Fall is easy to spot in places like the Northeast, where the leaves are suddenly painted in scarlet and chartreuse. Even the Southwest has beautiful golden Aspen trees in the fall. But in Florida, fall is more subtle. The only leaves that change are the poison ivy--a beautiful shade of red, but somehow less awe-inspiring than the maples, elms, and birch trees of the Northeast.
To spot fall in Florida, you have to be paying attention. Roll down your window during your commute to or from work, and you’ll notice the air is a little cooler. Not a lot—not sweater weather, but there is a refreshing dip in the temperature. Born and raised Floridians might start leaving their windows open, or sitting a spell on their big front porches. You can do that, because the lower temperatures and dryer air means fewer mosquitoes—another sign that fall has come.
There are also three big migrations in Florida’s fall. Mullets swim into the warm, shallow water to spawn. Yes, a mullet is more than just an ironic hairstyle from the ‘80s. It’s also a
fish.
Hawks and eagles come to their winter nests, so if you’re visiting your chances of seeing a bald eagle are decidedly better in the fall. If you’re a mouse, or a mullet, your chances of surviving are decidedly worse.
The last migration is probably the one most Floridians recognize…the return of the snowbirds. The license plates change from green and orange to blue and white, the beaches are packed with pale, pink-and-white bodies, and suddenly everyone seems to be talking with a strange accent—New York, Bostonian, even French Canadian!
Another way you know its fall is by the fresh produce available at farmers’ markets.
Here’s a short list of what’s in season:
Apples
Beets
Carrots
Cranberries
Figs
Herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. (And now that song will be stuck in your head all day.)
Mushrooms (wild)
Pomegranates. An exotic addition to your autumnal table.
Pumpkins
Looks like Thanksgiving dinner to me. Who has the turkey and ham?
We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment and let us know the subtle changes that herald the fall in your area!
10 Comments
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Laura
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12 years 77 days ago
Wrapped in a bleknat at a football game on a crisp Saturday; Trading in the Corona for a hearty red wine; the crackle of the fire in the fireplace, surrounded by family and friends. Come visit, we'll go hiking in the mountains! Glad you took the time to stop and smell the leaves!
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How did I froegt football? An autumn staple. I am absolutely looking forward to watching football in my warm and cozy snuggie. I haven't tried hiking yet, but it's now on my list!
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Excellent report and easy to fully understand explanation. How do I go about getting permission to post component of the page in my upcoming newsletter? Giving proper credit to you the article author and hyperlink to the site would not be a problem.
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I come from Mexico. I wish their would be more blogs like this one.
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Hi, this is a great post! Thanks..
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I start seeing more people walking, ,more hunters driving up the old country roads in the pick up trucks..the grass is green and no longer under stress from the heat...The days are shorter and the nights cooler..But I just love fall...it is the most beautiful time of the year.
Thanks for making us stop and look at the trees....life gets busy and we sometimes take it for granted...
mcwooten1999@carolina.rr.com
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Autumn
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12 years 213 days ago
Thanks for reading! This is a great comment. You've eloquently and beautifully described another side of Florida's fall that very few people, even some native Floridians I daresay, have never seen. You've inspired me to get out there and really experience this season!
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Sowing Stitches
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12 years 218 days ago
I question your Florida. I am a Florida native and there is more to a Floridian Fall than poison ivy leaves turning red and somewhat cooler temperatures.
The night skies are clear and crisp and the stars shine brilliantly the harvest moon is large and orange. Gone are the pesky bugs, perfect for late afternoon and early evening strolls.
Goldenrod, purple asters and summac usher in vibrant fall color.
The oaks, dogwoods, maples, sweet gum and pine paint the Florida landscapes in burgandy, reds, gold, greens, brown and rust as the spanish moss waves on the breezes. The seed pods of many burst in blood red banners of color. Acorns, pine cones, pumpkins, gourds, pecans, dried corn all lend to seasonal decorations and are free bounty from the land of Florida.
To the hunters and fisher men and women, fall is a wonderful time! I dare say, you've never spent the night in a deer stand.....those nights can be both long and cold. And I've yet to mention the delight of the first frost, or the beauty of damp fresh fallen leaves in the woods.
No I question your Florida....it seems there must be another Florida I've yet to discover.
