Fall is a season filled with beauty and change. As we are underway in a new semester, take some time away from the books and even away from your phone and enjoy all that fall has to offer. Fall only comes once a year and, while it might seem like it is here to stay, in Ohio, we never know how long fall will truly be here. You never know when the first snowfall will hit and when temperatures will drop so cold you can hardly stand to be outside. So enjoy the perfection that fall is while it last.

Here are just a few reasons to love fall:

1. Changing Leaves

Nothing beats the beauty of trees in the fall. This is the best season to take a walk through the woods and absorb the beauty of nature around you.

2. Pumpkin Everything

The thing about pumpkin is either you love the flavor, or you hate it. For those who love it, fall is the best season because there is pumpkin flavored everything: pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin milkshakes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin, pie... Some of these pumpkin specialties are only available in the fall, so get them before you miss your chance!

3. Perfect Temperature

Ideally, fall brings the perfect temperatures. There is a nice chill in the air, enough to force a sweatshirt, but not chilly enough to have to bundle up. It is what many of us refer to as sweatshirt weather and there is nothing more comfortable to run around in than a sweatshirt and sweatpants, or jeans when we feel the need to "dress up."

4. Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches

Even if you aren't fond of the pumpkin flavor, you can't despise the existence of pumpkins! There is nothing more fall-like than wandering around a pumpkin patch, trying to find the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve into your own unique design! To top it off, most pumpkin patches have the double feature of a corn maze. Be sure to take advantage of any local mazes and try and find your way out!

5. Halloween

One of the best holidays in my opinion, behind Christmas of course! Halloween is such a unique holiday that doesn't require you to empty your pockets on gifts, but instead, makes it totally acceptable to walk around in costume and EAT CANDY! Halloween allows us to bring out our inner nerd when we choose to dress as our favorite superhero or childhood figure. It also is a holiday devoted to spooky stuff!

6. Haunted Houses

Speaking of spooky stuff, haunted houses are one of my favorite parts of Halloween and the fall season. It is not every day you can pay someone to scare you. The best thing about haunted houses is the suspense. You never know what you are getting into, and every haunted attraction you go to is different, even from year to year! Don't miss out on the opportunity to be scared this season! It is acceptable during the month of October.

7. Scary Movies

For those who love all things scary, scary movies are probably high on your list. While most people watch them all year round, fall is the perfect time to rewatch your favorites. It is also the prime time for the latest scary movies. They are only getting scarier through time, so don't miss the latest release!

8. Fall Break

For us, college students, fall break might be our favorite thing about fall simply because we are always ready for a break. However, fall break not only gives us a nice break from class and homework but also gives us time to enjoy the season's festivities.

9. Cuddle Weather

For those who have a significant other or those who like to snuggle up with a blanket, fall is absolute perfection. Fall is the perfect cuddle season, where you don't have to pile on the blankets to the point where you cannot move, but where you are comfortable wrapped up in a single blanket or cuddled up next to your significant other, without sweating profusely. Enjoy it while it last!

10. Festivals

Lastly, festivals are the best in the fall. Even though we are just getting though fair season, there is something special about fall festivals. Whether it is the sampling of apple cider, caramel apples or everything pumpkin, or the fact that you aren't sweating through your clothes, fall festivals offer an environment much different from the typical county or state fair. Be sure to check out fall festivals near you, I promise you won't be disappointed.