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Winter Tallahassee
Winter Tallahassee
Mary
FSU | Life

3 Ways I’m Soft Launching Winter in Tallahassee

Elizabeth Zavardino Student Contributor, Florida State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Once Halloween in Tallahassee comes to a close, I find myself conflicted. Even though there’s technically still a whole month left of fall festivities, I always feel like I need to put up all my holiday decorations and sit by a fire with a hot chocolate in my hand.

Here’s a guide to how I make the switch from trick-or-treating to gift-giving before fall ends.

CHANGING MY APPAREL

Though early November only treats Floridians to a light breeze (if we’re lucky), I still try my hardest to feel as bundled up as possible. On days that allow, a light sweater is the move I make. As long as I can roll up my sleeves, it’s safe to say I’ll be fine. 

However, if the Florida weather decides to be over a nice 75 degrees, I take a different approach. 

I have to wear something light, like a tank top on my commute, but this only applies if I’m outdoors. If I have somewhere to be that day, I always make sure I bring a long-sleeve to throw on top when I get inside; that way I can feel like the seasons are really changing.

Sometimes, I find myself inside, whether that be in bed, on my couch, or doing something productive in the kitchen. On days like this, I try to turn down my air conditioning as much as I can, allowing myself to bundle up in ways I can’t outside.

This way, I can also make a warm drink or watch a movie that’s perfect for the incoming season.

MAPPING OUT EVENTS

Though it may still be a while till winter takes over, Tallahassee still has dates preplanned for its winter festivals and events. The Tallahassee Winter Festival and Holiday Events calendar provides residents of the area with the yearly event details. Though many of them don’t occur until December, it’s nice to have something to look forward to.

When I make my way to my personal calendar, I make sure to personalize it as wintery as possible. I start by creating a separate subsection, as well as choosing a color that gives off the most wintery vibes possible. 

This is also around the time that I try to start planning my personal winter events, asking my friends if they plan on hosting anything and mapping out any parties, such as a cookie decorating night that I want to throw.

TAKING IN THE FINAL MOMENTS OF FALL

In order to feel like a new season is beginning, I have to accept the end of the old one. Even if fall’s not technically ending yet, I can always pretend it is. To do so, I try to head out to see nature during the chillier Tallahassee days.

Heading out in the cold, watching the fall leaves take hold, helps me feel like I’m not in one of the hottest states after all. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is a great place to be one with nature, and Lake Ella, home to shops and markets, is a place that helps me pretend I’m at a winter market the most.

Out of all the places in Florida to pretend it’s really winter, Tallahassee is definitely one of the best. Though it’s not perfect, it lets me pretend winter comes early each year.


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Elizabeth Zavardino

FSU '29

Elizabeth Zavardino is a staff writer at Florida State University’s Her Campus Chapter. She is currently pursuing a Statistics degree, en route to declaring a dual degree in Communications at the end of the semester, as well as minors in English and Mathematics.

Much of her writing reflects her interests in media and pop culture, whether that be a discussion of a current hot topic or an in-depth review of her new favorite thing. Other pieces may focus on her current self-care obsession that keeps her going in both her studies and her social life.

Apart from Her Campus, Elizabeth loves to spend time with her friends. Most of the time, they’ll watch movies together or throw themed get-togethers. In her free time, she enjoys curating new aesthetics with vision boards to apply to her writing and ideas. When she gets a chance to leave her apartment, she loves to explore the Tallahassee area, find new local shops, thrift stores, and things to do at every corner.