The 10 Best Things About Autumn

Disclaimer: I'm a Californian who went to college in Boston. Though New Englanders may be SO over people harping on about changing foliage and crisp air, it all still feels new to me. Here are 10 reasons why fall is my favorite.

1. Everything about Mr. Autumn Man.

2. The Beginning of "Vest Weather"

We all know about "sweater weather." However, prior to the kind of cold that has you yearning for cashmere and wool comes the brisk chill that makes you want to keep your core warm but your arms bravely out and about. This, my friends, is vest weather. And it is something that you, along with Patagonia and L.L. Bean (both makers of fine vests), should celebrate.

3. Leaf-Peeping

Autumn leaves are one of the most beautiful things on the planet. Ridiculous name aside, nothing says fall quite like "leaf-peeping", when tourists visit Vermont, New Hampshire and other especially colorful states in search of fall foliage. Bonus: supporting the tourist economies, because it is impossible to go leaf-peeping without buying cider or trinkets.

4. Seasonal Hot Drinks

In geographic locations where the fall is marked by cold air and possible rain, drinks like Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Chaider (Chai + Cider = Chaider) are a fantastic perk of the weather getting cooler.

5. Seeing Peoples' "True Colors"

By October in New England the summer tans have faded. There is something lovely about an entire population who can no longer hide behind bronze skin and blonde highlights. In New England it is just you, your winter (read: chapped, pale) skin, and the harsh, cloud-reflected light. It's not pretty, but it just feels so authentic!

6. Decorative Gourds

For anyone who hasn't read this classic piece celebrating fall: I encourage you to do so now. Fall means decorative gourd season, and that is a truly exciting thing.

7. Pumpkin-Flavored Ales

One could drink these anywhere, but it's more fun to drink them in a bar in Boston, Massachusetts or Portland, Maine — preferably with the sugar coating that some bartenders put on the glass rims.

8. Apple Picking & Corn Mazes

These, often enough, go together. They are family-friendly, incredibly relaxing, and a great opportunity for Instagramming.

9. Playoff Baseball

There's something about cheering on your home team, scarf wrapped around your neck, balancing a beer in one hand and a hot dog in the other.

10. It's Romantic

Did you know fall is, biologically speaking, the sexiest season? I'm not making this up.