Fall

FALL IS MY FAVORITE SEASON OF THEM ALL. BLUE JEANS, BOOTS, FOOTBALL, RED WINE, AND CHARCUTERIE PLATTERS EXPLODING WITH MEAT AND CHEESE—WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?

The season of crisp air and falling leaves invites long drives in the country and picnicking the old-fashioned way. Pack a basket full of savory and sweet snacks, a blanket, and a wonderfully warming cider.

My family’s favorite autumn activity is our annual trip to Gentry’s Farm, in Franklin, Tennessee, for a hayride through the cow fields followed by pumpkin picking and lots of laughter on the tire swing that hangs from the oak tree beside the old barn. The cooler weather makes for an inviting picnic lunch, and we can never leave without a quick visit to feed the chickens.

We load up the car—with way too many orange Cinderella pumpkins—and head to my parents’ house for Sunday-night supper around the bonfire, where we inevitably carve pumpkins and roast s’mores as the harvest moon rises.