I was born in Indiana, but right after high school, I moved to Louisiana for college, and from there I spent more than a decade in the South. Which means this year will be my first real fall in 20 years.
Yes, in the South, you kind of “pretend” it’s fall — the pumpkin spice lattes arrive, the farmer’s markets set out their apple cider donuts, and you burn your cinnamon candles… but it’s not the same.
The air is still hot, the leaves don’t really change, and by October, you’re more likely to be sweating in a t-shirt than crunching through leaves in a sweater.
When I was looking for a place to move, I knew I wanted to be somewhere that experienced all four seasons.
I was tired of the year-long heat and the chaos that comes with Southern cities trying to manage even the slightest bit of ice.
Now, here I am — in arguably one of the best spots for fall weather and foliage. And before winter storms in, I want to soak up every minute of this season.
My Fall Bucket List
To be honest, I had to really think about what people do during the fall.
It’s been so long since I’ve lived somewhere with a proper season change. However, between the fall bucket list I created for my Etsy shop and some tips from locals, I compiled my own list.
So far, I’ve:
🍎 Lit an apple-scented candle (with tobacco and pumpkin scents waiting in the stash).
🍎 Gone to the farmer’s market for seasonal goodies (and will keep going)!
🍎 Opened my windows each morning to feel the change in the air.
On deck, I’m planning to:
🍁 Take lots of pictures of the fall foliage.
🍁 Treat myself to fall-colored manicures and pedicures.
🍁 Make tortilla soup (a favorite!) and red beans and rice (a cozy reminder of the South).
🍁 Drink hot apple cider & have at least one cider donut.
🍁 Wear cozy sweaters.
🍁 Watch football with a bowl of chili.
🍁 Curl up with a book from the library (and finally start The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham).
🍁 Watch spooky or seasonal shows like the new season of Only Murders in the Building, the Dexter spinoffs, and Yellowjackets.
🍁 Enjoy seasonal drinks (coffee, beer, tea, and more!)
And of course:
- Just keep getting outside. Since moving here, I set a goal to go outdoors every single day. So far, I haven’t broken my streak — and I want to keep it going as the weather turns cooler so I can truly appreciate the change of the seasons.
A Little Nostalgia
Growing up in Indiana, I took fall completely for granted. I didn’t know any other way. In fact, when I heard that people traveled to Indiana (or other parts of the Midwest) to see the fall colors, I thought it was silly. Why would anyone do that? The leaves just did that every year.
Now I know better. Not every part of the country gets a true fall — the kind with crisp mornings, trees that burst into color, and that magical transition from summer’s chaos to winter’s hibernation.
It feels like such a gift to get to experience it again, and this time I won’t be taking it for granted.
What types of things are you doing to celebrate the season? I’d love to get some more ideas for my list!
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