Growing up in Charleston, I have never understood why people loved fall so much.
It’s hot one day, cold the next, school kicks into high gear, and everything outside turns brown. I’d look at social media and wondered why everyone was obsessed will the trees, pumpkins, and big comfy sweaters, that is, until I came to Winthrop.
First off, I don’t even remember the last time I wasn’t wearing shorts in October. It’s usually still in the mid-seventies until the end of November, with a few cold days in between just long enough to make everyone sick. I have never understood how people were able to wear sweaters and scarves this time of year without passing out from heat exhaustion. Here, though, I am in love with the seasonal style.
There is a whole new type of fall fashion I have never been able to partake in, but I’m so excited to dive in. I love seeing the suede skirts, denim jackets, and jewel tones that grace the campus daily, and I’m constantly finding new inspiration. All of the fall colors look great in pictures, and I don’t have to worry about baking under massive amounts of fabric because it’s under sixty degrees. It’s not exactly fun for my wallet, but I’m making up for eighteen years of deprival!
Also, fall drinks are a thing. I am a coffee fanatic, but usually in the mornings in the cool air conditioning of my room. I could not imagine anyone walking around with a hot drink in the middle of the day. With an actual fall, though, there are endless possibilities for autumnal flavors. As basic as it sounds, Starbucks’ seasonal line is one of my favorite things as of lately. While I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin spice lattes, I am in complete support of anyone that loves them.
There are so many great options for this time of year. Between maple, cinnamon, hazelnut, and so much more, there doesn’t seem to be enough gift cards in the world to support my newfound passion. At home, it’s usually still too hot for jeans, which means hot coffee is a hard no. With the cooler temperatures, though, I can have all of the salted caramel mochas I want without worrying about overheating. The only problem there might just be the sugar intake, but I figure all it’s all worth in the end for the experience.
There are so many seasonal events in the Rock Hill area, and I am absolutely living for them. With countless pumpkin patches, orchards, and fall festivals happening on the weekends, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the festivities. Charleston has a couple of events like these, but it’s nothing in comparison. With just a quick Google search, you can find dozens of autumnal celebrations are in full swing. I’ve only been to one of these events, but I am looking for every moment to attend some more. I love seeing everyone’s pumpkin patch pictures, along with all of fun seasonal snacks that went with them. Even FYE held a fall festival, which is a regular occurrence here at Winthrop that I am so excited to attend again. There were so many great activities, such as pumpkin painting and bowling, that got me in the mood for the season. I honestly don’t understand how everyone isn’t spending all of their weekends enjoying these events and posting about them for the poor girls in the low country that just don’t understand.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, is the fall nature. I’ve already said that it’s hot in Charleston, which means most of the plants dry up to a sad-looking shrivel. I have only ever seen the leaves turn from green to brown, with very little in between. It comes as no shock that I couldn’t fathom the array of colors in the trees on campus. Just on my walk to class today, I felt like a kid taking pictures of all the reds and yellows in the trees. I’m sure everyone on my Instagram is tired of stories about the leaves, but I’m too excited not to share the view.
Autumn in Charleston means that the leaves die and fall to the ground, that’s it. We don’t have to wide range of warm colors that populate the branches and line the sidewalks. The leaves on the grounds are stunning bright colors, and I don’t know how everyone doesn’t take hours fathoming the season. There’s always a crisp breeze in the air, which makes long walks to Dinkins completely worth it. Usually by the time I make it to class I am hot and sweaty, but now going outside is refreshing. Sitting in small classrooms, I can’t help but look out the window and wish I was outside.
This is my first fall ever, and I want to apologize to anyone who has had to put up with my constant excitement about the season. Don’t take this time of year for granted, and take the time to enjoy how wonderful this is. Put together a cute fall outfit and splurge on some coffee to take a nice walk through the scenery Winthrop has to offer.