Fall is a beloved season for various reasons: the smell of pumpkin spice and cinnamon in the air, the fresh breeze that sends orange and red colored leaves into the distance, and the food, drinks, and movies that are simply meant to be enjoyed throughout autumn.
Senior Hailey Eriksson, an orange-leaf-season lover, felt nostalgia as she explained her family’s practices when celebrating the colder, yet cozy weather, “There are so many things to do here in the fall. When I was a kid, I used to love going with my family up to the Julian apple orchards. We would go and pick apples all day and then go get a fresh slice of pie at the end before heading home,” said Eriksson.
Eriksson emphasized that there are many activities in which to participate during the fall season in San Diego. “I’d say a local tradition here during the season is going to a pumpkin patch with friends or family. It’s a really fun thing to do to get out and participate in the ‘fall spirit,’” said Eriksson, further connecting the importance of events such as the popular pumpkin carving contests and undeclared, yet remarkable, decoration battles that take place in several neighborhoods around the city, that seem to get progressively more impressive each year.
Junior Joao “Johnny” Nogueira, a Brazil native, expressed his opinion about this foggy time of year compared to his home country. “Here in the US, fall season is very special due to holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving, which are two important cultural events in American society. On the other hand, Brazilian fall is a little different. We don’t necessarily have those kinds of events. We “do Halloween,” but it’s not very culturally significant. There’s a very big difference,” said Nogueira. North Americans sure know how to lavish the season and make it exceptional. While Brazil has its own holidays and celebrations, both countries vary, representing the diversity around the world.
Not only do themed occasions arise during this cherished time of the year, but so do thrilling places to visit. According to a website that shares the progress of San Diego’s adaptation to fall, “[San Diego] sports its own version of autumn. Even when the summer festival season ends, the warmer October temperatures allow outdoor activities to continue into the fall” (scrippsamg.com). In other words, San Diego has one of the best, most comfortable climates in the fall, as the temperatures tend to stay much higher compared to other areas around the country. According to an entertainment website, “[San Diego has] perfect weather year-round, 70 miles of spectacular coastline, world-class attractions and a thriving urban core, complete with a sophisticated art, dining and nightlife scene. San Diego has earned the name California’s beach city” (sandiego.org).
There is not a chance of feeling boredom among the numerous opportunities to enjoy the brisky climate, including Dia de los Muertos celebrations around town, HalGLOWeen at The San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld’s spooky Howl-O-Scream – featuring terrifying, interactive characters all over the park throughout October, picnic opportunities in places like Lake Murray or Ski Beach, the hyped seasonal Fallback Festival, the Harvest Del Mar Commemoration, and the yearly haunted houses, including Haunted Trails – which continues to be popular among the teenage community.
Nonetheless, San Diego is one of the finest settings to spend any season. With such a variety of events and traditions, San Diego offers everything and beyond. Whether it’d be spending the day dancing at an Oktoberfest or snuggled up reading a mystery novel or hearing the crisp sound of stepping on dry leaves on the sidewalk, fall is here to be enjoyed.