Are you ready for fall? Here's a guide to make the most of season ๐
You feel it in the air too, right?
Fall is here. It's time to break out the sweaters, pumpkins and all things cozy. We've got a guide to help you have the best autumn you can from pumpkin and apple picking to finding the most scenic hike.
Let's get started.
When does fall officially start? Here's when to expect cooler temperatures in Ohio
Meteorological fall runs from September 1 to November 30, and is marked by the annual temperature cycles. The meteorological start of fall is the same date every year.
However, some say fall officially starts on the autumnal equinox. The equinox, which falls this year on September 23, marks the start of astronomical fall. Astronomers rely on the tilt of the Earth to determine the four seasons, which start on the fall and spring equinoxes, and the summer and winter solstices. The farther the Earth is tilted away from the sun, the cooler the weather will be.
What about Daylight Saving Time? When does that end?
On Sunday, Nov. 5, the seasonal practice of daylight saving time will end.
Clocks will fall back one hour at 2 a.m., and we'll gain that hour of sleep. But the tradeoff is that the sun will start setting earlier.
Where can I get all the pumpkin-flavored things?
Starbucks isn't the only place to get your pumpkin spice fix. Here's a look at other chains and local eateries where you can find the fall flavor.
Where can I pick apples around Columbus?
Whether you are making sauce or pies or simply eating them fresh, fall is a good time for apples.
From sweet Fujis and tart Goldrush to crisp Red Delicious apples, these farms and orchards offer a wide variety that will soon be available to pick yourself, also known as "U-pick."
There are also several farms and markets that offer farm fresh apples without the picking. Check out Hugus in Rushville, Ochs in Lancaster, Charlie's Apples in Newark and Heartland Orchard in Thornville, to name a few.
Find a list of U-pick options around Columbus.
Where can I pick my own pumpkins around Columbus?
Whether for pies, jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween or fall decorations, visiting pumpkin patches is a quintessential fall activity.
And soon, Columbus area and nearby farms and orchards will begin offering opportunities to pick your own pumpkin to take home.
The list includes spots offering U-pick opportunities, while some other great farms that offer pre-picked pumpkins include Pigeon Roost Farm in Hebron, open Sept. 16 through Oct. 29; Leeds Farm in Ostrander, open Sept. 16 to Oct. 28; Dupler's Pumpkin Land in Newark, open Sept. 15 to Oct. 31; and Freeman's Farm in Galena, open Sept. 16 through Oct. 31.
Check out these farms to find a pumpkin patch near you.
When will the leaves start to turn in Ohio?
The Farmer's Almanac predicts a significant cool down and above-normal precipitation this fall in the Midwest, including snow starting in the fall. While snow may be bad news, the cooler temperatures mean earlier peak leaf colors.
The almanac has forecasted Oct. 5 through 21 as the peak time for fall leaves in Ohio.
A great place for keeping track of the changing colors is the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which offers updates, predictions and a list of fall activities around the state at ohiodnr.gov.
Here are some great places to find the best fall colors and another list of great hikes within driving distance of Ohio.
Are there ghost tours around Columbus?
There's plenty of haunted history around central Ohio, and there's no better time to explore it than in the fall season. Whether it's in the halls of the Ohio Statehouse or among the graves of Green Lawn Cemetery, adults will find a selection of thrills and chills around town.
As for the kiddos, they can experience age-appropriate activities at Thurber House or in the forests of Upper Arlington.
Read on for just some of the ghost tours offered in the Greater Columbus area.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Things to do this fall from pumpkin picking to finding the best hikes
