As the first chill of autumn settles in and the golden hues of the season sweep across the trees, Virgin River star Alexandra Breckenridge is taking a deep breath —

and leaning fully into the comfort of fall. Known to millions as Mel Monroe, the kindhearted nurse and midwife who anchors Netflix’s beloved small-town drama,

Breckenridge is revealing a side of herself that feels both authentic and deeply relatable. Away from the cameras, the actress embraces fall as a time for slowing down, reconnecting with family,

and celebrating the cozy rituals that make life feel grounded. “Fall is my favorite time of year,” Breckenridge shared in a recent interview. “It’s cozy, it’s beautiful, and it’s when I feel most at peace. There’s something about slowing down, cooking warm meals, and spending more time with my family that resets me.”

Her personal fall bucket list — filled with comforting traditions, mindfulness practices, and homey pleasures — offers a glimpse into how she stays balanced while navigating fame, motherhood, and a demanding shooting schedule.

Finding Calm After the Storm of Filming

After an intense few months filming Virgin River Season 6 in the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, Breckenridge says she’s eager to take a step back. The actress, who is also a dedicated mother of two, views autumn as a sacred time to recharge.

“When you’re filming for months, everything moves so fast,” she explained. “Fall is when I consciously try to slow down, stay home more, and savor the little things.”

Those “little things” include simple pleasures like baking pumpkin bread, hosting family movie nights, and taking long walks through the crisp air with her children. “We love going for walks and collecting colorful leaves,” she said with a laugh. “It’s such a simple thing, but it fills me with joy.”

To Breckenridge, fall represents more than just a seasonal shift — it’s a spiritual reset. “It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you,” she reflected. “Just like the trees shed their leaves, it’s a reminder that it’s okay to start fresh.”

The Comfort of Cooking and Connection

Anyone who follows Alexandra Breckenridge on social media knows her love for cooking rivals her passion for acting. And when fall arrives, her kitchen becomes the heart of her home.

“I’m always experimenting with soups and stews,” she said. “I love cooking with squash, sweet potatoes, and all those warm, earthy flavors.”

Her family’s favorites? A rich butternut squash soup and a slow-cooked chili that’s become a household staple. “Cooking is a love language for me,” she admitted. “There’s something so comforting about the smell of a simmering pot on the stove while it’s cold outside.”

The actress describes cooking as almost meditative. “When I’m chopping vegetables or stirring a pot, I’m not thinking about lines or production schedules,” she said. “It’s the one time I’m completely in the moment.”

Embracing Nature and Nostalgia

Just like her Virgin River counterpart, Breckenridge finds deep peace in nature. Living in rural Georgia, she’s surrounded by quiet woods and open skies — the perfect setting for her favorite fall activities.

“I love how still everything feels this time of year,” she mused. “The colors, the smell of the air — it’s like the world slows down, and you can actually breathe.”

Her bucket list includes apple picking, hayrides, and cozy campfire nights with her family. It’s also about recreating the nostalgic experiences of her New England childhood. “I grew up in Connecticut,” she recalled fondly. “I remember raking leaves, drinking hot cider, and going to harvest fairs. Now, I try to pass that same magic down to my kids.”

For Breckenridge, these traditions aren’t just about fun — they’re about creating memories that last. “I want my kids to remember these moments the same way I do,” she said. “That’s what fall is all about — connection, warmth, and nostalgia.”

Home Is Where the Heart — and Fireplace — Is

Breckenridge’s cozy farmhouse-style home, often glimpsed on her Instagram, looks straight out of Virgin River itself. With rustic touches, soft lighting, and a welcoming glow, her fall décor brings the same comforting energy that fans love about the show.

“I definitely go all-in on the cozy vibes,” she admitted with a smile. “Lots of blankets, candles, soft lighting — I want the house to feel like a hug.”

Her fall essentials include earthy-scented candles, warm tea, and acoustic playlists playing softly in the background. “It’s all about creating an atmosphere that invites relaxation,” she said.

In her downtime, she loves reading by the fire. “Lately I’ve been reading books on mindfulness and nature,” she revealed. “Fall just puts me in that reflective headspace.”

Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Self-Care

While Breckenridge’s life often looks idyllic, she’s open about the importance of self-care — especially during the busier months of her career. Her autumn routine includes morning yoga, journaling, and digital detox weekends to stay centered.

“The older I get, the more I realize the importance of slowing down,” she said. “Your mental health is just as vital as your physical health.”

Each morning, she practices gratitude by writing down three things she’s thankful for. “It’s simple, but it changes your entire perspective,” she shared. “When you focus on what’s good, everything else feels lighter.”

This year, she says, her biggest source of gratitude is the unwavering love of Virgin River fans. “They’re incredible,” she said. “Their support keeps this story alive, and I’m so proud to be part of something that touches people’s hearts.”

Balancing Stardom and Motherhood

Even as she enjoys her downtime, Breckenridge can’t help but feel excited for what’s ahead. With Virgin River Season 6 in production, she teased that the upcoming episodes will deliver “emotional depth, new beginnings, and big surprises.”

“Mel’s journey has always been about healing and hope,” she reflected. “That’s something I relate to in my own life — finding balance, peace, and love amid the chaos.”

Still, Breckenridge makes it a priority to separate work from home. “When I’m home, I’m just Mom,” she said firmly. “I try to be fully present — whether that’s cooking breakfast, reading stories, or just laughing together.”

For her, fall is the perfect reminder of that balance. “It’s the season that brings you back home — to yourself, to your family, to what truly matters,” she said.

Alexandra’s 2025 Fall Bucket List

Bake Pumpkin Bread – “It’s my go-to comfort bake every year.”
Host a Bonfire Night – “S’mores, music, and good friends — that’s perfection.”
Take Long Nature Walks – “It clears my head and helps me reconnect.”
Read by the Fireplace – “Right now, I’m reading about mindfulness and gratitude.”
Try New Tea Blends – “I’m obsessed with chai and cinnamon rooibos in the fall.”
Decorate for Fall – “Turning my house into a cozy sanctuary makes me so happy.”
Movie Marathon Nights – “You’ve Got Mail is my ultimate fall comfort movie.”

Each item reflects the same heart and simplicity that Breckenridge brings to Mel Monroe — proof that her warmth on-screen mirrors her real-life spirit.

A Season of Warmth and Renewal

As Virgin River continues to captivate audiences around the world, Alexandra Breckenridge’s outlook on life feels like an extension of the show’s soul — grounded, heartfelt, and filled with quiet beauty.

“I think people connect with Mel because she’s not perfect,” she said. “She’s just doing her best, like all of us. And that’s the energy I try to bring into my own life.”

For Breckenridge, fall isn’t just a time of year — it’s a state of mind. One of reflection, gratitude, and gentle renewal.

“When I think of fall,” she concluded, smiling softly, “I think of home. It’s the season where everything feels softer, cozier, and more meaningful. And that’s exactly how I want my life to feel.”