Fall Traditions
Searching for autumnal bliss? Experience the rich vibrancy of fall with these top ten traditions.
Drink Cider
Want a true taste of fall? Tempt your taste buds with a glass of cider. According to history-of-cider.com, this drink is made from fermented apple juice. Pure, natural cider has no added preservatives and relies upon the wild yeast present in the fruit for fermentation. It’s best to use a specific cider apple. Try traditional varieties such as the Foxwhelp, or modern ones such as the Yarlington. You can experiment with making fresh cider at home, or simply buy it from a local orchard. Enjoy it cold or try it hot with a little sugar, nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Pumpkins are the seasonal symbols of autumn. Their origins date back to 7000 BC in South America. These days, this edible fruit has become a staple in our diets, and is also a popular decoration, especially at Halloween and Thanksgiving. If your purpose is to carve jack-o-lanterns, choose one that weighs over eight pounds. This will give you a greater surface area for paring. The flesh of these larger ones is generally not good for cooking, but their seeds can make a tasty snack that’s rich in vitamins B and E. Click on our link for roasting instructions.
Remember all those sweaters that Grandma used to make each year? Keep this time-honored tradition going and learn how to knit. If you start during these autumn months, you’ll soon have a homemade scarf or sweater that you can present to that someone special during the holidays. You don’t have to be a pro to start creating. All you need are the right tools and a little bit of patience. Learn the basics such as the purl stitch, increasing and binding off. To get started, explore our link for patterns, how-to illustrations and advice. It’s as easy as knit one, purl two.
Every autumn, we "fall back." On the last Sunday in October at 2 AM, Daylight Saving Time ends and we return to Standard Time by turning our clocks back an hour. According to webexhibits.org, at this time, many fire departments encourage people to change the battery in their smoke detector when they change their clocks. This is an easy way to remember to keep on top of this safety measure for your home.
Want to capture the splendor of this season all year long. On your next walk in the woods, gather some fresh, colorful leaves. If they’ve already fallen to the ground, make sure they haven’t started to dry. Then bring them home and press them. To preserve, simply place between two pieces of wax paper, cover with a dishtowel, then press with a warm iron. Transferring wax onto the leaf will keep it protected for a long time. Once they’re sealed in, carefully cut them out from the paper?and enjoy!
‘Tis the season for leaf peeping. We’ve got tips on how to find the foliage hotspots throughout our national and regional forests, with state-by-state fall color reporting. Discover photography advice, driving tours and fun family activities. And, why not make the most of this time of year by reserving a cabin in one of these forests and spending a weekend in the woods surrounded by autumn’s bold beauty. Our link will point you in the right direction.
Feel that chill in the air? Time to choose a quality coat to get you through this cooler season. While shopping, keep a few things in mind. LHJ.com suggests that the warmest style of coat is one with plenty of buttons (to keep cold air from coming in) and a flexible collar that can stand up to shield your neck. The lining should be stitched to the coat only along the outer edges to allow movement. And for the most warmth, choose a coat made with Alpaca, cashmere or camel hair. If that’s too pricey, go with one that is a blend of one of these fabrics with wool.
There is something about autumn that has inspired great writers to describe their passion for this vivid time of year. Fall’s fiery hues, the rustling of leaves or the delicious scent of an apple has stirred writers such as Robert Frost or Robert Louis Stevenson. Why not start a new tradition with your little one and switch out their usual bedtime story with a seasonal book of poetry? As you fill their minds with colorful visions, you’ll be connecting them with culture and a different style of storytelling.
Mid-September through early November is an ideal time to plant your spring flowering bulbs. Daffodils, Lilies and Crocus bulbs should be planted during September and October, while Tulips can go in as late as November. For them to flower in the spring, these bulbs require colder temperatures, but be sure to plant them before the first frost. Remember to add some organic material to your garden to enrich the soil and improve its ability to hold moisture. Check our link for more tips on fall planting and garden maintenance for both cool and warm climates.
Want to keep the doctor away? This fall, plan a trip to an orchard and handpick your own fresh basket of apples. Call ahead and find out which varieties your local producer grows. For instance, Red Delicious apples are good for snacking, but not recommended for baking, while Gala apples are good for eating and cooking. If you want to make dessert, Jonagolds are a great choice for making pies. If there isn’t an orchard near you, simply have fresh ones delivered to your door. Click our link for more info.
