Alexandra Breckenridge Shares Her Fall Bucket List Ahead of Virgin River Season 7

Embracing Cozy Moments and Family Traditions

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, Virgin River star Alexandra Breckenridge is giving fans a glimpse into her personal fall bucket list — and it’s as heartwarming as it is inspiring. Between preparing for the upcoming Netflix Christmas movie My Secret Santa, which premieres on December 3, and gearing up for Season 8 of Virgin River, Breckenridge is making time for cozy, seasonal rituals with her family.

“I had lived in California for 23 years and I was about to get married,” Breckenridge told Good Housekeeping. “I was looking ahead and thought, ‘What would make me happy?’ I actually get kind of stressed out in the city, so living in the woods might be calmer for me.” She now resides in rural Georgia with her husband, musician Casey Hooper, and their two children, Billie and Jack, finding inspiration in the slower, nature-filled pace of life.

Gardening as a Form of Art

Breckenridge’s fall activities are rooted in mindfulness, beginning with her love of gardening. “I’ve learned that gardening is not as easy as it sounds,” she said with a chuckle. “It’s rewarding when you see all the cauliflower, broccolini…all those things coming in. I’ve been growing a lot from seed, which is a beautiful, fascinating thing. I know that gardening isn’t considered artistic, but to me, it actually feels like an artistic endeavor.”

For Breckenridge, tending to her garden is more than a hobby — it’s a way to create, observe growth, and find peace in the seasonal rhythm of life.

Culinary Adventures and Seasonal Flavors

Cooking also takes a central place on her seasonal agenda. From sourdough focaccia to mini lasagna, Breckenridge frequently shares glimpses of her culinary creations with fans on Instagram. This fall, she’s especially proud of perfecting her fried chicken recipe. “I use duck fat to fry my chicken now. I’m not going to lie to you — it’s pricey, but when you make it in a large batch and your ingredients are really clean, it feels better than buying it frozen with preservatives,” she explained. She also noted the importance of kosher salt for precise seasoning, showing that even small details matter in her approach to cooking.

Family Fun and Holiday Spirit

Breckenridge hasn’t forgotten the magic of family time, planning a trip to Disney World for her children this season. “Because the kids are eight and nine this year, I think it’s the perfect time. Disney films still hold a magical place for them, and they’re at the age where they’re going to remember the trip,” she said.

Her seasonal celebrations also include Halloween and Thanksgiving, with plans for a costume party featuring elaborate decorations, spooky playlists, and even blacklight effects. Breckenridge will dress as Moira Rose from Schitt’s Creek, with her husband taking on Johnny Rose. Guests can expect a themed menu including chili, vegetarian lentils, spice cider, and a Halloween charcuterie board.

Teasing Virgin River Season 7

Of course, no interview with Breckenridge would be complete without a sneak peek into the world of Virgin River. She teased that Season 7 will feature a romantic getaway for Mel and Jack, alongside the resolution of Marley’s baby storyline, a narrative that has kept fans on edge since the previous season. “We dive headfirst into that storyline,” she revealed, hinting that viewers can expect both tension and emotional payoff in the upcoming episodes.

A Season of Cozy Connection

For Breckenridge, fall is about more than just entertainment — it’s about creating intentional, joyful experiences for her family while staying connected to her craft. Between gardening, cooking, family adventures, and preparing for new filming commitments, the actress embodies a blend of personal fulfillment and professional dedication that resonates deeply with fans.

As Virgin River and My Secret Santa keep audiences engaged, Breckenridge’s fall bucket list serves as a reminder that the quiet, cozy moments off-screen can be just as meaningful as the dramatic storylines on-screen. For fans, following her seasonal journey offers a chance to experience warmth, family, and authenticity — the same qualities that make her performances as Mel Monroe so compelling.