As autumn settles in and the leaves begin to turn, Virgin River star Alexandra Breckenridge is embracing the change of seasons with open arms — and a list of simple, heartfelt goals that perfectly match her down-to-earth personality. Known to millions as Mel Monroe, the compassionate nurse and midwife at the heart of Netflix’s hit drama, Breckenridge has become synonymous with warmth, resilience, and emotional depth. But offscreen, the actress reveals she’s just as devoted to finding balance, peace, and comfort — especially when fall arrives.
“Fall is my favorite time of year,” Breckenridge said in a recent interview. “It’s cozy, it’s beautiful, and it’s when I feel most grounded. There’s just something about slowing down, cooking warm meals, and spending more time with family that resets me.”
From cozy family traditions to personal wellness rituals, Breckenridge’s fall bucket list offers a glimpse into how she stays inspired — and reminds fans why she’s so relatable, both on and off camera.
A Season for Slowing Down
After a busy year filming Virgin River Season 6 in British Columbia, Breckenridge admits that fall is her chance to recharge. The actress, who balances her demanding schedule with being a devoted mother of two, says she tries to make autumn all about family connection and simple pleasures.
“When you’re filming for months, life moves at such a fast pace,” she explained. “Fall is when I try to slow down, stay home more, and just enjoy the little things.”
At the top of her list? Baking pumpkin bread, hosting family movie nights, and taking long walks through the crisp autumn air. “My kids and I love going on walks and collecting colorful leaves,” she said with a smile. “It’s one of those small traditions that makes me so happy.”
For Breckenridge, the change of seasons also brings a shift in mindset. “It’s not just about the weather,” she said. “It’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve you anymore — just like the trees shed their leaves. Fall feels like a reminder to start fresh.”
Cozy Cooking and Comfort Food
If you follow Alexandra Breckenridge on Instagram, you already know she loves to cook — and fall is her favorite season in the kitchen. “I’m always experimenting with soups and stews,” she shared. “I love cooking with squash, sweet potatoes, and all those earthy, warm flavors.”
Her signature dishes? A hearty butternut squash soup and a slow-cooked chili that her family requests every year. “Cooking for my family is a love language,” she said. “There’s something so comforting about the smell of something simmering on the stove while it’s chilly outside.”
The actress also enjoys using the kitchen as a place to unwind. “It’s meditative,” she explained. “When I’m chopping vegetables or stirring a pot, I’m not thinking about scripts or scenes — I’m just in the moment.”
Nature, Mindfulness, and a Bit of Nostalgia
One thing Alexandra Breckenridge shares with her Virgin River character Mel is a love of nature. Living in rural Georgia, she finds peace in spending time outdoors — and her fall plans include everything from apple picking to campfire nights under the stars.
“I love how quiet everything feels in the fall,” she said. “The colors, the smells — it’s like the world slows down, and you can actually breathe.”
She also admits to being a bit sentimental when it comes to seasonal traditions. “I grew up in Connecticut, so I have vivid memories of raking leaves, drinking cider, and going to harvest fairs,” Breckenridge recalled. “Now, I try to recreate that sense of nostalgia for my own kids.”
Her family’s fall weekends often include local pumpkin patches and hayrides, complete with hot cocoa and cozy sweaters. “I want my children to remember these moments the same way I do,” she said. “That’s what fall is all about — creating memories that feel timeless.”
Home Is Where the Heart (and the Fireplace) Is
Breckenridge’s social media often features her charming farmhouse-style home — complete with rustic décor, warm lighting, and personal touches that feel like they could belong in Virgin River. During fall, she goes all in on the cozy aesthetic.
“I definitely lean into the cozy vibes,” she laughed. “Blankets, candles, soft lighting — I love making the house feel like a hug.”
Her must-haves for the perfect fall ambiance? “Lots of candles, earthy scents, a big pot of tea, and some good music playing in the background,” she shared. “It’s all about creating a space where you can unwind.”
When she’s not hosting friends or playing board games with her kids, she enjoys reading by the fire. “Right now I’m reading a lot of books about mindfulness and nature,” she said. “Fall just puts me in that reflective headspace.”
A Focus on Health and Gratitude
Despite her busy acting career, Breckenridge prioritizes self-care — especially during the colder months. Her fall bucket list includes morning yoga sessions, digital detox weekends, and journaling.
“The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to slow down and be present,” she said. “Taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical health.”
She practices gratitude daily — a habit she credits for helping her stay grounded amid the pressures of fame. “Every morning, I write down three things I’m grateful for,” she shared. “It’s such a simple thing, but it completely changes your mindset.”
This season, one of those things she’s most thankful for is the enduring love from Virgin River fans. “They’re incredible,” Breckenridge said. “They’ve supported this show through every twist and turn, and I feel so lucky to be part of something that means so much to people.”
Balancing Work and Home Life
Even as she takes time to recharge, Breckenridge can’t help but look ahead to what’s next for Virgin River. The actress hinted that Season 6 will continue to deliver emotional depth and big surprises.
“Mel’s journey has always been about healing and finding peace,” she explained. “And that’s something I think about a lot in my own life, too.”
Still, she’s firm about maintaining boundaries between work and family time. “When I’m home, I’m just Mom,” she said. “I try to be present and enjoy every little moment — whether it’s cooking breakfast or watching a movie together.”
For her, fall is the perfect reminder to find that balance. “It’s the time of year that reminds you to come home — to yourself, to your family, to what really matters,” she said.
Alexandra’s Fall Bucket List Highlights
Here’s what’s on Alexandra Breckenridge’s 2025 fall bucket list:
🍁 Bake Pumpkin Bread – “It’s my go-to comfort bake every year.”
🔥 Host a Bonfire Night – “There’s nothing better than s’mores and good music under the stars.”
🍂 Take Long Nature Walks – “It clears my mind and helps me reconnect with myself.”
📚 Read by the Fireplace – “Right now, I’m into books about mindfulness and gratitude.”
☕ Try New Tea Blends – “I’m obsessed with chai and cinnamon rooibos this time of year.”
🕯️ Decorate for Fall – “I love turning my home into a cozy sanctuary.”
🎥 Movie Marathon Nights – “I’m a big fan of classic fall movies like You’ve Got Mail.”
Each item reflects her mix of simplicity and soul — the same qualities that make her portrayal of Mel Monroe so beloved.
A Season of Reflection and Connection
As Virgin River continues to capture hearts worldwide, Alexandra Breckenridge’s approach to life remains refreshingly authentic. She isn’t chasing luxury or perfection — just peace, family, and gratitude.
“I think that’s why people connect with Mel,” she said thoughtfully. “She’s not perfect. She’s just trying to do her best — and that’s what I’m doing, too.”
For Breckenridge, fall isn’t just a season; it’s a mindset — one rooted in warmth, renewal, and connection.
“When I think of fall, I think of home,” she smiled. “It’s the time when everything feels softer, cozier, and a little more meaningful. That’s what I want my life — and my bucket list — to be all about.”
