The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

That typically refers to Christmas, and while it is a close second, the fall is my favorite time of year.  Telling classmates that September is your favorite month isn’t exactly a great way to make friends.  But as the years between now and my school career pile up – I can’t believe my 10 year college reunion isn’t so far away! – I’ve come to more openly share my love for this season.

I love the flavors of fall and I don’t just mean pumpkin spice everything.  I actually think that has become a little overdone.  Is anyone actually buying that pumpkin spice salsa?  I don’t drink coffee so I’ve never even had a pumpkin spice latte.  But when I’m out for a drink I will always get the pumpkin beer.  Two of my underrated favorites are Traveler’s Jack-O pumpkin shandy and Sam Adams Pumpkin Ale, which I like more than their ubiquitous October Fest.  I haven’t yet been able to pass up an apple cider donut.  And don’t forget about apple cider and maple candy.

I love all of the fall activities.  This is when Roger Williams Zoo in Providence has their Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which showcases thousands of pumpkins carved in beautiful and intricate detail.  You can go to a farm to pick fresh apples or get lost in a corn maze.  It’s a great time to take advantage of shoulder season and visit wonderful destinations both near and far (unfortunately my only traveling this fall was to Newport).  And fall is the pinnacle of the sports calendar.  Baseball’s playoffs are winding their way to the World Series, football is in full swing, and basketball and hockey have just started.

I love the weather of fall.  I’m not a beach bum and I find the summer a little too warm.  Winter is definitely too cold here.  But for a month or two in the fall, the weather is just perfect.  And of course there’s the foliage.  Even my mundane commute, down the same highway I travel every day, takes on a special quality when the trees lining it are brilliant and beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Add it all up, and for me this really is the most wonderful time of the year!

The author of this article is Tom Lally, Wealth Manager Assistant at US Wealth Management.