I always loved back to school, and now as a 20-something, I love fall even more for the low energy bills, family meals I don't have to prepare or purchase and I'm not drenched in sweat from my bike ride to work. The season has a way of making you reminisce about traditions, rituals and quirky fall activities you always loved as a kid. Here's a few of each that I think will help bring a smile to your face as we come to the end of our summer days.
1. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
I'm not a huge Starbucks drinker but, as a female, I think it is in my blood to crave pumpkin spice lattes. Really, pumpkin flavoured anything is irresistible to me. Luckily I literally have 10 months until I need my summer body again.
2. Fall Fashion
Knit sweaters, knee high socks, boots, light jackets and jeans. Finally, a season where I neither have to peel off my jeans after a day in the hot sun or freeze through them.
3. Everything is Colourful
My favourite fall drive is down the Don Valley at the end of September. The reds, yellows and oranges of the trees are so romantic. Try heading down to Evergreen Brickworks for a nice trail walk with a boy or a pup, or head over to the Niagara Escarpment for a hike to release work related stress. The smell and beauty of the forest really does leave you completely relaxed. I highly recommend this for any fellow event planners. The fall season really knows how to make the event world chaotic.
4. THE FOOD AND BEER
Anything to do with Thanksgiving dinner, including fall veggies like squash and parsnip, even fresh gala apples, makes my mouth water. Restaurants are always concocting delicious new fall dishes while Mill Street filters a dangerously smooth tasting beer infused with fall favourites such as pumpkin and vanilla. Make sure to hit up their pub in the Distillery before the season ends and look for their Vanilla Porter in any LCBO or Beer Store.
5. Watching dogs run through piles of leaves
I can watch dogs be idiots for hours. My little guy LOVES when I kick piles of leaves while he jumps through them, catching as many leaves as he can in his mouth. How could strolling by a leaf crazed dog not bring a smile to your face?!
6. The subway doesn't smell like B.O
Summer subway rides really get exhausting, especially when you can't name the smell in the air. I've smelt everything from popcorn to literally a dirty public washroom while crammed into a single subway cart. Thank the Lord, subway B.O is finally gone! (Until next summer...)
7. Apple picking and hay rides
A little corny but such a childhood favourite. Even as a 20-something, I still enjoy heading out to Chudleigh's Apple Farm for apple picking and the hay maze as well as their outstanding apple cider and addictive apple blossoms.
8. Halloween
Halloween is hands down the best day in the world. I love eating candy, scaring children and dressing up. Plus, wearing a costume gives you an excuse to drink in public.
9. All your favourite shows restart
Except Orange is The New Black. Not fair!
10. Baking
Well, if my friends were hoping to stay thin this fall season, they are down on their luck. For the months of September and October, you will find me in my kitchen baking pumpkin flavoured everything, from cupcakes to cookies, as well as apple pie and coffee infused desserts.
Yes, no more beaches and crop tops BUT this also means no more butt checks hanging out of shorts and dresses flying up when the wind blows a heavy breeze. I think we can all be thankful for that.
Happy fall everyone!
Jazz