Summer days lounging by the pool have come and gone and for some that is heartbreaking. Fall means school starts and responsibilities, but it's not all bad. Fall has some benefits that the other seasons just can't give us.

1. Bonfires

If you say you say you don’t love the smell of bonfire, you are lying to yourself. There is something so relaxing about sitting around a fire with your friends laughing and enjoying their company. Also, the best part of a bonfire…S'MORES!

2. Weather

Don’t get me wrong I love the summer sunshine, but I also like not being drenched in sweat the minute I step outside. Fall weather is just comfortable, warm enough to wear a t-shirt but also cool enough to wear that sweater you bought in June and have been dying to wear. Which brings me to the next reason…

3. Sweaters

There is just no way you can be sad wearing a warm and cozy sweater. It’s like a big ole hug. Plus, if the sweater is an oversized one = heaven on earth.

4. Halloween

Halloween is fun for all ages: from running around the neighborhood trick- or-treating to those awesome Halloween parties. Every kid tried sneaking candy when mom wasn’t looking and getting a crazy sugar high. Now, you spend weeks planning your costume with your friends and pray your mom doesn’t kill you when she sees it.

5. Leaves

Okay... I know this is the most basic reason, but I couldn’t just leave it out. (I’m so sorry for that pun). The leaves are such an important characteristic of fall. Without the leaves changing, we wouldn't have those beautiful fall colors we all love.

6. Homecoming

Homecoming is such a thrilling time on campus. The lack of sleep from working on your float is matched with excitement that you hold in all week creates a feeling that is specifically unique to homecoming. Plus, who doesn’t love a reason to go even harder at a tailgate?

7. Thanksgiving

Food, food and more amazing, homemade food. Being in college, I have a new appreciation for home cooked meals and Thanksgiving is like the epitome of home cooking. You are also surrounded by the people you haven’t seen since you left for school so of course it’s a good time.

8. The Fall Festival

The Evansville Indiana Fall Festival is the reason I fell in love with fall at a young age. It is the second largest street festival in the US and is the fried food motherlode. You can find just about every crazy combo of food you can think of, from chocolate covered crickets to donut burgers and everything in between. If you ever find yourself around Evansville, Indiana the first week of October, I highly recommend it.