As of 10:29 p.m. last night it is officially fall. That means nothing for me as it’s basically spring/summer year round down here in the south. I know Florida isn’t “technically” the south (considering customs, demographics, etc), but just play along…
There are many things I love about living in Florida. The proximity to the beach, the weather half of the year, the sunshine and the friends I’ve made. One of the things I don’t love? The lack of seasons. Even though I’ve lived in Florida the longest out of any other place (5.5 years!), I will always consider myself from the Northeast. I spent 10 consecutive years in the Northeast, 10 of my most formative years. It was my childhood.
Over 5 years later I still miss the change of seasons, specifically fall. It was my favorite growing up and still my favorite now. There’s something about the crisp air, the leaves changing colors, and seasonal food that warms my heart (lame, but true). But just because the weather may not be ideal, I still make the most of my favorite season. Even though I can’t go apple picking or run in the cool temperatures, and I don’t like pumpkin flavored everything, there are a few things I do to bring fall to Florida.
Sights during a run up north last Thanksgiving
Buy holiday scented candles. I’m already done with the one I bought a few weeks ago and I have my eye on this one…
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Enjoy slow-cooked, homemade meals. Roasted turkey and food cooked in a dutch oven are my favorite soul-filling meals. Here are a few recipes I want to try…
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Carve pumpkins and roast seeds. So many people here paint pumpkins, but I will always carve mine. Roasted pumpkin seeds lightly sprinkled with salt = addicting.
My friend and I carved these a few years ago
I turn up the A/C during football games. It goes without saying that I love football, but sometimes I like to pretend it’s actually “football weather” and wear my sweats and hoodies without sweating.
Keep up family traditions. I’m going home in mid-October for fall break and I’ve already insisted that my family wait for me to carve pumpkins. We often go on family bike rides, runs or hikes, as that’s something we used to do up north in the fall.
Plan a trip up north. Well this is easier said than done, obviously ($$). I’m lucky that I have 2 trips on my schedule this year…one for the marathon (!!) and one for Thanksgiving. It will probably be too late in the season for apple picking though.
Maybe after graduation I’ll spend a few years up north, but until then, I will continue costing my parents money on electricity and keep my apartment at 65 degrees. Kidding. BUT while I may be jealous of all you northerner’s for the next 3 months, come January 1 I’ll be taking reservations for you to visit me on the beach :)
No…….please let me stay with you….or we can switch places for the winter. I’m already during in the cold now and its only September!
I would switch with you until January 1 ;)
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m in a similar situation — I’m from Pennsylvania but just moved to Austin, TX for work. I miss the traditional things about fall, but I hope to incorporate some of these things as well to make it feel a little more fall-y! I’m also going to decorate my apartment with all my fall decor from college!
Bring fall to you- wherever you live :) Maybe Austin has some fall events/festivals that you can attend!
I couldn’t imagine not having fall! Although you’re right, come January, I’m ready for the beavh.
When January 1 hits I’m very happy to live in Florida. I guess I should be a snow bird!