Growing up in New Hampshire all my life, once college came around I decided I needed a change. I had 18 years of four seasons, endured my fair share of snowstorms, and was the first to complain about it being too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. Through this, I felt like going south was a good option for me. However, nothing could have prepared me for the lack of fall down once you cross the Mason-Dixon and all that I would miss about October in New England.
1. Pumpkin everything.
You can go to any Starbucks across the country and order a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but it's not the same. There is something so comforting in drinking a hot Pumpkin Spice Latte while being bundled up in fall clothes, or even the smell of pumpkin pie that floods the kitchen when you're walking into your house after a long day. The smell and taste of pumpkin fits in so perfectly with the atmosphere of a northern fall, that it just does not get old. No matter how much you abuse your right to have it between September and November.
2. Fairs every weekend.
Nothing used to get me more excited than finding out we were going to the fair this coming weekend. I would look forward to it for the rest of the week. Even the slightest mention of it distracted me for the time to come. Fairs, as shady as they can be, bring some of the most notable reassurance that fall has arrived. Between the smell of fried foods of all kinds, animals, and the sight of rides in the distance; there are innumerable reasons to love the fair and spending a few days out of the year at them.
3. Fall clothes.
Did I just roll out of bed? Did I try really hard to look like this? Did I wear this yesterday? The world may never know. Fall clothes are the epitome of comfort and style all wrapped into one. It's completely acceptable to wear an oversized sweater with leggings and some boots, because it still looks cute. You haven't done your hair in a week? That's fine because the messy bun completes the "fall look" that everyone is after. It's no wonder that people look forward to fall because looking good is effortless.
4. How pretty it really is.
At least in New Hampshire, we all make fun of the people who visit the state just to look at the foliage. "Leaf peepers" are practically the bane of your existence in the fall, especially if you're planning a trip to the northern part of the state. Despite how much I've made fun of these people for practically my entire life, I can completely understand why they make that effort to go see all the trees and leaves change. The varying hues of orange and red make any afternoon drive remarkably beautiful, no matter what part of the state you're in.
5. The air when you finally know fall is here.
There comes this moment when you wake up and you can just feel it. You suddenly want to stay wrapped up in your blankets because there's a certain chill in the air, but you love it. The first time you walk outside to the cool air is almost refreshing. You've spent hot summer months waiting for the days where you can be comfortable in a sweatshirt and jeans again, and the time has finally come. Fall is finally here.
