

Breckenridge, who’s gearing up for the eighth season of “Virgin River” next year and will star in the upcoming Netflix Christmas film My Secret Santa (premiering December 3), has found balance between Hollywood’s fast-paced chaos and the tranquility of small-town life. Ten years ago, she made a bold move—leaving California after 23 years to settle in rural Georgia with her husband, musician Casey Hooper, and their two young children.

“I had lived in California for so long, and when I was about to get married, I started thinking about what really makes me happy,” Breckenridge told Good Housekeeping. “I realized that city life actually stressed me out. I wanted peace and calm—and I found it living in the woods.”

That move, she admits, completely transformed her life. It’s now the backdrop of her fall bucket list, where every plan is steeped in serenity, family, and self-expression.

Nurturing Nature – Her Love of Gardening

When it comes to relaxation, Alexandra turns to her greenhouse. Gardening, for her, is not just a pastime—it’s a meditation. “I’ve learned that gardening is not as easy as it sounds,” she says with a laugh. “But when you see all the cauliflower, broccolini, and all those greens sprouting, it’s incredibly rewarding.”

What started as a simple interest has evolved into an artistic expression. “People might not see gardening as an art form,” she explains, “but to me, it feels deeply creative. Growing something from a seed and watching it flourish—it’s like painting with life.”

Her fall garden is filled with cool-weather vegetables and herbs, a palette of greens and golds that reflect the changing season. It’s her way of staying connected to the earth, something she feels is essential in an increasingly digital world.

Cooking Up Comfort – Her Culinary Obsession

Of course, no fall bucket list would be complete without the magic of comfort food, and Alexandra’s kitchen is the heart of her home. Her Instagram often doubles as a food diary, where she shares recipes that fans eagerly try to recreate. From mini lasagnas to sourdough focaccia bread, Breckenridge isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and experiment.

“I’ve really perfected my fried chicken recipe,” she reveals proudly. “I use duck fat now—it’s pricey, but when you make it in large batches with clean ingredients, it just feels so much better than store-bought versions full of preservatives.”

Her secret weapon? Kosher salt. “It has less of a salty bite,” she explains, “so you can be more precise with flavor.”

Cooking, she adds, is her way of slowing down. “When I’m chopping vegetables or stirring a sauce, I’m fully present. It’s like therapy for me.”

Family Adventures – Making Memories That Last

This fall, Breckenridge and her husband are planning a family trip to Disney World with their kids, now eight and nine. “It’s the perfect time,” she says with a smile. “They’re still at that age where Disney is pure magic, and they’ll actually remember the experience.”

Family, she insists, is at the heart of everything she does. Whether she’s preparing dinner, decorating for the holidays, or simply taking a walk in the woods, Alexandra strives to create moments that her children will cherish. “I want them to look back on these days and remember the warmth, the laughter, and the love.”

Hauntingly Fun – A Halloween to Remember

When it comes to holiday decor, Alexandra doesn’t hold back. This year marks her first-ever Halloween party, and she’s going all out. “I’m going as Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek, and my husband’s dressing up as Johnny Rose,” she shares with excitement.

The party will feature spooky animatronics, blacklight machines, eyeball lights, and a creepy walkway lined with skeletons and witches illuminated by red floodlights. “It’s going to be epic,” she laughs. “I’ve got chili, vegetarian lentils, spiced cider, and even a Halloween-themed charcuterie board planned.”

For someone who admits her husband isn’t usually into Halloween, Alexandra says the enthusiasm this year has been infectious. “It’s never happened before, but I think I finally got him into it. Everyone’s coming in costume—it’s going to be a night to remember.”

Holiday Spirit – Gratitude and Togetherness

As the season transitions from pumpkins to pine needles, Breckenridge says she’s already thinking about Thanksgiving. “Decorating for fall and winter is one of my favorite things,” she says. “There’s just something magical about turning your home into a warm, glowing space when it’s cold outside.”

Between filming commitments and family life, her fall traditions remind her to slow down and savor the little things—lighting candles, baking bread, or simply watching the sunset from her porch.

A Peek at “Virgin River” Season 7

Before wrapping up, Breckenridge offered a tantalizing tease for Virgin River fans eager for news about Season 7. “There’s going to be a romantic getaway for Mel and Jack—something heartfelt and beautiful,” she reveals. “We’ll also dive deeper into Marley’s decision to offer her baby to Mel and Jack, and how that affects everyone’s lives.”

While she kept the juiciest details under wraps, her words promise another season of emotional depth, love, and healing in the picturesque Northern California town fans have come to adore.

A Fall to Remember

From her homegrown vegetables to her spooky decorations and her heartfelt family plans, Alexandra Breckenridge’s fall bucket list isn’t just a checklist—it’s a reflection of her values. Peace, creativity, love, and gratitude guide her every move, both on and off screen.

As she prepares to return to Virgin River and bring Mel’s next chapter to life, Breckenridge’s personal life continues to mirror the grounded, authentic spirit that fans admire. In her words and actions, she reminds us that true joy often lies in the simple things—a garden in bloom, a family dinner, a shared laugh under the autumn sky.

For Alexandra, this fall is about connection, creation, and celebration—a season where warmth fills the heart as much as the home. And if her bucket list is any indication, the Virgin River star is living proof that sometimes, slowing down is the most beautiful adventure of all.