School is back in session and people all over the nation are falling back into a normal routine. Vacation is over and we are all left waiting for whatever is next and hoping there are things to look forward to. Although it is not long days spent on the beach with loved ones, the season of fall does have many exciting things to offer. Since summer is coming to a close, let’s mentally prepare for all the great things to come this fall.

1. Football

The outdoor sport that begins with fans wearing shorts and tank tops and ends with them wearing ski jackets and beanies. College football begins Labor Day weekend and carries us straight through fall and into winter. Prepare for excitement, upsets, trash talk, buffalo chicken dip and football parties.

2. Outdoor dates/adventures

Arguably the best weather for hiking, picnics, Enoing (to Eno somewhere) and playing outdoor sports. Fall also ushers in activities such as apple picking and pumpkin carving. Grab a significant other or friend and make the most of these fall activities while the chilly weather only requires you wear a light cardigan.

3. Sweater weather (in more ways than one)

Fall has the best clothes. It's time to pull out the plethora of cardigans we all stashed away for the summer. Boots and sweaters are not only fashionable, they're also cozy. You don't have to stop at sweater weather outside, thanks to Bath & Body Works, you can now bring sweater weather into your home. The most amazing fall scent you can imagine is waiting for you, just visit B&BW and put a down payment on a candle or wait until it goes on sale.

4. The county fair

The lights, the sounds, the food and the rides all create a uniquely traditional experience. From my childhood, the arrival of the fair has marked the start of school and the beginning of chillier weather. The fair is known for rides that induce screams, laughter and squishing your ride partner. For those who don't enjoy fast rides, the fair has many slow sight-seeing rides, competitive games and delicious foods to provide anyone with an enjoyable experience.

5. All of the shows are back

Most traditionally running television programs will be starting back this September so get ready to catch up with all of our favorite characters. Popular returning shows include:

"Dancing with the Stars" (9/12)

"American Horror Story" (9/14)

"The Big Bang Theory" (9/19)

"The Voice" (9/19)

"Scream Queens" (9/20)

"New Girl" (9/20)

"Modern Family" (9/21)

"Survivor" (9/21)

"How to Get Away with Murder" (9/22)

" Grey's Anatomy" (9/22)

"Once Upon a Time" (9/25)

"Criminal Minds" (9/29)

6. Fall foods

From pies to hearty soups, fall foods are bound to make your taste buds thankful. Caramel apples and homemade pumpkin pies are tasty treats. Chili will become a staple at fall gatherings, as well as our gratitude for a warm cup of coffee each morning. For the Chick-fil-A lovers, chicken tortilla soup hits the menu again in early October.

7. Halloween

The movies and costumes that are bound to make us squeal. Haunted houses will be open the entire month of October and new scary movies will fill the box offices. It is also a time to enjoy some of the classics: "Friday the 13th", "Halloween", "Hocus Pocus" and "Halloweentown". Enjoy the fun-loving night and remember you are never too old to wear a costume.