Fall in love with fall

The colours of fall (A2A collaborative)

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” F Scott Fitzgerald

​By Erin Postma

As a kid, I loved summer. The days were filled with sandcastle building, ice cream treats and lake swims. Not to mention, there’s no school! Summer was the best! 

Now that I’m a bit older, I find that I get so excited for the end of summer. I get excited by seeing the first red leaves, waking up to the first chilly morning and getting a chance to eat anything labeled ‘pumpkin spice’. Without thought or provocation, I fell in love with fall - and all the beauty that comes with it. 

​Here in the A2A region, fall is an amazing time of the year. We get to experience the many wonders of fall such as the autumn morning fog, the leaves changing and the crisp fall air. Fall is a great time of the year to get outside and enjoy the wonders that come with the season. 

I like to plan a camping trip every fall so I can spend a few days surrounded by the fall colours.  There is something about taking a stroll through a colourful landscape that makes me feel very nostalgic and comforted. The fall colours, those rich reds, warm yellows and vibrant oranges, are colours used in colour therapy to convey positive feelings of fun, cheerfulness and enthusiasm.  And the crunching noise made as you crush the fallen leaves underfoot can be a real smile-maker. 

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Fall foliage in upstate New York

The fall climate makes the outdoors more appealing. The cooler temperatures make the outdoors more inviting, it is not too cold or too hot. The fall air is crisp and cool, which makes getting fresh oxygen easier. And while getting fresh oxygen is important for us to function properly, it also helps with the release of serotonin, which is a happy hormone. Fall also has a certain smell, it is a mix of rain, earth and leaves, and to me it just smells like nature! 

With the weather changing and the sun setting earlier and earlier, it is important to get outside to improve your mental wellbeing. Taking a short walk during the day or sitting outside bundled in a blanket can help improve your mood, reduce stress and help fight off seasonal affective disorder. It is hard not to worry about the upcoming winter, but try to enjoy the fall. Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and get outside while you can! 

With the fall comes so many great outdoor activities. Fall is the best season to go hiking. The beautiful scenery and perfect weather creates ideal hiking conditions. Fall is also a great time to go camping! There are also many outdoor fall activities such as apple picking, visiting a pumpkin pack or going to a corn maze. 

Downeys farm Pumpkin Patch

The best part about getting outside in fall for me is that there are usually less people around. I find it easier to book a camping site, enjoy solitude with nature, see unencumbered views and take photos without people getting in the way. Outdoor spots are usually packed with people during the summer, making them less enjoyable. I find getting outside in fall much less stressful and an overall better experience. 

Fall provides us with many beautiful opportunities to get outside. I hope you all are able to get outside and see the fall colors or enjoy one of the many fun fall activities, or even just sit outside with a nice cozy sweater and a warm drink. If you live in the A2A region I highly encourage you to take a hike or a walk this fall!

Lady enjoying a warm drink on a cold day.