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.
Picturesque Red Barns with Stacks of Firewood Out Front
It's a commonly known fact that you simply must brake for every red barn you pass along a country road, even if (especially if!) the person behind you honks aggressively.
Dogs in Bandanas
Even better if said red barn has a sweet dog out front. (You can find a nifty neckerchief for yours here.)
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.
35 Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Never Get Tired Of
Beef and Lamb Pasticcio
20 Leftover Turkey Recipes for After Thanksgiving
Why Do Ginkgo Trees Lose Their Leaves All at Once?
