With the leaves beginning to change and the temperature starting to drop, the fireplaces turn on, the boots are polished, and the knit sweaters come out from the closet. It’s time for fall, ladies and gentlemen, and I couldn’t be more excited.

Fall is my favorite time of year for many reasons. For the simple seasonal beauty, zero judgment for three cups of hot chocolate a day, the afternoon cuddles on a chilly Sunday afternoon, and many more reasons, fall is absolutely wonderful. But there is one reason in particular that makes fall my favorite: it’s a beautiful picture of new beginnings.

I can still remember my first fall at the Forest. A pool of crisp, colorful leaves with every step, one couldn’t help but {fall} deeper in love with Wake Forest, (see what I did there?!).Yet, it isn’t just our beautiful campus that paints a perfect fall picture of warm yellows and rich reds, but Winston-Salem as well. So my fellow Deacs, don’t let this season pass you by without taking the time to dive into the vastness of its beauty. Here’s a list of my top-ten “must” Winston-Salem fall activities:

Slip on those hiking boots, grab a Patagonia fleece, and pack a picnic for fun-filled afternoon of beautiful scenery and hiking!

What's a real fall season without an afternoon of apple picking?! Head on down to good ol' Kernersville for the perfect fall festivity!

3. Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Camino

All right, this may be a total "basic" girl move but for real... Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Oh. My. Yum. And make it a Winston-Salem specialty by heading down to Camino!

4. A Saturday Trip to Old Salem

Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats a fall trip to Old Salem. Honestly, the pictures speak for themselves. This one is an absolute must!

5. Weekend Trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway

It may be a few hours... But it's definitely worth it. A trip to the Boone in fall will definitely have you appreciating the incomparable beauty of North Carolina.

6. Kersey Valley Corn Maze

A corn maze in the midst of fall is silly, childlike, and too fun. A definite recommendation for an afternoon or night fall activity!

7. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread Mix… ‘Nuff said

Okay... This stuff is actually heaven on earth. Too cold to spend the day outside? Curl up in sweaters, turn up the fireplace, and heat up the oven!

8. Morning Stroll Down Reynolda

No need to drive to Boone or down to Old Salem... Take a morning stroll down the Reynolda trails to see the beauty of the Forest right outside your door!

9. Dixie Classic Farmers Market

With the Dixie Classic Fair right around the corner... I couldn't be more excited for its fun festivities. But with that, don't forget about the awesome Farmers Market they host too!

10. Kernersville Oktoberfest

Well, we may not be in Germany with all our lovely #DeacsAbroad... But why not bring the festivity of Oktoberfest home to Winston-Salem?!