Club Chronicles: Goodbye summer, hello autumn!

Tuesday was the first day of autumn! It is the “cooling off” month between the blazing summer and chilling winter. When the cooler temperatures of fall start rolling in, saying goodbye to summer is not hard to do.

Autumn is great season and, next to spring, is my favorite. Mother Nature adds colors to the leaves that make our environment beautiful through this season. The season itself is refreshing, and I try to make the most of it every year. Consider some of these ideas for your fall fun.

Decorate your home for the season. It’s the perfect time to change up your decorations by adding orange, red and yellow colors and pulling out the spice-scented candles. Nothing puts you in the mood for the season like decorating your home or your community.

Eat and drink your fall favorites such as cocoa, cider, pumpkin-spiced lattes, pumpkin pie, apples or candy corn. There are so many delicious treats flavored with fall.

Enjoy the crisp, fresh outdoor air. Don’t let the chill in the air discourage you from heading outdoors. Take fun walks with family and friends to admire the beauty of nature.

Take part in a fall activity. Pumpkin carving, apple picking, road tripping, nature trail hiking, visiting pumpkin patches or corn mazes go anywhere or do anything that allows you to spend quality time with your family. Get involved with local volunteer organizations that support community projects, schools or churches. There are so many activities that go hand-in-hand with the fall season.

While 4 p.m. sunsets aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, daylight savings time offers stunning views of the sun in the sky. Spend a chilly afternoon outside enjoying the sunset, maybe with a book and a blanket.

Autumn is part of the jam-packed holiday season, featuring Halloween and Thanksgiving before we find ourselves rolling into winter and Christmas. These are all very involved, family-centered holidays. This season creates the perfect setting for a sense of comfort, warmth and reflection.

During the fall you can expect to see your favorite stores load up their inventory with themes related to this time of year. Everything from pumpkin-flavored pies and Starbucks drinks to apple ciders and new fragrances and clothes hit the shelves.

Everyone might not share my affection for autumn, but no matter what the season, it’s important to enjoy the moment.