5 of My Favorite Fall Traditions

The beginning of a new season is always exciting--but there's something special about when the weather begins to cool, the leaves start to change colors, and I can replace my flip-flops with knee-high boots. 

The hustle and bustle of life begins to slow as autumn approaches. This season seems to give us permission to relax a bit more: to cuddle underneath fuzzy blankets, sip on apple cider, and curl up with a good book. 

See? I've always been a fan of this season.
I even insisted on holding this leaf when the picture was being taken, lol =)

And since there are countless of reasons as to why autumn is my favorite season, I have decided to instead list my top five favorite fall traditions:

1) Pumpkin spiced lattes.

photo credit: niseag03 via photopin cc

The taste of a PSL brings back so many autumn memories: visiting family during this time of year, going to the mountains to watch the leaves change colors, sharing coffee with a friend, and even those early days of writing Purple Moon. Although I still adore mochas far more than any other latte, PSL's are more special to me since they only come around once a year. 
2) Reading.

photo credit: T1m0thy77 via photopin cc

Of course, I am always reading a book or two, no matter what time of year it is. But again, autumn seems to be more suited for relaxing and reading. I'm not sure if it's because of the blankets, the fireplace, the hot coffee, or the candles that lure me into picking up a book--but whatever the case, fall is my absolute favorite time of year to curl up with a good book. 

3) Going to the mountains.

photo credit: steviep187 via photopin cc

Since I live only an hour away from the Blue Ridge Mountains, my family goes there almost every year towards the end of October. The view at that time of year is breathtaking. So if you haven't visited, I highly recommend that you do! We usually either find a spot to have a picnic, or we eat at The Dillard House. 

4) Burning Bath & Body Works fall-scented candles. 

photo credit: Send me adrift. via photopin cc

If you are ever hoping to get "more in the mood" for fall, I suggest going to Bath & Body works and looking at (or sniffing) their selection of fall products, especially their candles. They come in a variety of different autumn-related fragrances: pumpkin, toasted marshmallow, apple orchard, caramel pie, etc. {Click here for more!} 

5) Halloween. 

I don't necessarily celebrate Halloween, so instead I go to my cousins' house every year and celebrate fall by participating in pumpkin-carving contests, drinking lattes, playing games, and eating pumpkin chili. 

(Although, honestly, I don't enjoy pumpkin-carving as much as I should ... which you can probably tell by the lack of creativity I put into my pumpkin last year (the one at the top of the picture) -- lol!)  ♡ ♡ ♡
I would love to hear some of your favorite fall traditions! Also, what do you love most about this season? Let me know in the comments!