Filling the huge shoes summer leaves behind cannot be an easy task, but somehow Fall manages to wiggle its way into our hearts and makes us almost forget how much we miss those hot months. From the middle of September to the end of November we are given some of the most magnificent things we experience throughout the year.

Here are some of the greatest things about Fall:

1. The Leaves Changing

No one can deny how absolutely gorgeous this scientific phenomenon makes the trees around us.

2. Apple picking

It is one of falls great traditions to go out into an orchard to pick the brightest, shiniest apples off of the seemingly never ending line of trees until the basket is just too heavy to carry. Not to mention all of the cute, artsy Instagram pics you can gather.

3. Pumpkin carving

Regardless if you are a pumpkin expert or a blundering amateur this fall activity is fun for everyone. I mean would it really be Fall if your little brother didn’t try to throw pumpkin guts at you?

4. Fall Fashion

From riding boots to sweaters to scarves and flannels it is near impossible to not look adorable during Fall.

5. Football season

This timeless American classic is a key part of Fall and gives everyone an excuse to use Sunday as the day where calories don't count. Here in Happy Valley we know that without Fall there would be no football, and we love our football.

6. Apple Cider

Hot cider keeps us warm on those chilly fall nights and chilled cider is the perfect drink for during the day, either way it’s the trademark drink of the season.

7. Thanksgiving

This holiday goes far beyond the copious amount of food it is known for, it is really about reminding us all to be thankful for what we are #blessed to have in our lives such as our family.What could be better than that?

8. Halloween

This was a very close second to Christmas while growing up and even now that trick-or-treating is a thing of the past it is still a fun night where you get to be whomever you want.

9. Pumpkin Spice Everything

As much as everyone loves to hate on all the different variations of this flavor, we all have to admit that we love the first PSL of the season.

10. The Weather

Not hot enough to sweat buckets walking to class, but still not cold enough to die of hypothermia… What a time to be alive!

11. Hay Rides

There is something about sitting on a bale of hay being pulled by a tractor in a big circle with friends that is tons of fun.

12. Closer to the Holiday season

No matter what holiday you celebrate Winter is the “most wonderful time of the year” and Fall just reminds us that we are so close to it!

13. Baking Endless Treats

Pies of all kinds, cookies, cakes and everything in between Fall is an amazing time to bake and fills your house with fun snacks as well as great smells.

14. The First Snowfall

This usually happens sometime in November and is always the most beautiful snowfall of the year. It’s the one we all treasure and love before we are sucked into the polar vortex that is the dead of winter.