Because Long Beach is currently having a bit of a heat wave, I started thinking about my ideal fall day — mostly because I would like to experience fall at some point this year.
I love fall. I love the sweaters, the pumpkins, the cozy drinks, the changing leaves, the general permission to make everything vaguely cinnamon-scented… but perhaps my favorite part is that the mosquitoes are supposed to die.
So why, exactly, are we in October with 100-degree weather and a shit ton of mosquitoes?
I remember when fall started in early September. September used to mean cooler mornings and pulling out the occasional cardigan. Now September is basically August wearing a different name tag, and apparently October didn’t get the memo either.
Anyway. Back to my ideal fall day before I get too distracted yelling at the weather.
I want crisp morning air, golden-hour light, and lower crowds. I want to wake up early, grab a coffee, and drive somewhere that actually feels like fall.
I’ve been told that if you want actual fall vibes in Southern California — you know, colorful leaves and temperatures that don’t make you question your life choices — you need to head into the mountains rather than the coast.
And honestly? That sounds lovely.
I’d love to drive up to Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, or Idyllwild for pine-scented air, crisp morning temperatures, cute little towns, and trees that are actually changing colors. I want to wander around, grab something warm to drink, maybe do a little shopping, take approximately 700 pictures of leaves, and generally romanticize my life.
Basically, I want one of those fall days where you can wear a sweater without immediately becoming a human crockpot.
For the most part, though, Hector and I visit a pumpkin patch and call it a day — and this year is probably no different. Honestly, I’m perfectly happy with that. Give me some pumpkins, a cute photo opportunity, something pumpkin-flavored that probably doesn’t need to be pumpkin-flavored, and I’m calling it a successful fall outing.
When the baby is older, I’d love to start planning more actual fall day trips. Apple picking, little mountain towns, scenic drives, cider, maybe a weekend somewhere with real autumn leaves. I want the whole cozy fall experience.
But that’s a few years away.
For now, we’ll stick with our pumpkin patch tradition and enjoy whatever version of fall Southern California decides to give us.
Although, Southern California, I am begging you: it is October. Put the 100-degree weather away. The mosquitoes are already overstaying their welcome.
