Just like that, another season change: The days are considerably shorter, the weather is cooler, everything is pumpkin-flavored. Everyone loves fall, or so it seems. Living in Phoenix, I would listen to midwest transplants wax poetic about changing leaves and pumpkin patches, while I nodded along and cherished the ongoing  pool days. I’m a summer girl, and the entire concept of autumn was lost on me.

Last year was the first “real” fall of my adulthood, and I can’t shake the feeling that I did it all wrong. Each day was cooler than the one before, and I would psych myself out thinking about how much colder it would get as winter approached. I built an entire fall bucket list, and completed exactly zero items, preferring to spend my weekends lying in the sunshine in a jacket, pretending it was still summer even though it undeniably was not. (I did see leaves change, but that was more inevitable than intentional). I own maybe five sweaters, and I put off wearing boots as long as possible. And although I thought I’d be happy living as though it was warm, I was actually pretty miserable.

This year, I’m determined to make the most of fall and find out what the hype is all about. I want to treat it like an actual season, rather than an interlude between iced lattes and peppermint mochas, and to hold off the dread of winter chill.

With that in mind, here’s a peek at what I’m hoping to accomplish in the next three months:

• Apple picking: This was on my list last year and it never happened. I’m now aware of a farm in Queens, so it’s a lot more attainable than I expected!
• Go to an NBA game: Maybe not a fall-specific activity, but the season does start next month, and basketball is the only professional sport I’ve never seen in person.
• Cook lots and lots of soups and chilis: I LOVE this little food group, and even though I left my dutch oven in Arizona, I’m determined to re-create my favorite recipes on a smaller scale.
• Spend some time in the spring by popping down to the Southern hemisphere: because even though I’m determined to love fall, I’ll always love spring more 😉

What are your tips for making myself enjoy fall?!

P.S. This is my favorite fall bucket list: Activities for people who really hate fall but pretend to love fall. I only wish I’d thought of it first!