Let me just start by saying I love fall.  It is by far my favorite season of the year, and October is my favorite month (and not just because it happens to have my birthday as part of it).  When I lived in Florida, I longed for autumn – those crisp and frosty mornings, the changing colors, and the promise of a change in the weather (and not just from 95 degrees to 87 degrees).  There was nothing more depressing than sending out my kids to go Trick-or-Treating in the neighborhood on a Florida Halloween night – and having to slather them with mosquito repellent and make sure they stayed hydrated on their sweaty candy quest.

 

But I digress……

 

I could list endless things I love about fall, but here are just a few of my favorites:

 

Honeycrisp Apples

For a few short weeks every fall, these wonderfully plump, firm, and sweet apples hit the supermarket shelves, and I am in rapturous joy on every trip, grabbing a few on each weekly grocery run.  Sure, you can argue that these days – you can find them at other times of the year, but don’t they taste the best in October?  They sure seem to.

 

Autumn Hikes

A walk among the glory that is the fall color palate of the autumn landscape is something that should not be missed.  Fiery reds, brilliant yellows, and vibrant oranges – the leaves and foliage provide an inspiring and peaceful backdrop to any hike at this time of year.  Barking squirrels busily work to store the last remaining nuts for winter, Canadian geese honk in their “V”-shaped flight patterns above, the breeze gently rustles the leaves that have already dropped to the ground, and the chill in the air forecasts the coming long, cold nights of winter.  My favorite fall walk?  I love anywhere along the C&O Canal, but the stretch between Four Locks and Dam #5? It doesn’t get much better.

 

Cool Nights

The A/C can finally be turned off, the windows can be opened, and the cool night air finally allows me to bury myself under a thick comforter, wrapping myself in a soft, warm, cocoon of blankets and experiencing some of the best sleep of the season.  It’s a little bit of heaven (especially on the weekend, when my work alarm isn’t needed).

 

Sweatshirts

Honestly, who doesn’t like to put on a well-worn, oversized sweatshirt at this time of the year and just bum around the house all day?  I can go to town and run errands in one, I can do yard chores in one, or I can just lean back in my recliner and take an afternoon nap in one (what an excellent idea).  It’s universally accepted just about everywhere (with or without a hoodie), and should be the official outerwear of autumn.

 

Seasonal Foods

Apple butter slathered on a toasted English muffin.  A perfectly grilled pork tenderloin served with roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash.  A piping hot bowl of beef stew, accompanied by warm and crusty bread.  The bounty of summer gardens and farmland is winding down, game meats (like venison, duck, and rabbit) are abundant, and the October frosts beg for warm and hearty fare at the table.  Casseroles.  Slow roasting and braising.  Anything done in a crock pot.  Nothing says “comfort” like the seasonal cuisine of fall.

 

What’s your favorite thing about fall?  Drop me a line in the comment section below!