Ahh, fall. The season of sweaters, boots, and pumpkin spice is officially upon us. Although it’s hard to say goodbye to our endless beach days and warm weather that comes with the summer season, there’s just something about this season that is truly spectacular. So what is it that makes fall so fantastic?
1. Crisp, Cool Weather
Those hot, humid, hazy days of summer are great for a while, but those 100+ degree heat index values day after day gets old. The summer haze is replaced by clear, gorgeous skies and comfortable temperatures. You no longer sweat half to death just walking from your front door to your car, but you also don’t need ten layers just to make that same walk. Who could complain?
2. Bonfires
Who doesn’t love a good cool fall evening outside by a fire with friends and family? I’m convinced there isn’t much that feels better than curling up with a comfy sweatshirt or blanket, starting a fire after the sun goes down, and enjoying a fun night with those you love. (Plus the warmth of the fire will actually feel good).
3. Color
Need I say more? Your monotonous drive down the road to and from school or work every day is replaced by the beautiful colors of the autumn leaves on the trees. Not to mention crunching through leaves every time you step outside. Our daily surroundings suddenly become a work of art.
4. Apple scented EVERYTHING.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I love walking into candle stores and smelling all of the various apple scents that come out in the fall. There’s just something about the scent of apple that’s comforting to me, and if you walk into my apartment (or my car) at any given time during the months of October and November, you’ll likely find something apple scented.
5. Seasonal candies and flavors
Caramel apples, candy corn, pumpkin spice..you get the idea. Now I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of pumpkin spice flavored anything (I know, go ahead, revoke my basic white girl card), but I could probably live off of caramel apples and other various caramel/apple flavored things. There’s nothing like a good, hot cup of apple cider on a chilly fall day.
6. Big sweaters, boots, and cozy blankets
The time of year when we get to trade in our shorts, tank tops, and flip flops for jeans, boots, and sweaters. I don’t know about anyone else, but I find that wearing a soft sweater or cuddling under a comfy blanket is much more appealing than constantly sweating in a tank top and shorts. Plus it’s the beginning of those “I don’t feel guilty about laying in bed watching Netflix all day because it’s gray and chilly outside” days.
7. Fall festivals and haunted houses
This is the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy the various activities that come with the season. Spending a gorgeous fall day picking pumpkins or apples, or riding hayrides are some of my favorite memories growing up. Not to mention Haunted Houses (you know, as long as they’re not too scary).
8. Pumpkin carving
9. Football
I know, not everyone is interested in sports, but if you're a college student (especially at Virginia Tech), you know football season to be a big deal. Waking up at 8am to tailgate, cheering your team on, and overall having fun with friends is what the fun of football season is about. Not to leave out all the NFL games that many people end up watching on TV rather than cheering on from the stadiums.
