THE BEAUTIFUL
NUANCE OF FALL IN FLORIDA Words by Mallory Pace
As a Florida native, I know exactly two seasons: summer and not-summer. Hot
of the best ways to feel the season. Filling the air with the aroma of pumpkin
air, high humidity and a blazing sun are what Floridians know for most months
bread while a Halloween movie plays in the background and the thermostat
of the year. But each year, around September or October, one day you go
is turned to 70 degrees is my definition of a perfect fall evening. If we can’t
outside and it feels … different. There are no leaves on the ground indicating
have a true autumn season, we sure can imitate it. Hosting a fall-inspired par-
a season change, and it’s certainly not cold enough for a jacket, but in the
ty is the perfect excuse to indulge in the season by crafting themed cocktails,
subtle smell of the wind and in the brisk taste of the breeze, you might find
charcuterie boards, baked goods and of course, decorations. With an autumn
the beginning of fall in Florida.
leaves candle lit, pumpkin cookies on the table and laughter roaring through the living room, your home will turn into your own fall oasis, even if the fore-
Like most everything and everyone in Florida, our seasons are out of whack.
cast is calling for a tropical storm.
The remnants of summer linger all year, even as a cool breeze and tinted leaves settle into place. We might not enjoy the traditional changing of sea-
Part of what makes fall in Florida so much fun is getting to role play small
sons, but fall shows us its presence in its own unique ways, and there are
town, “Gilmore Girls” fantasies where we go apple picking and get lost in a
plenty of ways to get in the fall mood — even in 85 degree weather.
corn maze as if we’re somewhere else besides Duuuval County. Even if you can’t bundle up in your favorite scarves and coats that haven’t seen the light
In fact, the weather is one of the luxuries Floridians have during the fall sea-
of day since December 1989 (the last time it snowed in Jacksonville), take in
son. Temperatures drop just enough to wear a sweater in the morning but
all the fall festivities you can. Enjoy these few months for what they are, even
still be able to spend time at the beach in the afternoon. Even as the year
if it doesn’t feel like “true fall.” This season gives locals a glimpse into an es-
nears its end, the beach remains a beautiful place to take a walk or bike ride.
cape from year-round summer, although if you don’t love year-round summer,
Being coined the “Sunshine State” has its perks during the colder months as
Florida might not be for you.
we’re able to spend more time outside enjoying the crisp air rather than being forced to stay indoors. Fall in Florida looks like driving with the windows
There is something so charming about fall in Florida and its bashful, nuanced
down, taking walks with a light jacket on and choosing to sit outside at dinner.
hints that it’s anything other than a Sunshine State. Each year, she (yes, Flor-
It might seem small and mundane, but it’s Florida’s way of feeling fall.
ida is a she in my mind) wakes up one day, lets out a cold, refreshing breath of air and tells us, almost telepathically, change is here. Then suddenly, you
Also, just because we can’t run and jump into a pile of leaves (no matter how
take a moment to look around and hints of fall reveal themselves to you in
much I have always wanted to) doesn’t mean Floridians can’t enjoy fall-related
ways they didn’t yesterday. The clouds are softer, more inviting. The wind is
activities. With a quick Google search, you’ll find plenty of fall festivals hap-
happier, whispering melodies to the trees and grass. The air smells sweeter,
pening in Jacksonville and its neighboring counties. And what’s fall without
like how it did when you were a kid and seeing the beauty of the world for the
pumpkins? Pumpkin patches scatter the city and make for the perfect date
first time. The changes are just subtle enough to remind us that the year is
or family outing. Just the smell of pumpkin guts is sure to put you in the fall
coming to an end, the world is still spinning and we’re still standing.
mood. There is truly nothing quite like digging through the insides of a pumpkin, feeling that slimy, stringy texture run through your fingertips … yummy.
Tomorrow might feel different, but in those small moments, we can appreciate the delicate mystery of fall in Florida.
Speaking of yummy, baking or consuming anything pumpkin-related is one
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