Wednesday Hodgepodge Vol. 621

Fall is sneaking up on us, and with it comes all the cozy vibes, colorful leaves, and way too many pumpkin-flavored everything. Since Wednesday has rolled back around, it’s time for another round of Hodgepodge questions—this week we’re talking about favorite fall things, autumn bucket lists, seasonal foods, and whether or not change really is as beautiful as people say. Plus, we’ll chat leaf peeping (a real thing, I promise) and toss in a random thought just for fun. Let’s dive in!

1. Fall officially rolls into the Northern Hemisphere on Monday (9/22)…what’s your favorite thing about fall? 

I honestly love everything about fall—the crisp, cool air, the sound of crunchy leaves, and of course, all the pumpkins. It’s hands down my favorite season. Give me sweatshirts, boots, jeans, and cozy flannels, and I’m one happy girl.

2. What’s one thing on your real or proverbial autumn bucket list? 

This year, I really want to have a backyard fire with the kids—roasting marshmallows and making fire pies. We missed out on it last year because of the wedding, but I’m determined that the very first cool evening, we’ll be out there making it happen.

3. Apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and cranberries are some of the top fall foods. Which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list you don’t eat? Which one have you had most recently? 

Honestly, I’ll eat them all! The most recent was sweet potatoes—I made a sausage and sweet potato skillet with a garlic sauce, and it was delicious. Sweet potatoes are definitely my favorite, though. I especially love the ones from Texas Roadhouse (shhh, don’t tell my nutritionist). I always ask for extra honey cinnamon butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar to pile on top.

4. ‘Fall is proof that change is beautiful’ is a popular sentiment. Would you agree or no? Elaborate. 

I completely agree. Fall is such a good reminder that change doesn’t have to be scary—it can be beautiful and refreshing. The way the trees turn vibrant colors before letting go of their leaves always makes me pause and think about how sometimes letting go makes room for new beginnings.

5. Is there a spot near you where people go to see the leaves change color? Will you try to leaf peep somewhere this fall? Lonely Planet lists the following ten places as the best for leaf peeping…of those listed which would you most like to visit? 

Stowe, Vermont~Shenandoah National Park, Virginia~Columbia River Gorge, Oregon~Zion National Park, Utah~Tennessee/North Carolina border~West Virgina~Northwestern Wyoming~Wisconsin Northwoods~Northern Nevada~Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, Arkansas

From the list, I’d choose Shenandoah National Park. It will always hold a special place in my heart because Pete and I went there on our honeymoon last year. The leaves were just starting to change at the time, and even then it was beautiful. I can only imagine how breathtaking it must be in mid-October—I bet it’s absolutely spectacular.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Saturday, I am getting my first tattoo, I am so excited and nervous. I will definitely share pictures on next week’s Wednesday Hodgepodge.