Autumn in New York is officially here. You may find yourself falling back into that familiar feeling: The air is a little cooler and the sun seems to wave goodbye a little earlier. For those experiencing the shift in seasons for the first time, it’s a fleeting beauty worth savoring. To those who know it all too well, I hope you find comfort in its return.
I grew up in a picturesque small town here in the northeast, and fall transforms the quiet valley into a destination hotspot. Complete with multigenerational family farms filled with pumpkins of all shapes and textures, orchards decked with every kind of apple and corn mazes that might have a few tricks waiting for you, it would be the perfect backdrop for a fall romance novel. Once you step off a hayride, the scent of apple cider doughnuts and maple pecan pie wafts through the air, drawing crowds toward the humble farm stand. The flavors this time of year are unmatched — whether it’s biting into a sticky candy apple or anticipating plates of turkey and stuffing later in the season. While you can’t bring every piece of that magic to Fordham, it’s certainly worth it to take a trip somewhere where you can get a taste of the country living. Whether you drive to New England or take the Metro-North to Sleepy Hollow, it’s worth the time.
On campus, there are plenty of ways to embrace the season too. Hanging up festive decorations, treating yourself to a pumpkin spice latte or watching a scary movie can instantly set the mood.
That’s not to say I’m happy summer is gone. I love summer and I am not ready to say goodbye either, I don’t think I ever am. It went by so fast. I could’ve sworn a minute ago I was admiring the kelly green leaves. Sometimes, if I close my eyes, I can still feel the salt water on my skin and the waves crashing beside me, but two things can be true at once. You can miss your favorite flowers and love the blazing colors of autumn’s leaves.
Therefore, if change is getting me down, I try to find comfort in spending time with people that keep my fire going. This can look different for everyone. For some, it could be thrifting for cozy sweaters, leaf peeping in Central Park or maybe even getting in one last game of spike ball on Edwards Parade. When the mornings are cloudier and the days are shorter, those rainy nights feel a little more inviting. Trying new recipes, sharing them with friends or gathering for a football game are also some staple fall activities. Football isn’t just about knowing every play, and there’s tons of fun in the snacks. Whether it’s the new charcuterie board you just made or the buffalo chicken dip straight out of the oven filling your cup with more than just soup this autumn can help ease into the changing times.
Staying busy is another good way to adapt to change. Even if it’s a small thing, try to break up your time and the hard parts will hopefully fly by. So, going off of that, perhaps I am a bit too eager, but I already have all my Halloween costumes planned. I know I’m not the only one who does — especially with the annual Tompkins Square Park Dog Parade coming up. Additionally, right here in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden is getting ready for Fall-O-Ween, running from Sept.28 through Oct. 27.
It is really a treat how many things New York has to offer this season. Broadway is also buzzing this season, with a wave of new shows opening and plenty of rush tickets and student discounts available. I heard “Beetlejuice” is coming back (just to say his name three times). The New York Film Festival is also back, which runs from late September through mid-October. Plus, Halloween isn’t the only time to dress up; New York Comic Con is happening in early October. Finally, if you’re looking for something delicious, the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival arrives in October too.
Fall can remind us that there is beauty in change. Autumn is a time worth celebrating, and there’s always celebration in New York.
