Fall Back into Autumn

Contrary to surveys, Fall is our #1 season (move aside Spring!). The best sights, smells, events all happen during this time of year. Hiking through Aspen, Colorado for the best foliage/leave colors, apple picking in Virginia, or the crisp air walking through the urban landscape in NYC. What marks the start of this season?

Over the years Pumpkin Spice has become the flavor of the season. Speculation of who started the trend swirls around Starbucks with their PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) in 2003. But one thing can’t be denied, the return of this notable flavor tells everyone it’s time for extra layers and cozy moments indoors. Make your own pumpkin spice so you can have this on hand to add whenever you want:  3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves.

Fall is peak time for apples which results in apple picking, warm apple cider, apple pies and more. Depending on the varietal, apples are usually picked during September or October. How can you tell it’s ready to be plucked from the tree? Firm, crisp, juicy and well colored. Best thing is you only have to travel about an hour outside of Manhattan to test your skills: Wightman Farms. Bonus: you can pick your pumpkin for Halloween.

With the weather change, so do the leaves. Ever wonder the science behind why they change colors? Us either! But if you want a fun fact for trivia night it’s due to the chlorophyll interacting with the sunlight. As the days grow shorter and less sun is present, the chlorophyll changes the leaves to red, orange, and yellows. No need to travel all the way to Aspen for picturesque  foliage. Just walk the streets of New York City lined with brownstones and colorful trees raining leaves onto the sidewalks.

Whether you call it fall or autumn, you can’t deny there is something magical and comforting about the seasons changing.