By Susan Cox
Fall is a lovely season and many people’s favorite. The leaves change colors, painting our views with reds, yellows, and oranges. After they fall, the leaves crunch pleasantly underfoot. The air is crisp and on some mornings the trees and fields are partially hidden by wisps of mist that catch the sunlight. You can take advantage of autumn’s appeal in a variety of ways.
One option is to go for a drive to enjoy the scenery. Nearby Brown County has a leaf cam (browncounty.com/leaf-cam/) that allows you to see the changing colors in real time. This site also has a list of scenic drives and other fall attractions in the area. Going for a hike in Brown County State Park is another way to immerse yourself in fall’s beauty.
Additionally, you could rake all those fallen leaves into a big pile and then jump in them with your kids. Building a fire and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows with friends or family is a great way to spend an autumn evening. Attending football games or other sporting events are also fun fall activities. You can watch a game and enjoy the outdoors at the same time.
Temperatures cool down at this time of year, another plus of autumn, so wearing your favorite sweater or hoodie is comfortable. Cooler temperatures also make doing activities outside more pleasant. For instance, I like to eat and read outside. Many local restaurants offer outdoor seating, or you could pack a picnic and eat at a local park. Soup, apple cider, and pumpkin spice flavored foods feel cozy and are more appealing during the coolness of autumn.
This fall we can visit the Exhibit Columbus installations spread throughout the downtown area. This Friday and Saturday, Oct 22-23, are Watershed Weekend for Exhibit Columbus. Several events will address connections within the Mississippi watershed and the importance of shared ecologies as part of this year’s exhibition. See exhibitcolumbus.org for more information about these events and the installations.
Halloween is a favorite autumn holiday for many. Making caramel apples, carving pumpkins, figuring out that perfect costume, and trick-or-treating add excitement to the season. Both the Bartholomew County Public Library and Columbus Parks and Recreation have several Halloween-themed events happening this month for children, teens, and families. Visit their websites for more information. Several haunted trails can be found locally for those who enjoy getting scared.
Whether or not fall is your favorite season, I encourage you to enjoy all that fall has to offer. Savor the moderate weather, the beautiful scenery, and the foods of the season. Build a fire, attend a football game, visit the Exhibit Columbus installations, or participate in a Halloween-themed activity. I think you’ll be glad you did.
