Staff Favorites: All Things Fall!

Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-flavored everything: it’s officially fall! We asked our staff to share some of their favorite things about the season, from the best fall treats to the little traditions that make this time of year special. Whether you’re team apple cider or team pumpkin spice, we think you’ll love hearing what makes our staff truly fall for fall!

“I love carving pumpkins every fall! Growing up, it was a tradition I shared with my mom every October until I left for college. We always went to the same pumpkin patch, and I made it my mission to pick out the biggest pumpkin we could carry (sometimes they were close to 50 lbs, no lie!). Since then, I have kept the tradition alive by dragging all of my roommates, even the reluctant ones, to pick out pumpkins and carve them for Halloween. And of course, fall wouldn’t be complete without Pillsbury sugar cookies. The ghosts and pumpkins are classics, and they taste amazing every single time. And now they are safe to eat raw too!” — Eli “Peter Porker” Creasy, Digital Operations and Media Manager

“You HAVE to pull out your best sweatshirts! Luckily Aerie has upped their game in the sweatshirt department this year. I’m very excited to wear my navy one this year!” — Annelise “Smilin’” Morrison, Silverado Camp Director

“The best thing about fall is simply the weather! I love to just walk outside and see the trees change colors and feel the cool air.” — Ethan “Runny” Hebert, IT Operations Support Technician

“Fire pit hangs are amazing! I’m also excited for reading, watching football, and enjoying time with friends around that in the backyard! Lastly, I just got a new Carhartt hoodie that I am eager to get chilly in—soft, comfortable and broken in, even brand new!” — Conor “Flow” Barry, Ridge Camp Director

“I will forever be grateful for my Instant Pot for all the warm cozy soups to meal prep each week! Chicken and gnocchi, tomato basil, sausage tortellini, the list is endless! I also really love a good fall simmer pot! Saturdays at home either cleaning around the house, reading by the window, or crafting—it feels sooo cozy to have a good smell around the house!” — Bri “Moon Boots” Reed, Registration Coordinator

“I love making chai lattes at home during the fall with the Spiced Chai Concentrate from Trader Joe’s! It’s delish!” — Emma “TBT” Hancock, Communications Coordinator

“Fall means bike season for our family, and we’ve been loving being able to be outside without as much heat! We’re planning on upgrading to some wheel LED lights for a birthday soon. And this bike helmet has been a big hit—our son will actually remember to wear it!” — Jesse “Schmoe” Garner, Senior Director of Engagement

“Some things I love about fall include chili, sitting by the fire outside with family and friends, wearing cozy sweatpants and big sweatshirts, and also deer hunting season!” — Maura “Draino” Weems, Woods Women’s Director

From warm drinks to crunchy leaves, our staff’s favorites remind us that fall is full of simple joys worth celebrating. Now the only question left is: what’s your fall favorite?