(The Verge) – Halloween candy starts to take over grocery stores and the aroma of warm cinnamon apple can be detected for miles. That’s right, the final hot days of the year are over and autumn has arrived. Although it may be time to pack your flip flops away and say goodbye to those thermometer busting beach days, the cooler months bring their own slew of adventures. If you are someone who cringes at the thought of colder weather, these five highlights of fall just might change your mind:
- Football Season
Pick your favorite team and take advantage of those few months out of the year to have a guaranteed weekly get together with friends and family. Even if you are still perfecting your understanding of the sport, a football game is always a great reason to throw a party. Break out your best snacks and don’t skimp on the guacamole!
- Pumpkin Everything
Donuts, pudding, bagels, and lattes, you name it, it can probably be pumpkin-ized. The pumpkin fever is often anticipated and hard to let go of once it’s here. If you’re not ready to transform your pantry into a mini pumpkin heaven, start off by taste testing a pumpkin cookie or muffin. Make it your goal to try a new pumpkin product every week to really get into the fall spirit!
- Fashion
Admit it, you have been missing your plaid button down shirts ever since you packed them away for the summer. This prevalent fall necessity is perfect for guys and girls to wear when the temperature begins to drop. Pair them with dark wash jeans and roll up the sleeves for an effortless, yet stylish look.
- Hot Coffee
Even if you drank hot coffee all summer (guilty!) you will no longer get strange looks from people behind their iced beverages. Kick start your morning with your favorite coffee, hold the ice, and add a dash of cinnamon to spice up your day. Invest in a reusable travel mug so that you can bring your own coffee from home just the way that you like it.
- Holiday Season
Cue the costume parties and sweet treats! Fall marks the beginning of the holiday months and even stores have trouble keeping up with the next celebration. While Halloween is first in line, Thanksgiving and Christmas are not far behind. Try to plan festivities ahead of time for each holiday so that you can get the most out of this special time.
If you were feeling anxious about saying goodbye to summer, hopefully these enticing reminders have got you feeling more optimistic. Before you book that plane ticket to a warmer destination, go participate in one or two of these cool weather staples. The pumpkin craze won’t last forever, so take advantage of it while you can!
