Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year. In North Carolina, it can sometimes seem like we don't get to truly experience a 'real' fall. Temperatures are always fluctuating back and forth, and we have to keep our summer clothes out until January. I welcome the first sign of cool air, though, and once the air turns crisp, it puts me in the mood for full on fall. Whether or not the temperatures agree with the current season, My family is making a list of our favorite things about fall, and we're going to try to do as many activities as we can.

Here are some of our favorite things about fall...

Long sleeves and sweaters

We all love cozying up in comfy, oversized clothing like chunky sweaters. Add in a soft blanket, and we're all set for a cozy night in.

Trips to the NC mountains

We're blessed to live just a couple of hours away from some of the nation's most beautiful mountain ranges. The Blue Ridge Mountains are gorgeous throughout the year, but especially during fall. Peak leaf viewing weekends will soon be coming up, and we hope to take a ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the fabulous fall color display.

Fall holidays

I can't deny my love for fall holidays. I love decorating for them and enjoying them with my family. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year because the entire family gets together and simply enjoys being together without any stress.

Trips to the Pumpkin Patch

We always love visiting Patterson Farm and going through their pumpkin patch so the kids can choose their own pumpkins. They also offer activities like a hayride, maze, petting zoo, and more. It's the perfect way to spend the day with family.

Fall beverages

I would say that I love pumpkin spice everything, but in truth, I just love any excuse to enjoy fall flavors. My latest craze is the Maple Pecan Iced Coffee from Dunkin Donuts.

Carolina Ren Fest

One of the things we look forward to the most every fall is heading to the NC Renaissance Festival. Hosted in Huntersville, NC, the festival runs through October and November. We usually try to go one or two weekends before Halloween so the kids can dress up and participate in trick-or-treating around the festival. 

Fall Fashion

Okay, this is a favorite of mine, not really the rest of the family. Give me boots, boots, and more boots! My summer wardrobe knows that I prefer my fall/winter wardrobe. I tell it not to be too jealous.

Nature walks

I enjoy taking the kiddos on nature walks during the fall. Even if we just take a quick walk to our neighborhood park, we enjoy walking through the neighborhood and collecting leaves for DIY and craft projects.

Fall beach trips

I know what you're probably thinking- why go to the beach during the fall? In October and November, the weather is still usually nice enough to go out on the beach and walk through the water. If you're lucky enough to get a really warm day, you might even be able to do some swimming. Hubby and I particularly love the beach during the fall, because we spent a week at one of our favorite NC beaches for our honeymoon 10 years ago.

Halloween Festival and Parade

Every Halloween, our neighborhood hosts a community Halloween Festival with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, parade, and more. Local food trucks come and offer their tasty treats, and the kids just have an absolute ball. I look forward to Halloween more and more each year!

Of course, there are lots of other reasons to love fall, and these are just a few of mine.

What are some of your favorite things about fall? I'd love to hear your comments.

Have a happy fall!