Okay, I live in Florida so the weather has not gotten cool or anything. The coolest it got was today, where it was in the upper 70's, instead of 90's. But I still love fall, and have many fond memories of fall where I grew up in Chicago. So here are a few of my favorite things about fall! And maybe they are yours, too, or maybe you have your own favorite things.

1. Crunchy leaves

Okay, maybe I’m just one big kid, but I love going for walks in the fall and stepping on every crunchy leaf I can. I go out of my way and run to the other side of the path to hit every crunchy leaf I can. There’s something just so satisfying about the crumbling crunching sound it makes under your foot.

2. Leaf piles.

Yes, I still love leaf piles, jumping in them, getting buried in them, and throwing them in the air, they are so much fun! When we were kids, my siblings and I would rake up all the leaves from our yard and our grandma’s yard. We would have little piles everywhere and a few of us would run wheelbarrows picking up leaves from all the little piles. Then we would bring them to my grandma’s backyard and dump all the leaves into one big pile in front of the swing set. Once it was a few feet high we would jump off the swings into the pile. We would spend the whole day playing in the leaf pile, and to this day, it is one of my favorite memories of fall.

3. Feeling warm and cozy.

I love curling up under warm blankets, wearing slippers, and cozy pajamas and sweaters. When it is cold and windy outside you can stay nice and cozy inside, and that cozy feeling is the best!

4. The smell of fall

Fall has this unique smell to it. This beautiful warm and earthy smell, and no I’m not just talking about pumpkin spice. When you step outside you can smell the leaves and after a rain, there’s that wonderful refreshing earthy smell, and the nice breeze helps spread it all around. I don’t know why, but I just love the smell of leaves and the smell of the earth after a rain.

5. Fresh roasted pumpkins

If you have never roasted a pumpkin for pies or pumpkin recipes, you have to! The whole process is amazing, and it smells so good - both the raw pumpkin and the roasted pumpkin. Plus, it tastes a thousand times better than canned pumpkin. So, if you have never cooked with pumpkin, please try it, you’ll be glad you did!

6. Pumpkin pies

Fall is not fall without pumpkin pies! I make pies every year with fresh pumpkins, and they taste so good. Do yourself a favor and don’t just buy pre-made ones, or make it with canned pumpkin, but use your own pumpkin. Once you’ve tried homemade pie with real pumpkins you can’t go back, it is better than any store-bought pie you have ever had.

7. Apple Cider

Hot or cold apple cider, they are all amazing, and fall would not be fall without cider. Even more than tea or hot chocolate or pumpkin spice lattes, which are all great, but cider has to be my favorite fall drink!

8. Thanksgiving

My all-time favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. It’s just a wonderful warm happy holiday with family and lots of really good classic American food! Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie!

9. Campfires!

There’s nothing like talking around a warm campfire on a cool fall night, roasting marshmallows.

10. Great shows and movies

Okay, fall isn’t the only time good shows and movies come out, but I’ve been waiting for Thor all year! And Stranger Things! Who’s excited?

11. Getting to wear cool stylish clothes

Fall colors are awesome, even on clothes. I love wearing pretty scarves, sweaters, skinny jeans, and if I wasn’t in Florida, I would love wearing boots!

12. Pumpkin picking or apple picking

This was something I did more when I was younger, but it was always something I enjoyed, because fresh pumpkins and apples are amazing and getting to pick them yourself is fun. It’s something different to do together with friends and family.

13. Corn mazes!

I loved these growing up and purposely trying to get lost was the best!

14. Time with the ones you love

I think one of the best parts about fall, and all of these fun experiences that come with it, are the ones you experience with your family and friends. Fall is about being close to the ones you love.

15. A Warm Heart

Even though the air is growing colder outside, fall is a season that fills your heart with warmth. Outside it might be freezing, but inside you feel warm and cozy being surrounded with love, good memories, and good food.

Fall has a lot of great things to be thankful for, countless amazing foods and smells, fun activities, and most importantly, time with the family and friends. What are a few of your favorite things about fall? Have fun and enjoy this amazing season and all that it has to offer.