Fall Is in Full Swing
By Susan Hunt-Bradford
Last month, I declared September my favorite month, but I’m feeling pretty good about October, too. There’s a possibility these two months may end up neck and neck for the top spot! I take my weather seriously, and October is forecasting some beautiful fall temperatures, which makes me very happy. Add in the changing leaves, crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and all the things there are to do this month, and it’s hard not to love October.
One of my favorite things about fall is simply getting outside and soaking it all in. It’s the perfect time to spend a day with a friend, bring along your furry friend, and explore some of the beautiful places around Missouri and Illinois.
My article on page 11 highlights many ways to enjoy the fall season right here in our area. You don’t necessarily have to travel far to find something beautiful or something new to explore.
Every day as I drive around the St. Louis area and Southern Illinois, I find myself marveling at the trees and the scenery. I grew up in the Adirondacks of Northern New York, so I’ve always had a deep appreciation for nature. I was surrounded by mountains, forests, lakes, and beautiful scenery, and I never lost that love of the outdoors.
But I have to admit, Missouri and Illinois have surprised me. There are so many beautiful places tucked away incredibly close to home.
Recently, I was driving along Manchester Road in the Manchester area when I decided to take a turn onto a road I had never traveled before. That turn led me onto a long, winding road and eventually to a new neighborhood with the most beautiful view of green, rolling hills. I had driven that area countless times without ever knowing what was just around the corner.
That seems to happen all the time. I’ll take a different road, turn down a street I’ve never explored, or simply look at something from a different perspective — and suddenly I discover another little piece of nature that I didn’t know was there.
Maybe that’s one of the best things about fall. It reminds us to slow down and look around.
So this month, I hope you’ll get outside, take a drive, explore somewhere new, and enjoy the beautiful season right here in our own backyard. Grab a friend, bring the dog, take the scenic route—and don’t be afraid to turn down that road you’ve never been on before.
You never know what beautiful view might be waiting for you around the corner.