Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, fall was a bit of a diva: It dressed to impress and had quite the attitude. Stepping outside, you couldn’t miss the frosty nip in the air or the fiery vortex of reds, oranges, and yellows raining from the sky. When the trees dropped trou, it was time to layer up and by the time pumpkin spice lattes rolled out, all summer clothes had disappeared.
In Houston, however, seasons are a bit trickier. No longer the northern diva, this southern season slips in unannounced. Somewhere near the end of October, as the thermometer grudgingly drops toward 80, brisk mornings begin to stretch into cooler afternoons. As the Halloween decorations start to scare the humidity away, it seems our favorite season is on its way. So whether you're shivering up north or just beginning to bundle up down South, here are seven reasons why fall is the best time of the year.
1. You can finally wear jeans and sweaters without getting heat stroke.
Bye-bye, short shorts, and hello, layers.
2. Being out in nature.
From hiking in the hills to raking up piles of leaves, every outdoor activity is better in fall. Wanna take a selfie? This season is totally #NoFilter.
3. Everything is delicious.
From caramel apples to savory stews, all of your favorite fall foods are fresh from the harvest. Feeling juicy? Snag a honey crisp. Cold night? Heat it up with some butternut squash.
4. Warm drinks.
From a piping-hot cup of cocoa to your favorite cinnamon spice latte, fall is a time for festive flavors and getting cozy with your favorite mug.
5. Pumpkins and Jack-O’-Lanterns
Honestly, who doesn’t love a pumpkin? Be they short and squat, or glowing with a face, there’s something irresistible about our favorite fall gourd.
6. The decorations.
From scarecrows and hay bales, to ghosts and goblins, fall decorations have a way of getting everyone into the holiday spirit.
7. The holidays.
From the autumn equinox on, every kid -- be they in kindergarten or college -- counts down the days to Halloween. What could be better than dressing up in a wacky costume and getting free candy? (Meal plans are great, but they don't include Snickers.) Once your sugar high ends, it's time for another fall favorite: home-cooked meals, family time, and a well-deserved Thanksgiving break.
