That’s right, all – The Five is BACK. Lynzi here and I’m ready to throw my five favorite fall things at you as this new school year opens up. Yes, you southerners may get glorious sunrays shining down on you year-round, but I’d never trade in my New York roots strictly because of how much I love the autumn season up north. So here, in no order whatsoever, are my favorite things about the back-to-school months:
1. The Leaves
Let’s be real, nothing is prettier than the leaves changing color right before your eyes – ESPECIALLY in the Ith. Visit the gorges, head to Cass or Stewart Park, and please, PLEASE take a visit to the Ithaca Farmers Market. There is nothing better than sitting on the dock with a hot cider and leaves falling at your feet. Also, orange leaves remind me of orange things, which reminds me of Halloween which makes its appearance in the fall. And who doesn’t love Halloween?
2. TV Shows
So here it is – the obligatory addition coming from a TVR Major. I can’t help but be excited about the fall because HELLO! All of our favorite characters are coming back onto our screens. What am I excited for to come back? Let me give you the abridged version of the list: American Horror Story, Once Upon a Time and of course the new one, Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Actually dreading that I have to wait until February for both Orange is the New Black and Girls.
3. Starbucks
As I sit here and drink my SB Salted Caramel Mocha Latte, I could not be more thankful for Starbucks when September hits. Okay, let’s generalize here – I couldn’t be more thankful for ALL of the foods that come with fall. Apple crisp, pumpkin pie, hot cider and cider doughnuts – what else could you want? So go apple picking and channel your inner Martha Stewart. Or just run down to the nearest Starbucks and pick up your Autumn in a Mug.
4. Sweater Weather is Better Weather
Sweaters, leggings, beanies, scarves and boots – fall fashion is hard to beat when it comes to cuteness and comfort. But hey, don’t go getting sad about putting away your summer wardrobe! (Besides those wedges of course – unfortunately the open-toed corks do NOT pair well with the coming months.) There’s so much you can do with your fashion in the fall weather. Pair that summer mini-skirt with a cute pair of tights, or even those high-waist destroyed shorts with some black tights and boots and you’re ready to hit the town. And don’t forget, the perfect beanie can be the perfect and adorable solution to a bad-hair day.
5. A Season for Sports
Ah, September. The smell of pigskin is in the air. The World Series visits town. All in all, the fall is the best time for my two favorite sports. Nothing beats October baseball, especially when your team is in the playoffs. And if they’re not, you can always use the excuse that it’s football season – no big deal. Break out those jerseys and hot chocolate and head to a game. There’s really nothing like the view from IC’s Butterfield Stadium on a good fall day. Roll Bombers!
Besides the physical beauties that come with the months ahead, the fall is almost like a clean slate for your year to come. Summer has come to an end and a new school year awaits you. Take advantage. This is the time to change things up – from your hairstyle to your habits. As F. Scott Fitzgerald says, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” Embrace it and make this autumn a beautiful one.