Autumn is my favorite season. I told a friend that, and she was surprised, and replied that fall was always a time of decay for her. I never thought of it that way. It’s a time of warm colors for me, as well as comfort foods, fun events, and family. And I find autumn in Princeton magical. I might’ve converted her after our conversation.
Because Princeton is so bucolic with a wide variety of trees, the vibrant colors can be mesmerizing. The reds, oranges and yellows mixed with some lingering greens are breathtaking, especially when you’re driving on one of Princeton’s winding roads with a canopy of brilliant foliage overhead.
Fall is the perfect time to visit the local farms to choose your favorite pumpkin from the patch, pick apples, go on hayrides, and walk through corn mazes. Terhune Orchards has great family activities for the season, and their apple cider and cider donuts are a must.
The autumn harvest is special for me. The colors are absolutely beautiful, and the flavors comfort me like a warm blanket. Some of my favorites are butternut squash, cauliflower, pumpkin, and Brussels sprouts. The Princeton Farmer’s Market has local farm fresh produce to offer, and some are organic. I also adore seeing bright mums throughout, giving a splash of color in landscaping, and on front porches.
Princeton hosts so many autumn events. Below are some of the highlights.
- McCaffrey’s just hosted their Second Annual Specialty Food Showcase
- The Princeton Shopping Center and the Arts Council of Princeton will both organize separate Halloween Parades
- The YMCA will host a Halloween party
- The Princeton Public Library opens its doors to a haunted house
- Palmer Square will hold a Christmas Tree Lighting and a Chanukah Celebration
- McCarter Theater has performances of the Nutcracker
- McCarter Theater has performances of A Christmas Carol
Fall can result in more than a seasonal climate change, but also a political climate change with elections around the corner. Residents get fired up about candidates, amendments, or local concerns. This year’s debate is whether or not to consolidate.
As the temperature cools, and kids went back to school, the cultural season began. McCarter and Richardson Auditorium are bringing joy through theatrical pieces, music, dance, and entertainment in their glorious halls, and the blockbuster movie season has given way to Oscar hopefuls shown at the Garden Theater.
It’s all about family as I dine on the comforting foods, get ready to go Trick-or-Treating or to Halloween parties, look forward to attending a lighting ceremony, buy tickets for seasonal shows, prepare the Thanksgiving menu, and make plans for celebrating the Advent season at my church in town.
So, I ask you, does autumn sound like a season of decay?