It hasn’t felt much like Fall is coming on–especially during the last week or so with heatwave-intense temperatures in the upper 90s for a few days–but rest assured the cooler temperatures are on their way.  Just in the past 24 hours or so, the temperatures at night have been inching down on the thermometer, and just in the nick of time. 

I cannot wait to be able to enjoy the outdoors again.  When the temperatures are soaring, like they have been for weeks, it just isn’t my thing to be outside. But soon, very soon, I will be able to enjoy my front porch and my back patio again. And I cannot wait!

I love so many things about this time of year.  I thought I would share a few of my Fall favorite things and I am sure you enjoy these things, too:

Foliage

I cannot help myself. I love it when the trees turn all the colors of a Crayola crayon box. Reds, oranges, yellows, all the greens, browns, and even some shades of blue seem to dot the horizon.  My neighborhood is especially beautiful but I also enjoy taking drives around to catch some of the extra special show that fall always seems to provide.  Heading through the mountains to the Carolinas is a great fall break destination and it just doesn’t get any more beautiful than that! One of these days, I’m going to get up to New England and do some “leaf watching” there, too. 

Firepits

As the temperatures in the evenings continue to drop, it sets the perfect backdrop for a firepit night.  During COVID, Steve and I set up a firepit entertaining area in our backyard.  It was a very easy and inexpensive way to establish another area for gatherings.  We put some extra comfy chairs around the firepit and added some big flowerpots for festive fall flowers,too.  It’s a great place to enjoy a nice cocktail and a nibble with neighborhood friends.  Nothing fancy…just a fire, a few friends, and a snack!  It’s also a good time to pull out those graham crackers, Hersey chocolate bars and marshmallows for a good old-fashioned s’more treat.

Falling Temps for Sweater Weather

As I may have mentioned, I’m becoming less and less of a fan of the summer heat.  And as the temps drop, I look forward to sweater weather. That’s the great thing about fall…layering up for the day.  Start out with a nice comfy sweater over a summer tee shirt. Then as the temperatures get a little warm mid-day, you can lose the sweater and then you’re ready for it again that evening. There just isn’t anything more comforting than one of my tried-and-true sweaters. I have some that I’ve worn for years and like a good wine, they just get better year after year. 

Football

Some of you may not know but I am a big football fan.  I love going to the games, especially the tailgate because every good Southerner and football fan knows that is where the real fun begins.  I actually do enjoy the game, too.  It all started when I was a little girl and watched football games with my Dad, who lived in Tennessee for a good while but always maintained his Kentucky Wildcat fan status!  I loved going to the University of Kentucky football games when I was in college.  Friday Night Lights is a big thing in Ft. Thomas, where I live now, and home to The Bluebirds–a powerhouse high school football team at Highlands High School.  We went to all the home games and it was so much fun to share this experience with my girls.  We also had season tickets to the University of Cincinnati home games for a while. Tailgating and going to the game with friends was a season highlight.  Game days are the perfect excuse for hosting a little get-together in case you’re not actually headed out to the stadium.

Festivals

Fall of the year means it’s time for so many fabulous fall and winter festivals.  I have always enjoyed going to these fun fests and now I enjoy participating in them as a vendor with In the Curious Kitchen.  It seems like fall festivals are even more popular than ever.  There are apple festivals, fall festivals, scarecrow festivals, pumpkin festivals, and harvest festivals.  The list could go on and on.  If you can think of it, there’s probably a festival attached to it.  Stay tuned to where you can find In the Curious Kitchen this fall…coming to a festival near you soon!

Happy Fall Y’all!

Cheers,

MK