Although I like to think New York runs through my veins (I was born there, and will be back one day), I really grew up in south Fla. I moved there when I was two years old, so, as you can imagine, I never really experienced fall – or spring, or hardly winter for that matter. Now don’t get me wrong; I loved growing up in Fla. It’s easy breezy shorts-and-t-shirt weather 95 percent of the time, and beautiful beach days are regularly accessible. I’ve had people say to me, “What are you doing in Boston? You live in a place where people go for vacation!” Well, that’s the catch: vacationing is one thing, but after 16 years of living in the constant heat (and rain – thank you, tropics), I really felt like I was missing out on something. And, sure enough, I found out I was right during my first year at Boston University when I really experienced my first-ever fall season. Yes, I had visited northern states during the fall before, but I really never lived in it, and it’s even better than I could have ever imagined. I still get as excited living in a fall climate as I did when I would just visit it, except now I get to enjoy it for months at a time. So here are the reasons I love fall oh-so much, especially as a Floridian.

1. The wardrobe

Like I said, Fla. is all about shorts, tank tops, sundresses and flip-flops. While I love that look, and enjoy sporting it every summer, it gets a bit old after a while. Plus, I don’t think it holds a candle to everything that fall has to offer. Flannels, cute sweaters, leather jackets and, my personal favorite, boots, are everywhere, and I can’t get enough of it. And that’s not even touching on the accessories! From vests to beanies to scarves, the accessories list just goes on and on. What I really love about fall fashion, though, is the fact that there is SUCH a variety of trendy and comfortable options to wear. I don’t think it favors one look over another, so no matter what your body type or what your taste may be, there’s always a fall-inspired outfit out there for you.

2. Leaves changing colors

This is probably everyone’s favorite thing about fall, but how could I possibly leave it off this list? I come from a land of palm trees, where the fronds stay green all year – that is, unless they fall off and either block the road, or worse, land on top of your car and shatter a window. Fall leaves, however, are light and delicate, and beautifully fade from green into rich reds, luscious oranges and gorgeous yellows before falling off their branches and gently fluttering to the ground. I still gasp out of amazement every time I look at these colorful leaves densely packed together so that they create a patchwork effect.

3. Hot Apple Cider

I had never tried hot apple cider before going to school in Boston, and let me tell you, it was a game changer. I am so jealous of those of you who got to enjoy it all throughout your childhood! Hot apple cider, or apple cider at all, seems pretty irrelevant where I come from – perhaps it’s because you can’t even grow apples down south. Thankfully, it is now one of my staple fall drinks.

4. Apple and Pumpkin Picking

This one is absolutely inspired by my love of hot apple cider. While pumpkin picking is still a bucket list item I have yet to check off, I absolutely love apple picking in the fall. Sure, Fla. has orange and lemon trees, but it was never really a thing to go out and pick them. Apples, however, are another story in the northeast. Apple picking seems to be a cult classic activity for people of all ages, and I look forward to it every year. From fresh fruit to enjoying the lovely outdoors, what could be a better way to celebrate the best season of all?

5. Perfect Weather

In case you didn’t pick up on it from my apple picking point, fall is undeniably (in my opinion, of course) the season with the best weather. I love the snow, and love the heat, too, but it’s no secret that they both can grow tiresome. Autumn weather, on the other hand, can stay as long as it likes. The air is crisp, and, unlike Fla., the humidity is tolerable to non-existent. I’ll never get over that feeling when you walk outside on a brisk, sunny day in Oct. or Nov. and feel that perfect combination of coldness and warmth hit your face. It’s the most invigorating, refreshing feeling. And this, people, is what I left Fla. for.

6. Thanksgiving

Okay, so this isn’t only geared toward a cooler climate (although the fall weather definitely adds to the mood), but I had to throw this into the mix because it is without a doubt my favorite holiday. I mean, unless you’re Chandler Bing, who could possibly hate celebrating Thanksgiving. It’s a wonderful occasion to spend time with close friends and family, enjoying each other’s company and reflecting on life’s happiness. And how could we forget about the food? It’s like I gain 10 lbs. after every thanksgiving meal, but for the scrumptious turkey, sweet potatoes with marshmallows (that’s not just a my-family thing, right?) and desserts galore, it is 100 percent worth it.

7. It’s SO cozy

Being from Fla., I never really got to experience that cozy feeling indoors. Like any other human, there were times where I would snuggle up in a blanket, sip some tea and put on a movie, but it isn’t quite as satisfying as doing it in true fall weather. In the autumn up north, you never feel the rush to escape winter’s bitter cold, but you can still get chilly enough to want to leisurely head inside for some comfy downtime. This time of year really is the for throwing on your sweats and slippers, grabbing a cup of hot apple cider (or any other hot beverage of your choice) and, if you have one, sitting snug in front of a fire. F.Y.I., a fireplace is also a major characteristic that I lacked in Fla. Same thing goes for bonfires; my friends and I had them, but it never really felt authentic.