This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chapel Hill chapter.

Fall. My favorite time of year. The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping and breaking out those sweaters and boots is just around the corner. To top it all off, my favorite thing about the season is finally in season once more — and what is that, you might ask? Pumpkins. They’re beautiful, wonderful, amazing and so versatile. Everything about them makes my fall just a little bit better, and if you’re wondering what all they can do for you, then here are eight ways you can incorporate pumpkins into your life this fall.

1. Pumpkin carving.

What better way to kickstart your fall than with a little pumpkin carving? This fall classic is the perfect activity to get you into the spirit of the season and provide you with some fun decorations (and memories), all at the same time.

2. Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

Call me crazy (or coffee obsessed), but I am fully convinced that pumpkin spice lattes are the greatest drink creation of all time. Maybe it’s just because they aren’t available year round, or maybe pumpkins actually make for the most amazing flavor that your taste buds could ever hope to be graced with, but either way, I don’t think my fall would be quite right if I couldn’t get a hold of this perfect latte creation. Aren’t pumpkins just the best?

3. Decorating everything with them.

Remember that pumpkin carving that we just talked about? Well, if you take those pumpkins and put a little candle or light inside, then you have created not only a perfect jack-o’-lanter, but also some perfect pumpkin decorations for your doorsteps. If you don’t want to use that, pumpkin decorations can include pretty much anything you can buy for relatively cheap from any store, and these decorations are the perfect way to spice up your fall.

4. Painting pumpkins.

If carving pumpkins isn’t your thing, then maybe painting them is! It’s also a little less messy, makes your pumpkins last longer and is easier to store inside your home if you don’t have anywhere to put any carved pumpkins. Grab some paint and a few pumpkins, and get to creating your fall masterpiece.

5. Baking pumpkin pies, cookies and so much more.

Baking is one of my favorite pastimes, but there’s nothing quite as fun as baking with pumpkins. Pumpkin pies, muffins, cookies and bread are only the beginning. The possibilities are truly endless when you’ve got some pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice and a little imagination (and also an oven, can’t forget that). So grab some pumpkin ingredients and get to baking (and making your entire home smell wonderful).

6. Pumpkin candles.

Pumpkin candles smell absolutely amazing if you love the smell of pumpkins in any way, shape or form. If you don’t want to use a candle, pumpkin scented wax melts work just the same, and they make your dorm, apartment or house smell like you just stepped into a perfectly fall scented department store. Trust me, your nose will thank you later.

7. Going to a pumpkin patch.

There’s really no better way to get into the true spirit of the season without picking out your own pumpkin in a field that is literally full of them. It’s the perfect group activity and the perfect place to take that cute fall picture for your Instagram.

8. Watching pumpkin-inspired movies.

By “pumpkin-inspired” movies, I feel like there’s only one thing I could be referring to, and that one thing is, of course, the greatest pumpkin related movie of all time. It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a classic through and through, and if you’re trying to get into the fall — and pumpkin — spirit, then it’s the best movie for you.

8 Ways to Incorporate Pumpkins Into Your Fall Activities