Growing up, it always seemed to be that one of those stereotypical "get to know you" questions on the first day of class was what's your favorite season. When I was younger I struggled trying to decide what my answer to that question was. From my birthday being in winter to having no school in the summer, I was conflicted over which really was my favorite. It wasn't until high school that I finally realized that neither of those were my favorite times of year. Don't get me wrong, snow and the ocean are both amazing things that winter and summer provide, but it's the colorful leaves of autumn that have my heart. Yes, as majority of other people are, I'm a sucker for pumpkin patches and apple cider season. If those two reasons aren't enough for you to fall in love with fall too, don't worry there's plenty of reasons why the cooling down of the weather will always be the greatest time of year.

1. Apple picking

There's honestly nothing better than spending a couple hours on a Saturday to pick some apples for a nice, warm apple cider or for a delicious apple pie. Not only does it lead to delicious food, but this fun excursion is a perfect time for a cute fall photoshoot.

2. Going to a corn maze

As a kid, I loved spending hours in the corn maze trying to find my way out only to get lost among the large stalks of corn. While some people find it frustrating and a never ending puzzle they don't want to solve, to me there's nothing better than a corn maze in late October.

3. Drinking a Chai Tea latte curled up with a good book

Yes, I'm the nerd that loves a good cup of coffee or tea and a nice book on those crisp November mornings. Even better, nothing screams fall to me more than sitting outside on the front porch with a warm cup of tea and a book of your choosing. Chai tea lattes are like Christmas, and a cup and can make even the dullest of homework assignments that much better.

4. Cuter outfit selections

I don't know about you, but I absolutely love being able to pull out the flannels, chunky sweaters and riding boots. Don't get me wrong; I love wearing Norts and a t-shirt as much as the next girl , but autumn gives me the motivation to dress cuter. It also may help that layering is one of the easiest ways to turn the most basic outfit into something Pinterest-worthy.

5. Playing in the leaves

There's just something about a massive pile of leaves that makes people want to jump in them without the least bit of hesitation. It's as if it brings back the inner child in all of us, and the only time you can have a pile big enough to actually be worthy of jumping into is in fall. So while the pictures may show little kids enjoying playing in the leaves , it is fun for all ages.

6. Watching the leaves change

I used to love going to the mountains during the fall with my grandparents because as you got closer and closer to the Blue Ridge mountains you would run into the most beautiful site with the trees all shades of reds, yellows, and oranges. God's creation is always something to be in awe of, but it is just a little bit better during the season of autumn.

7. Football games

The beginning of fall means the start of a new football season. Whether it is collegiate or professional football, my weekends are packed making sure I don't miss out on any of the action. There's nothing like cheering on your team to victory in a stadium full of cheering fans. While I'm aware that football isn't for everyone, it is one of the most popular sports in America so is justified in being on this list.

8. Halloween

Oh how we all wish to go back to the times when we could go out with our friends trick or treating to get free candy and not get stared at like we were crazy. As we get older there seems to not be as big of an emphasis on Halloween, but on some college campuses it is the time of some of the craziest parties. It's also a fun time to try out a crazy group costume idea with some of your closest friends and not get judged.

9. Pumpkin carving

I don't know why, but I absolutely love looking at houses and seeing an artsy looking carved pumpkin o n their front porch. Maybe it's because I, myself, am not that artsy so I lve vicariously through these people. No matter what it is, it's one of the parts of fall that bring a smile to my face and make the chilly mornings a little more bearable.

10. Bonfires and s'mores

There's just something about the smell of a bonfire that brings back so many good memories of times with friends and family. To me it's such a blast to sit around a bonfire talking, or singing random songs. Then finishing the night off with some s'mores. It's the perfecting ending to a perfect fall evening.