Things to Do and Love About September: Embracing the Start of Fall

September kicks off my favorite time of year, and I could not be happier to have it finally here. I love fall. The weather is so crisp and fresh. It feels almost perfect. Then add to the near-perfect beauty as leaves start to turn lovely hues of yellow, orange, and red. And for some parents, you can add in the kids going back to school and giving parents a little break after a busy summer.

September is the ninth month of the year and the gateway to fall. With 30 days in the month, not only does September represent change and leaving behind summer, but it also starts the block of “ber” months. Fall officially begins on September 22nd, and from there we get some of our favorite holidays, foods, and precious time with our loved ones.

From interesting September facts to fall activities and travel ideas, let's explore what makes this month so special.

September Facts

Did you know that the name September is derived from septem, the Latin word for "seven," because it was the seventh month in the early Roman calendar before January and February were added? Originally called Harvest, this time of year is called fall in English, mostly in the United States and Canada, and referred to as autumn in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. With leaves falling from trees and peppering the ground everywhere, fall seems to be an appropriate term.

Other Facts

• Zodiac Signs in September: Virgo (August 23–September 22) and Libra (September 23–October 22).

• Birthstone: Sapphire, which symbolizes wisdom, nobility, and purity.

• Birth Flowers: Aster, morning glory, and forget-me-not.

• Talk Like A Pirate Day: Talk like a pirate on Saturday, September 19th. (I think this is silly and fun)

Things To Do In September

First off is gardening, of course. There is always some planting to be done, whether you start sowing your seeds inside or outside. The best herbs to plant in September are parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, mint, and lavender. These herbs will grow well in cooler weather.

The best vegetables to plant in September are broccoli, lettuce, and spinach. Also plant some garlic, and you will have some yummy additions to your meals in late fall and when winter comes.

Next up is fall foliage. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful that it nearly takes your breath away? That is fall foliage for me. It is quite spectacular, and if you head to New England in late September, you just might find yourself breathless. Personally, I would like to take a quick trip to Maine this fall, as it is especially stunning this time of year.

Or how about making a visit to the Pacific Northwest and enjoying the beautiful foliage in Washington State and Oregon? I have recently fallen in love with Oregon and its beauty and hope to see the fall foliage there this year.

Did you know that September is wine month in California? Well, it is, and to me, that says it’s time for a trip to Napa. Napa is one of my favorite places, and September is a wonderful time of year to visit. Or maybe stay close to home in Southern California and head to Temecula for the wine festival to enjoy some great food and LOTS of wine tasting.

Last but not least is Oktoberfest. Believe it or not, Oktoberfest actually starts at the end of September, and lasts for sixteen glorious days. A trip to Germany may be for me this year, starting off in Munich. Oktoberfest is all about beer, and I am a girl who enjoys an ice-cold beer. I have not been to the "real" Oktoberfest, so this is really about checking things off my bucket list.

So now you have my suggestions for enjoying September, and none of them include the beach or barbeques. What do you love about fall? What do you like best about this time of year? Please share in the comments!

“But when fall comes, kicking summer out on its treacherous ass as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed. It settles in the way an old friend will settle into your favorite chair and take out his pipe and light it and then fill the afternoon with stories of places he has been and things he has done since last he saw you.” ― Stephen King, ’Salem’s Lot

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All Things September...

September kicks off my favorite time of year, and it is a little more than a week away. I love fall. The weather is so crisp, and fresh. It feels almost perfect. Then add to the near perfection with the beauty as leaves start to turn, and kids go back to school, heavenly. For this blog, I decided to offer some suggestions on things to do in September. It's almost here!

First off is gardening of course. There is always some planting to be done, whether you start sowing your seeds inside or outside. The best herbs to plant in September are parsley, cilantro, chives, thyme, mint, and lavender. These herbs will grow well in cooler weather.

The best vegetables to plant are broccoli, lettuce, and spinach. Also plant some garlic and you will have some yummy additions to your meals late fall, and when winter comes.

Next up is fall foliage. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful that it nearly takes your breath away? That is fall foliage for me. It is quite spectacular, and if you head to New England in late September you just might find yourself breathless. Maine is where I want to get to this year.

Did you know that September is wine month in California? Well it is and to me that says time for a trip to Napa. Napa is one of my favorite places, and September is a wonderful time of year to visit. Or maybe stay close to home and head up to Temecula for the wine festival to enjoy some great food and LOTS of wine tasting.

Last but not least is Oktoberfest. Believe it or not, Oktoberfest actually starts at the end of September, and lasts for sixteen glorious days. A trip to Germany may be in order for me this year, starting off in Munich. Oktoberfest is all about beer, and I am a girl who loves beer. I have not been to the "real" Oktoberfest, so this is really about checking things off the bucket list.

So now you have my suggestions for enjoying September, and none of them included Labor Day or barbecue. Cheers!

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