Fall Favorites Round Up
I love fall. It’s one of my favorite times of the year. When the leaves start to change and the temperature starts to cool off — it’s just the perfect combination of nostalgia and new beginnings. Aside from the sun setting earlier — although, at times, I really don’t mind that — I find a renewed sense of motivation and overall outlook on life. Where the heat of summer can feel oppressive, the crisp air of autumn feels rejuvenating and refreshing. I love getting the chance to open up our windows and cycle fresh air into the house or sit on the front porch enjoying a cup of coffee. Being able to have a little bit of outside inside and vice versa in a comfortable environment can do wonders for a person’s mental state. After being cooped up inside most of the summer, it feels freeing and almost liberating.
Having and doing things that also complement this cozy season is also a favorite pastime of mine. Getting new sweaters, planning a mountain getaway, and finding all the fall-themed items, from tees to coffee mugs and candles is so much fun. I just love all things about this season! And to celebrate, I’ve rounded up all my favorite things about autumn. From cozying it up at home to heading out on a little getaway, I’ve listed all the things about this time of year that bring me joy and I hope it’ll bring just a little bit more joy to your day, too!
My Favorite Things About The Season
Local Spots
Cider Mill
We first visited the Windy Hill Orchard + Cider Mill back in 2019. It was an unseasonably warm summer that year so apple picking didn’t last long. By the time we visited in early October, the apples were overripe and over-picked! BUT. We were still able to snag a little pre-picked bunch which they always have available at their farm stand and otherwise, while we were at the mill, we got to enjoy their amazing cider (in flight form at first so we could try several), their divine cider donuts, life-size childhood games (connect four — my husband’s now favorite because of this visit), and just a beautiful day outside. It wasn’t quite autumn weather yet, but we pretended like it was. They have such a gorgeous orchard and outdoor space — it’s cozy and quaint and just perfectly atmospheric for the season. There was even some live music! If you’re local to the area, you will definitely want to hit up this spot during the fall season. Apple picking is still going strong this year (yay!) and their cider and cider donuts are really to die for. We’re hoping to make it back this year when the weather cools off a bit more!
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a mountain getaway
I’m so excited for our mountain getaway this year! It was a spur-of-the-moment “let’s just do this” kind of thing, but we always try to make it point to visit the mountains at least once a year. A great thing about where we’re located is that we’re 3 hours from the beach and 3 hours from the mountains. Perfectly positioned for an easy, long weekend getaway. This year, we chose a quaint cabin in Boone, NC. It’s dog-friendly and the views are jaw-dropping. I can’t wait for our visit! Carolina Cabin Rentals has been amazing to work with so far, too. I can already tell it’s going to be a wonderful stay with them.
Image courtesy of Carolina Cabin Rentals
Around The House
Back Patio + Fire Pit
I love having an outdoor space that screams comfy cozy like you could spend an entire day out there without ever wanting to leave. Right now, we have a cement patio enclosed on one corner with a stone wall and firepit. The wall we had installed, but my husband built the firepit equipped with fire rocks to boot. He’s somewhat of a lumberjack and loves all things outdoors. We’re both pretty proud of the space, but still hope to enhance it even more someday with Edison lights and we’ve always talked about a pergola! Otherwise, we have a sofa patio set and dining table equipped with an umbrella. Our sofa cushions are due for a replacement and I’d love to start rotating them out seasonally.
We also back up to the woods and can essentially watch the sunset every evening. Despite having neighbors on top of us on either side, it’s one of the most peaceful places of our home. During the fall and winter, we love spending our weekend nights out there with a crackling fire, some great cocktails, and potentially some games! We’ve also been known to watch a great show or two by the fire and it never ceases to be an amazing afternoon or evening.
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Here are some basic replacement cushions I found on Amazon (and a dupe option at Lowes can be found here)! Enhance with some fun fall-themed decor!
Home essentials
I’m pretty simple when it comes to home decor, especially seasonal things, but I do love having a few items to pull out when the seasons change! I’m a habitual wreath and throw pillow lover. I also love a great fall scented candle or essential oil that’s reminiscent of the season. Oh and definitely all the pumpkins and leaves!
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Treats
I love a good treat, especially around the holidays. It seems like this time of the year brings all the simplicities and yet also specialties.
For instance, cinnamon rolls feel very basic to me, but they’ve become a staple during the cooler season and also something we love to have on Christmas mornings!
Apple Cider Mimosas are a great seasonal twist on a classic holiday beverage and can make full-day football extravaganzas more fun (at least for me).
Ghosts in the Graveyard is a childhood tradition I remember making with my mom. From picking up the ingredients in the store to hanging out in the kitchen with what’s lovingly also called Halloween Dirt Cake, this is a really fun spoopy-themed dessert the whole family can get involved with. I can’t wait to make it this season! Check back for pictures. In the meantime, here’s the recipe.
I am a sucker for Halloween candy! I mean… is anyone not?! My favorites are (get ready, it’s a lot) Reese’s (any size, any shape, and I’ve been loving white chocolate lately), Three Muskateer Bars (a childhood fave), Twix (an adult fave), Kit-Kats (an always fave)… Oh, and do M & M’s count? Basically anything chocolate, I’m here for it.
Apple Pie! My husband has been talking about making Apple Pie since September hit. He’s a sucker for fruity desserts, especially pie, whereas I just enjoy making the dish and I may not partake too much in eating it.
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The Little Things
While I know we tend to shy away from saying that material things bring joy, sometimes they really just do. It’s those little things that remind us of the season or just honestly bring us joy for one reason or another. And you know what? That’s okay! For me, a new cozy sweater, rustic mug, or bring-worthy tv show can do it. It’s all about what calls us home and feels like it, too. And 1. I love cozy living, 2. coffee, to me, is such a treat not only because it reminds me of the morning when the day holds so much possibility, but a hot cuppa something on a cold autumn day outside is just honestly divine, and 3. an atmospheric television show or movie that represents the nostalgia of the season is also just a wonderful thing to get lost in.
Books, Tv, Movies, and More
Give me any homebody entertainment and I’m here for it. Cozying up at home, especially when the weather is cool and the sun sets early, is just the perfect fall pastime. I can’t wait for these moments and we’ve already had a few! We just need that cooler weather to kick in. Thank goodness it’s 66 today and it’s noon!
For cozy fall and spooky time reads, check out these recent blogs of mine! I love rounding up endless lists of seasonal favorites.
- Books -
- TV Shows & Movies -
Here are some of my recent favorite cozy, autumn-time TV shows.
01
A comedy murder mystery with true crime enthusiasts nd Hardy Boys and NYC vibes.
*image courtesy of @onlymurdershulu
02
A breif Continuation of girlmore girls available on Netflix.
03
A new favorite this year that has been on repeat already!
And some old tv and movie favorites that typically end up on repeat.
04
Nostalgic, childhood favorite… forever!
05
A spooky manor with a checkered past, this haunting has the perfect amount of terrifying + heartfelt moments.
06
one of my favorite rides at Walt disney World and this movie based on the ride is the best spoopy version. Love it.
07
This show holds a special place in my heart. I started it in high school and it’s been with me ever since.
08
another one that’s been with me since high school. i just finished a rewatch and it’s still the best.
- Podcasts & Playlists -
I don’t typically listen to very much, but Only Murders In The Building has made me want more true crime podcasts in my life again. Last year, I was hooked on Supernatural with Ashley Flowers and I also started Full Body Chills, but that got shocking and creepy fast! But no less binge-worthy. I have also been loving the Chill + Atmospheric, Dark & Stormy, and Autumn Acoustic playlists on Spotify as well.
Sweaters + cozy essentials
I mean who doesn’t love a good cozy sweater and all the cozy essentials?! I also don’t mind a little flannel. I have so many sweaters ranging from white to beige to gray… to striped and printed and textured. I’m here for it all! And I honestly don’t think my collection will ever wane. Here are a few I have and still love, and some that I’ve had my eye on this season. Also my favorite cozy essentials! For me, it’s as simple as a good pair of slippers, a cozy blanket, and a few PJ set options.
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Mugs
Because, as I said, I love coffee. For me, it’s a treat and one of my favorite things about the morning. And a hot cup on a cool morning is even better. I’m not a PSL fan because I’ve never been a big fan of pumpkin, but I do absolutely look forward to that Chesnut Praline Latte that’ll be coming for Christmastime!
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What are some of your favorite things about the season?
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I’m Leah! Cozy connoisseur and bountiful book buyer. I have a minor obsession with getting lost in the pages of a good book, guzzling coffee, and thriving at home. Yoga pants, wine, and essential oils are also my jam. I'm truly just a homebody at heart with a knack for content creation, flatlays & cozy shots. This is my creative space.
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September is here which means that crisp, cooler, autumn weather is on its way! I love this time of year. Curling up by the fire, inside or out, with a hot beverage in hand and the perfect fall read is one of my favorite past times. From witches & demons to mysteries and eerie & hauntingly atmospheric tales and some light horror, you’ll definitely want to add some of these to your fall TBR. Check out my list of 25 fall fantasy books to cozy up with this season.