23 of the Coziest Things About Fall
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No disrespect to spring, winter, or summer, but here at Country Living, we're unapologetically partial to fall. Our very first issue hits newsstands in the autumn of 1978 (fun fact: Martha Stewart's kitchen graced the cover), and since then we've had a sentimental soft spot for the season. Whether it's curling up under a plaid wool blanket in a historic log cabin, cruising country backroads to see peak fall foliage firsthand, or braking for every apple cider donut this side of the Mississippi, there are seemingly endless ways to conjure up your own kind of cozy. And even if it's upwards of 80 degrees wherever you happen to call home, this roundup of our favorite fall rituals and rites of passage is sure to get you in your most flannel-wearing, pumpkin-picking, cider-sipping state of mind.
The Calming Crackle of a Warm Fire
If you ask us, sitting still is an underrated art form, and there's no better place to do it than in a cozy armchair by a rustic fireplace, although an outdoor fire pit is right up there too.
Sampling All of the Pie. (So. Much. Pie!)
What'll it be? Pecan? Pumpkin? Peanut Salted Caramel Slab Pie? Oh, what the heck, why not try a hearty sliver of them all?
A Weekend Escape to a Rustic Cabin
If you're lucky enough to own one, good for you. For the rest of us, a fall getaway to a dreamy mountain retreat is the ideal way to feel truly immersed in the season. Don't forget to cue up the John Denver as you pull up the crunchy gravel drive.
A Football Tailgate on a Sunny Fall Saturday
Even if your team (gasp) loses, a fall Saturday feasting on tailgating recipes and playing tailgate games is a fall Saturday well spent. You've already got your cozy gameday sweatshirt, right?
Apple Cider Donut Everything
When the Country Living Test Kitchen turned the farmstand favorite into a crowd-pleasing Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake complete with that sugary coating, they officially ruined all other desserts for us (except for all of the aforementioned pie, of course).
Slipping Into a Favorite Sweater
It's called sweater weather for a reason, and we're partial to the classic fisherman's cable knit layered under a classic waxed canvas barn coat.
Bringing All of Your Wool Blankets Out of Storage
They've been patiently waiting for this moment, after all. Layer them over the bed or sofa for peak cabin-esque coziness.
The First Knock of Trick-or-Treaters
As fun as trick-or-treating is for kids, there's something about being on the other side of the door (minus the crowds!) that is equally thrilling. You know what's also fun? Being the house that goes all out with the full-size candy bars.
Sipping Old-Fashioneds
But not just any old-fashioned. It has to be a Grilled Orange Old-Fashioned complete with a toasted marshmallow skewer.
Going Apple Picking
And celebrating the (literal) fruits of your labor by whipping up nostalgic hand pies with your hard-earned bushel.
Homemade Corn Husk Wreaths
They're the next best thing to winding your way through a corn maze, but you can enjoy all that color and texture from the comfort of your living room.
Consuming Soup and Chili by the Bowlful
Where to begin? Perhaps start with the Tortellini-Meatball Soup or Lasagna Soup before making your way to something even heartier. Word to the wise: You're going to want some homemade bread to sop up every last drop.
Pretty Pumpkins on the Front Porch
Whether you choose to decorate your own or admire your neighbor's display from afar, porch pumpkins set a warm, come-smell-the-mulled-spices-on-the-stovetop kind of welcome.
Pulling Out Your Favorite Fall China
The Spode Woodland collection will always be a favorite, but this harvest bird dinnerware set is duck-calling our name.
Going to a Small-Town County Fair
And winning a ridiculously oversized stuffed cow at the ball toss before celebrating your fover funnel cake.
And Visiting the Petting Zoo, Naturally
His name is Wilbur and he is SOME PIG.
The Crunch of Leaves Under Your Favorite Fall Boots
Need we say more? Find ample footwear for your frolicking right here.
Charming Country Curb Appeal
That tobacco basket wreath! That pumpkin-colored paint! You can count on a drive through the countryside to serve up an assortment of fall favorites.
Sitting Under a Blanket on the Porch Swing
Step 1: Locate porch swing. Step 2: Sip hot cider. Step 3: Open latest issue of Country Living.
Cooking in a Cast-Iron Skillet
Some things, like cornbread, pork chops, and pot pie, simply taste better in cast-iron. Be sure to check out our editors' favorite cast-iron cookware.
Sipping Hot Cider
This Woodchuck Warmer Hot Apple Cider Cocktail gets its name from an old nickname for Vermonters—and they really take their apples seriously.
Playing Campfire Games
Bonus points for making the most of nature's bounty
Autumn Antiquing Excursions
There's nothing as good for the soul as piling into a car in the name of going on a fall antiquing road trip with fellow patina-loving passengers.
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