For most of my adult life, I have loved autumn, and specifically October. My earliest experiences as faculty and all of my post-high school education was on the quarter system. This means functionally the first week of school coincided with the last week of September/ first week of October. 

For the longest time, starting a new school year was the cause of greatest celebration! This love continued post-degree/ post-faculty appointments. So I joined the legion of pumpkin-picking aspirational middle class urbanites in celebrating fall through trendy branding. 

Hence the portmanteau of “October” and “activities” in #Octivities 

There are six reasons why #Octivities are the best:

1. The plagues of mosquitoes obsolesce, yet it’s still warm enough to be outside. The occasionally chilly night can justify cute sweaters, light jackets, and hoodies (but only in neighborhoods that are safe for black people). 

Being outside means the evening dating options increase substantially:  nightwalks, hot ciders and cheese parties, boardgame nights, medium length runs, yoga in the parks, movie nights in the parks, the last of Famers’ Markets, etc.

2. It’s apple, flower and pumpkin picking season. The abundance of harvest options allows for good day-time, wholesome hangout options.

Last year I tried my hand at flower-picking and floral arrangements.  Twas so much fun!

And pumpkin makes err’thang better. 

3. Peak fall, for leaf-lovers, descends on New England. The colors are glorious to behold. 

4. County fairs and nightmarkets come into their own. 🙌🏾

5. Summer travel prices plummet, reducing the cost of a 10-day excursion to somewhere.

6. The parties of October are awesome!! Between Halloween and Homecomings, the party scence is lit but calm. 

After many summers of drinking and partying, the ebullient fraternity of #Octivities is a wholesome and welcome relief.