I have a favorite holiday. The 4th of July.
But I’d say fall is my favorite season. The colors are what make it worthwhile, the cozy vibes from the activities, and did I mention football? Orange was also my college color. (Go Fighting Camels!)
Fall, or autumn whatever you want to call it is a magical season marked by the transformation of nature's canvas. My favorite part of the transition is when the air turns crisp, and the leaves on trees shift from their luscious greens to vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, creating the picturesque landscape across the rolling hills of Iowa. It’s also going to be covered in browning cornstalks soon too. I’m ready to unpack all my cozy sweaters and dive into pumpkin spice everything. Don’t get me started on the festive activities like apple picking and hayrides that fill up my weekends in the Siouxland area. As we all know the days grow shorter, and there's a charm in the cool evenings that invite bonfires and warm drinks. My church, Restoration Church (formerly Morningside Assembly of God) has a bonfire coming up for young adults which I am excited about. Fall is a season of harvest and gratitude, where the beauty of change is celebrated the anticipation of the holiday season begins to build.
Growing up in North Carolina I am used to the beautiful colors the leaves make when it is time to transition to the colder months.
Iowa takes on a different tone. Iowa might not be the first state that comes to mind for fall foliage, but it does have some beautiful areas! The state is known for its rolling hills and scenic landscapes, especially in places like the Loess Hills. I am excited to take a trip wandering through Stone State Park as the leaves change with our pup. Two years ago it’s where we took our engagement photos two years so it holds a special place in our memories! While Iowa may not rank as high as New England states, it still offers some amazing autumn views!
The added cornfields are already popping up around here. They pop up all over the state, and each one has its own unique design and theme. Some popular ones include Lawton’s Scarecrow Farms, and for pumpkin patches, I love Hillside Harvest in Smithland, Iowa. They’re super fun for families and friends! I went for the first time last year.
The Iowa DNR has a report estimating when the colors will change in Iowa. Here is the last fall color report of the season.
So happy, September 22nd… the first day of fall to those who celebrate.
Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
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