So, I know what you're thinking...
There are 10 "best things" for Fall ANYWHERE.
C'mon it's Fall, right?
Well, by no means am I biased. I grew up in North Carolina and it seems absolutely nothing can beat the four seasons, especially the beautiful Fall time. But...you must find beauty in all places so if you're an Iowan struggling or just a viewer looking to see why corn country may even be remotely cool, I'll show you. & trust me, I wouldn't lie to you because before we get started I'll say I am not the biggest fan so far of Iowa.
And yes, I am a sucker for all things Fall so there is hope just keep reading.
#1 SCENERY SITES
Despite beliefs of many Southerns and what I was told previously to adventuring into this cold, field of dreams state, there are hills. It's not completely flat and full of corn. Beautiful sites are to be seen.
#2 CLOTHES
Don't get me started on the weather...it's d e a d l y cold and life goes on here but it is an excuse to wear the warmest, fuzziest clothes possible. And if you're like me, layers are everything. Midwest weather teaches you what physical pain truly is but it also allows you to be cute at the same time so it's fine, right? Clothes are friends and layers are beautifully warm!
#3 PUMPKIN PATCHES, ETC.
You say you like pumpkin patches, apple orchards, or anywhere that requires money to take a cute picture? Well don't worry, you see one on every property here! Every farmer or land owner will be ready for you and your iPhone camera, seriously. I thought NC was great about Fall festivities and trust me, it is but wow. Never in my life have I seen so many pumpkins and apple cider donuts.
#4 FOOTBALL
You may have thought your state had serious rivalry football but you haven't been to Iowa yet. I still don't (and probably never will) understand the INTENSE hype over Hawkeyes and Cyclones. You know there is a game because you will be asked a million times which team you are cheering on. HyVee (which is a grocery store, don't worry I had no idea what a "HyVee" was either) will be covered in humans with t-shirts supporting their team of choice. Bars are full of people ready to watch the next game and its all the talk in town. So if you love Fall time football, and competition...come to Iowa.
#5 FOOD
Food is everywhere but the Midwest does food differently than the South. It's hard to beat Southern cooking but you'd be surprised. I'm guessing this is due to the large number of farms and local production but food is taken serious. You may run into problems if you choose to not eat meat or anything dairy because you get crazy eyes (from my own experience). It's fried. They like it really, really fried. Dessert, fried. Meat, fried. Your fruit and vegetables, fried. Did I mention fried? Move to Iowa if you love yourself some fried food.
#6 SURPRISE CRAP
(Completely Random Arctic Pounding)
Thanks to my friend Molly, I was recently reminded that "surprise blizzards" are a thing in the Fall. And no, not the tasty ones from Dairy Queen or the snow that cancels school for days because it snowed more than 2 inches (that's a thing in the south). I mean the snow that comes to your knees and keeps the negative degree temperatures coming strong for days. The weather that makes you consider relocating to Florida or somewhere with the sun. Now this may sound terrible but, seeing as this article is meant to encourage positive Fall vibes for Iowa, you should know that it gets better. With this weather it FORCES you to bond. Now whether you see that as good or bad is up to you, but you're stuck so you make it work. You end up spending quality time with friends and family like never before. You choose to never leave your house or apartment because its deadly so why not enjoy that time with those around you? There. Yes. That was encouraging. Yay for terrible weather, eh?
#7 HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING
I thought my high school went to extreme measures to celebrate an event I would never remember nor care about, but you haven't been to Iowa yet. They shut down the streets of downtown for HIGH SCHOOL parades. High School parades. Roads are shut down. That's normal here. Am I the only one finding that extreme? Iowa knows how to celebrate.
#8 FARMERS MARKET
Personally, I love a good farmers market. Never in my life have I seen so many of them. Probably due to the local production of farmers and what not as stated before but its serious. Farmers Markets are huge. Every city will have one and carry everything. I guess that's why they named it "farmers" market. Thanks Iowa and thank you farmers.
#9 CORN
Have I mentioned corn yet? I don't think I have enough yet. Prepare yourself for this one. They say never take food from a stranger especially if it's not labeled or seems a little sketchy...but in Iowa it's fine to purchase "off the road" kind of corn. It's encouraged. Buy corn from a stranger and you're really living.
#10 GOOD MOODS & GOOD PEOPLE
Last but certainly not least. Right after the heat of the Summer because believe it or not, Iowa gets hot. And right before the wrath of a hellish Winter, spirits are high and the energy all around is great. Now I may not be a true Iowan or the biggest fan, but I appreciate it. Travel to Iowa or even the Midwest during the Fall and experience a great time, I assure you! Field of dreams, field of corn, and field of friendly people.
~ appreciate Fall anywhere you are ~
