As Chicago weather flip flops day to day, then cools one final time for the season, we find ourselves dreaming of Autumn. Hot cider, pumpkin spice, and the seasoning of our favorite family meals bring with them an excitement for the first Chicago frost. With bright colors bursting in the trees, and days growing shorter, here are our eight favorite things about Autumn.

1. Cooler Weather

After summer months of intense heat, high humidity, it’s a relief when the weather finally begins to cool down. In Autumn, we don’t need air conditioning all day and night. As hot August afternoons give way to cooler nights, we notice a brisk freshness in the air. Changing seasons allow us to keep windows open at night for sleeping. When the evening invites a walk at sunset, it feels good to don a light sweater for the evening.

2. Autumn Fashion

Speaking of light sweaters, cooler weather means changing our wardrobes from shorts and tees, sundresses, and swimsuits to warmer gear. Cooler temperatures welcome layered clothing, urging us to wear sweaters in warmer colors and patterns. Fashion trends are always great fun! Jeans, hoodies, scarves, boots, beanies, and more provide warmth against the Chicago’s evening chill. During the workday or for an afternoon of play, jackets not only provide warmth, but high style at the office or sporting event. Since the weather is not too hot, or too cold, we’re not wearing coats yet. Mixing and matching plaids and paisley is great self-expression.

3. Colorful Fall Foliage

Just like you, we love Autumn for the changing colors of leaves. Trees that were once green explode into beautiful hues of gold, red, and orange. It a wonderful time to visit the lakefront tree line or travel to one of our public preserves to capture the progressive change in colors before the leaves begin to fall. If local parks and trails aren’t enough, we’re fortunate in Chicago to have some of America’s most breathtaking fall foliage nearby. If you’re restless for travel, we recommend the historic forest preserves found in Wisconsin or Indiana. Not much is better than the crunch of the leaves below your feet as you’re walking. Just simply driving down the road and through the countryside is a great way to take in the amazing views that fall brings with it. For more ideas about traveling our state parks, read our previous post.

4. Relaxing Scenic Drives

If there is more yearning for the road, Autumn provides opportunities to stretch out amid the beauty of our United States highways. In 1965, President Lydon B. Johnson established the ‘America the Beautiful Initiative’ with these words, “I want to make sure that the America we see from these major highways is a beautiful America.” Based on the scenes we've seen from our interstate roads more than fifty years later, it’s safe to say he succeeded.

Whether you drive the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, or the familiar Lincoln Highway, it’s a beautiful month to enjoy the rich colors of Autumn’s foliage. Remember, no two Autumn seasons are the same, so even if you think you’ve grown familiar with these highways, this season’s colors may surprise you. For more ideas about Scenic drives, visit here.

5. Clocks Turn Back

With cooler temperatures, our days are growing shorter and shorter. In the weeks leading up to Winter Solstice, we could be discouraged by the darkness if not for the end of Daylight Savings Time. On November 3rd this year, we’ll turn back the clock one hour. Most of us will be grateful for the extra hour of sleep if not daylight. Things aren’t quite freezing yet, but there is still a nice cool breeze in the air for deeper dreams. Plus, it feels great to get that extra hour!

6. Pumpkin Everything

If you love pumpkins, then you’re in luck! Pumpkin flavors can be found everywhere in Autumn, particularly in traditional favorites like pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin bread, and in more modern treats like pumpkin-spiced teas and coffees. Many of these treats are seasonal, so be sure to get your fill before the season ends.

Autumn is one of the best times of year for sweets. Caramel apples, taffies, and candies begin popping up everywhere in abundance. Not just pumpkin pie, but pecan pie, apple pie…basically any kind of pie your heart may desire. If you’re indulging in pumpkin pie this Autumn, don’t forget the cinnamon and whipped cream!

7. Firepits and Hearths

If you’re lucky enough to have a firepit on your property, or know someone who does, this is the ideal time of year to use it! There’s nothing like roasting hot dogs, brats, or marshmallows over an open fire. These are some of the best times for neighbors dropping by or casual family gathering. Be sure to take advantage now before winter comes and it’s too cold!

8. Holiday Festivities

Autumn is a season full of holiday festivities, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Dia de Los Muertos. Pumpkin carving are also perfect activities for October. Whether you’re carving pumpkins for Halloween, crafting an intricate sugar skull for Dia de Los Muertos, or stuffing a cornucopia for Thanksgiving, there are plenty of crafts to keep both kids and adults busy.

Autumn holidays are particularly enjoyable because of the wonderful memories and family traditions, elaborate costumes, and rich colors that go along with the celebrations. Holiday breaks bring great times with friends and family playing board games, too. You'll find some fun indoor game ideas here.

As you can see, Autumn is definitely one of the best seasons of the year, offering festivities that the entire family can enjoy.