Autumn. The most perfect season.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in New England, Maine to be specific. Fall back home is a state of mind, an anticipation that comes earlier and earlier every year. Like many things back home, there are so many reasons why Fall in New England is the most wonderful time of the year. These are just a few of my favorites.
1.) The Air.
The air is crisp, a light fifty degrees with the sun shining. You can walk around in a sweatshirt without feeling too cold or too hot, scarves and leggings and pretty boots come into play also! It feels so good while you're drinking your Dunkin' Donuts coffee. Sorry Starbucks- you'll never compare, New England runs on Dunkin'.
2.) Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Flavors.
Now it feels earlier and earlier in August that Pumpkin Spice coffee comes out at Dunkin', but with a complete understanding. There is nothing like waking up, going to school early in the morning, and picking up a Pumpkin Spice hot coffee. The lines might be long, but completely worth the wait. They sell hot or iced apple cider there also, COMPLETELY. DELICIOUS. I swear, this stuff was the only reason I got through high school. They do sell it nation wide, but there is something different drinking it in a place where it's crisp in the fall, not sweltering. (I see you, Tennessee).
3.) The Colors.
When you think of fall, a picture probably comes to mind. Brown Orange and Red leaves, pretty skies, pumpkin patches and apple orchards. I never appreciated it until I moved away, but this is perfect. Everything seems so pretty, homey and cozy.
4.) Apple Picking/Pumpkin Patches
!!!!!!! Find yourself a SO and get to apple picking! This time of the year, Facebook and Instagram blows up with pictures of couples going apple picking. This is eclectic, because you go home, and make apple pies, crisps, anything that you could think of that involves apples or pumpkins. Pumpkin Land is STILL the bomb.com
5.) Flannels
Even though the lumberjack trend has blown up, this is just essential to living in Maine. Flannels are to help keep you warm (even though I love wearing them because they're adorable!), they come in any shape or form. Women's, Men's, Kid's and even come in for sheets, comforters, and blankets.
6.) Fairs
I think this one explains itself. Fair season is the BEST season. Attendance at my high school would drop significantly the week of the Fryeburg Fair, everyone went, and every day was a different event. My personal favorite is Woodsman's day, because you know... the men chopping the wood were just handsome as ever.
7.) The Scenery
When you think of fall, you think of New England. You wake up in the morning and can see your breath for the first time since probably March, and the sun rise makes the leaves and the trees so comforting. The leaf peepers, as they are called, show up to just take pictures and see all the houses, the light houses, and the leaf changes. These people tend to come from New York, Jersey, anywhere remotely close that's outside of NE.
8.) Friday Night Football
Like the rest of the country, the beginning of the school year means that your local high school football season will be kicking off. If you were as lucky as I was to grow up in a community where the football team kicks ass, then you understand. I loved friday nights, everybody came together to watch your brothers, friends, boyfriends, cousins, and we thought of them as heroes. The crispy air, the sound of cowbells and yelling, there is nothing like it. (Go Scots! Note: This is an actual picture of my high school football team a couple of years ago)
