It’s that time of the year again! Although Christmas is still quite a ways away, (90 days but who’s counting?) the Fall season is finally upon us. Although I am a die-hard beachgoer, I still really enjoy the change of season when the weather cools down, and the air gets crisp. The natural essence of the fall season just has an indescribable way of making you want to snuggle up in a cozy sweater or a hoodie and spend time with family and friends. It could be somewhat related to the fact that this time of the year is also the holiday season and you tend to spend it surrounded by loved ones (or a bottle of rosé, but no judgment here). Even though your bikinis have to find a way to the back of your closet as the season gets colder, there are ways to lift you out of the post-summer funk and truly PUNT you into the fall spirit!
1. PSL Cleanse
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You cannot whole-heartedly get into the Fall spirit without pumpkin spice flowing through your veins. If you’re anything like me, you live and breathe coffee but only when it’s iced. So, bundle up in your favorite oversized hoodie, and raid your nearest Starbucks for that classic Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte. Lifehack: ask for light ice, then you get more coffee. Boom.
2. Ginger Snaps
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I’m sorry but you’re lying if you try to deny ever trying one of these cookies. Taking a bite out of one of these cookies is essentially stuffing the entire season of fall into your mouth- and who wouldn’t love that? Whether you’re enjoying them homemade, or out-of-the-box, they are always a fall staple. Take your cookies to an entirely new level by topping them with cream cheese, thank me later.
3. Football Tailgates
Photo by: Macy Nowakowski
Remember back in high school when Friday nights in the fall consisted of attending the school football games out on the field illuminated by lights and the sky speckled with stars? Now Friday nights consist of trying not to blackout at Bents so you can still down lugnuts post happy hour. Luckily, you can still get into the fall spirit either at tailgates for your favorite NFL/school football team (go terps!) or cozying up and watching them on T.V. (go cheeseheads!)
4. Pumpkin Picking
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Why do we pay money to sit in the back of a greasy tractor on dirty piles of hay that drops us off in a field in order to sift through grimy bulbous vegetables that we take home, cut open, which then ultimately rot on our porches?….because it’s FUN! Nothing truly gets me more in the fall spirit than parading through a pumpkin patch with my sister to find the perfect pumpkin.
5. Pumpkin Carving
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Spooky season is just around the corner, which means it’s never too early to start getting ~spooky~. I tend to take my pumpkin carving on the more traditional route and aim for a semi-symmetrical happy face. But hey, maybe this year I’ll amp it up to test my skills by paying homage to my hero, Post Malone. Suggestions are welcome! Aside from gazing at your completed ~spooky~ masterpiece, the best part about carving pumpkins is probably eating the pumpkin seeds. The easiest/best recipe for them can be found here.
6. Attend a Fall Festival
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Back in my hometown, there was an annual Fall Festival in which everyone would walk around the main street enveloped by the intoxicating aroma of warm pumpkin bread, apple cider donuts, spiced cookies, and sweet caramel apples, while slowly sipping on hot apple cider. The main street would be clustered with little pop-up vendors and shops, as well as live music and fun games. In many towns, there are seasonal markets that pop up for the entirety of Autumn! Close to Colly P, The Merrifield Fall Festival is on Sept. 28th in Fairfax, VA.
7. Build a Bonfire
Ah yes, the old familiar smell of a crackling bonfire dancing through the air on a cool autumn night. Sitting under the stars in beat-up lawn chairs with all of your friends, soaking up the atmosphere. Does it get any better than this? Just make sure to sit in the opposite direction of that cool flowing air- you don’t want to get a face full of smoke.
8. Watch Seasonal Favorites
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With all the countless activities there are during the day in the fall, it’s no wonder that the best way to unwind at night is cozying up on the couch in front of the T.V., clutching a bag of Kettle Corn Boom Chicka Pop. Confession: my sister and I are suckers for Hallmark movies. Doesn’t matter the season, Hallmark has you covered. For the autumn season check out Hallmark classics like Harvest Love, Love Struck Cafe, A Harvest Wedding, and Pumpkin Pie Wars. If you want to stick to the more traditional route, my seasonal favorites also include Its The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Halloweentown, and Hocus Pocus.
9. Breakout Your Hoodies & Sweaters!
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Putting on your (or your ex’s that you stole years ago and still refuse to give back) favorite oversized hoodie is a security blanket that you didn’t even realize you needed until you’re wearing it. Plus, with midterms looming overhead in the near future- we all need as much comfort as we can get.
10. Blasting Autumn Music
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Ask any of my friends-or honestly anyone who knows me, and they will tell you that I am undoubtedly a music junkie. I cannot survive a single day without listening to music somehow. My playlists usually change along with the change of season in order to adequately match the ~vibes~. The best way to truly appreciate a song is to drive with your windows down and play it as loud as your eardrums deem humane. Some great songs to listen to in the Fall include Autumn Leaves by Ed Sheeran, Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day, October by Alessia Cara, and Charlie by Mallrat.