Finally — it’s almost that time of year. Before we know it, vibrantly-colored leaves will be crunching under our feet, oversized sweaters will come back into the fashion rotation, and kids will be picking out their Halloween costumes.
If fall is your favorite season, it’s time to start thinking about how to get the most out of it. It’s a little early, I know, but I can’t help it. The Instagram algorithm sensed my vulnerability and started showing me reel after reel of fall content, and now it’s all I can think about.
Once the autumnal bug hits you, too, set the scene. Get out your favorite fall decorations, candles, snacks, music, books, blankets, and other essentials. Make a festive cup of tea or coffee. On the tea side, Bigelow’s Vanilla Chai, Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Apple, and Constant Comment will give you that cozy October feeling, as will Yogi’s Pumpkin Spice. Witch’s Brew from Jolie Tea Company in Salem is also an excellent choice, and will give you an opportunity to get into the Halloween spirit by exploring downtown Salem.
As the seasons begin to change, take advantage of the weather. We need all the sun we can get before the dark, icy winter days take over, so spend as much time outside as possible for a boost of vitamin D and fresh air. I, for one, am anticipating the moment the humidity falls away and a cool breeze rolls in, leaving the skies sunny and the air crisp.
Apple and pumpkin picking present an opportunity to spend time with friends or family while enjoying the weather. I would recommend Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow for apple picking, and if you’re hungry after, Nashoba Valley Winery is a quick drive from there and offers scenic vineyard views, outdoor seating, and a variety of food and wine. The cranberry apple wine is a fan-favorite and perfectly captures the essence of the season.
And if you love Halloween as much as I do, you might be building your mental list of movies to watch. So far, mine includes “Hocus Pocus” (and its sequel), all four “Halloweentown” movies, “The Haunted Mansion,” “Casper,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” “The Addams Family,” and “Ghostbusters.”
Fall is also the perfect time to connect with your inner child. Collect fallen leaves and make cyanotypes in the sun, go on outdoor adventures, make a scrapbook, bake a pie, or eat too much candy. The possibilities are endless.
Above all, lean into the little things that make you happy. With so much going on in the world, it feels like we are collectively hard-pressed for simple moments of joy. Take this fall to reset, relax, and reconnect.
Alyssa Cantwell is The Item’s Opinion editor. Her column appears every other week.
