One of the perks of moving to New England from California is finally being able to experience seasons. New England is known to have one of the most beautiful fall seasons and in Southern California, it is basically non-existent. To celebrate my first fall in New England I thought it would be fun to compare my fall traditions from southern California with the new adventures of a real fall in New England!
Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patches PC: Daily Bulletin (http://www.dailybulletin.com/2015/10/09/montclair-plaza-features-country-bumpkins-pumpkin-patch/)
In Southern California we love getting pumpkins, carving jack-o-lanterns, and enjoying crisp apples that are perfect AF this time of year. Usually, our apples come from the local farmer’s market or if you’re super desperate Whole Foods. As for pumpkins, many malls set up “patches” to find the perfect pumpkin. The super cute ones will also have a petting zoo and maybe even kettle corn. PC: Boston Magazine (http://www.bostonmagazine.com/best-apple-picking-near-boston-massachusetts/)
In New England, apple picking is a day’s adventure. There are plenty of farms near Boston where you can spend the day walking through apple orchards and picking apples. They also have warm cider and cider donuts to snack on when you come in from the fields. In addition, many of these farms also have pumpkin patches where you can pick the perfect pumpkin right off the vine!
Sweaters, Scarves, and Boots PC: wheretogetit (http://wheretoget.it/look/296193)
In Southern California people start bringing out the boots and sweaters (well-cropped sweaters) and scarves as soon as October 1st hits despite temperatures still averaging 85 degrees. Many people would rather sweat through the day in a cute maroon turtleneck than actually believe seasons don’t exist. And yes with that turtleneck, they are wearing flip-flops. PC: My cute outfit (https://mycuteoutfits.com/spring-outfits/28/)
In New England sweaters, scarves, boots are SO necessary. Late September is spent stocking up on thick warm sweaters, coats, extra gloves, and maybe another hat while you’re at it. The weather will be totally fine and then you’ll come out of class in early October one day and it will be cold. It is during that hour and twenty-minute class that fall hit and your wardrobe better be prepared!
Fall FunPC: (https://livinginagrownupworld.wordpress.com/tag/fall-at-walt-disney-world/)
In Southern California, the theme parks make up for the lack of fall weather. At Disney fall intertwines with every ride, place, food, and character including the large jack-o-lantern Mickey at the entrance of the park. If you want something a little more on the scary side, Knott’s scary farm or Universal haunted horror nights are always busy during the month of October and are sure to be fun and slightly scary night with friends.
PC: (http://bergmanncornmaze.com)
In New England, there are tons of ways to celebrate fall with your friends. Bonfires are a perfect way to enjoy a brisk autumn night, or grabbing your favorite tea and going for a walk through the changing leaves lets you enjoy the last bit of color before winter sets in. There are also corn mazes and haunted hayrides for some spooky pre-Halloween fun. Or if you think you’re ready to up your Halloween game, you can spend the day in Salem, MA thinking up a witch hunt of your own.
Hallo-Weekend PC: Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/317996423663526093/)
In Southern California Halloween is celebrated in a multitude of ways with local Halloween parties, school Halloween parties, and of course trick or treating (even though your candy melts literally .5 seconds after you get it). In addition to Halloween festivities, Día de Los Muertos is celebrated throughout Southern California with sugar skulls, pan dulce, and traditional colorful and delicately cut flags. PC: See Jane Blog (http://seejaneblog.com/the-magic-of-beacon-hill-on-halloween/)
In New England, Halloween is celebrated in similar fashion. People decorate their houses with spider webs and fake gravestones, and car jack-o-lanterns to display on their porches. One could argue that New England take Hallo weekend pretty seriously due to the influx of college students in the region. Regardless, Halloween in New England is always a much colder night than in Southern California.