My friends and I made caramel apples last Sunday. Photo by Courtney LeMay
By Courtney LeMay
Fall is a highly underrated season, at least in my opinion. I spend too much time mourning the loss of summer and dreading the coming of winter that I forget to really appreciate autumn. But what exactly is so great about fall? I’m glad you asked.
- Leaves. Their brightly colored fall appearance makes leaves great for crafts, photos and simply to make your walks all the more enjoyable. And what could be more fun than jumping into a pile of leaves? Nothing. That’s what.
- The food. I’ve heard it said that everything is more delicious in the fall. Now I’m not sure I can wholeheartedly agree, but I can definitely see where they’re coming from. Soup weather has just started; apples are simply begging for some caramel, and don’t even get me started about apple cider. Which brings me to my next point…
- Pumpkins. From the pumpkin patch to your front porch—or even to your table—pumpkins are one of my favorite things this season. Gourds are grand, but pumpkins really take the cake. And the muffins and the pie and the rolls and…I think you get the idea. And some of my favorite childhood memories are from picking pumpkins with my family at Huber’s winery and farm in Starlight, Ind.
- Bonfires. Last time I hosted a bonfire at my house, you could see the fire for miles [see below]. My friends called it the “Asteroid Fire,” and we may or may not have burned some furniture… But that’s a different story entirely. Bonfires are an important part of the fall experience: keeping warm while telling stories with some friends, occasionally making funny faces when the smoke blows in your eyes. Of course, bonfires don’t have to be that intense to be enjoyable… (actually, they probably should never be that intense.)
- Sweaters. “It’s cardigan weather,” I told my best friend the other day, using my best Peanuts character voice. (He promptly made fun of me.) But fall is most definitely the time for sweaters, cardigans, vests and jackets—you know, all those cute and warm things you wait all year to wear.
So go on; don your best cold-weather apparel and celebrate all the fun fall has to offer!
Behold: the asteroid fire. Photo by Courtney LeMay
Fountains of Youth 