Fall is a wonderful time of year. This year in particular, I could not wait for the humid months of summer to blossom into the windy, orange, pumpkin-filled season of fall. So here are 5 things about fall that I absolutely love.

1. Leaves changing

I've come to appreciate this one more as I've gotten older. While driving through the roads of New Hampshire or Vermont or Connecticut, I always take notice of the gorgeous ruby red and eccentric orange leaves that seem to multiply all at once when October rolls around. It is a beautiful transition into the harsh months of winter, easing us all into the cold little by little.

2. Apple pie

There is something about apple pie that makes it feel like fall. I typically don't eat apple pie throughout the year, the first apple pie that I eat each year is usually sometime in October. We have a tradition in my family of making apple pies at my grandparents' house in New Hampshire every October, and it is always a great kick off to the season.

3. Apple cider and doughnuts

Yes, apples are a big part of fall. But fall is the best time of year to get fresh apples and fresh, hot apple cider. Apple picking is a tradition for many, and there is nothing like sitting on your couch at the end of the day, bundled up watching a movie, drinking a hot mug of sweet apple cider and munching on an exceptionally crispy golden delicious apple. I think we really take apples for granted during the other 11 months of the year.

4. Clothing

Flannels, jeans, boots, fuzzy scarves...fall is fashion central, for both men and women. I, personally, adore fall attire because it's not only in style, but it's also so comfortable. Walking to class in my purple leather jacket with a cozy, red plaid flannel and a circle scarf covering my neck is nothing short of incredibly comfortable. I'm not hot, nor am I too cold; for the first time in months, my body feels perfectly comfortable being outside for an extended period of time.

5. Hiking

Fall is the perfect time of year to go hiking. Being a newly avid hiker myself, I look forward to hiking in cooler weather after doing hikes in the hot summer. The top of a mountain is the perfect spot to observe the gorgeous foliage that transforms summer into fall and turns the planet all shades of orange and red.

Be sure to enjoy the beauty of fall before the bitter cold of winter settles in. Fall never lasts long enough so it's essential to take in and appreciate in all of the pumpkins, trees, ciders, pies, and leaves.