We all seem to get excited when the weather starts getting cooler and the leaves start changing colors. It's just a beautiful time of the year filled with so many good things and two great holidays! So here is a list of my favorite things about fall! (And no, this article has no mention of pumpkin spice lattes...)

1. Bonfires!

Who doesn’t love a good s’more?

2. The return of football!

Even though this means living with constant disappointment that the Bengals put me through each season…

3. It is acceptable to wear leggings, bean boots, vests, and all other white girl attire once again.

4. All the leaves changing colors!

5. Hiking in Red River Gorge or the Smokey Mountains where said leaves are beautiful.

6. Cooler temperatures!

I’m finally able to run at practice and not melt into a puddle of sweat!

7. Hot apple cider!

Enough said.

8. All of the pie.

You've got pumpkin, apple, cherry, pecan... the list goes on.

9. Corn mazes!

For some reason I really seem to enjoy these…

10. Pumpkins everywhere.

My school literally has an event called pumpkinmania to demonstrate our love of pumpkins.

11. The general coziness I feel during fall. I just love curling up under my favorite blanket with a good book and some tea.

12. Leaves, leaves, everywhere!

I really just can't get over this one...

13. Halloween: the one holiday where free candy is pretty much a given.

14. That brings us straight to Thanksgiving, aka the holiday celebrated with all the best foods in the world.

Pass the mashed potatoes please?

15. And of course getting to celebrate this holiday with both my family and friends every year!