Fall started more than one month ago, but in some parts of the state, it only seems to have recently arrived. The temperatures are finally staying down in Phoenix, (plus, Flagstaff and Rim Country just had a brush of snow a few days ago.) With the hot weather out of the way, it’s finally time for us to enjoy the cool weather and get ready for winter. Here’s a look at some of the activities Arizonans do this time of year.
- Go for a day hike in the cool weather.
Raniel Diaz/Flickr If you’re not sure where to head out to, check out any of our previous hiking articles for inspiration!
- Harvest the last of the crops in the northern parts of the state.
Song River CowGirlZen Photography/Flickr My mom lives in the northern half of the state and just gave me a ton of tomatoes, melons and squash over the weekend. And she’s still harvesting from her garden!
- Sow fall crops in the southern parts of the state.
José Camba/Flickr Meanwhile in Phoenix, I’m sowing my tiny garden and making sure the seedlings develop good roots before the freezes arrive in a few weeks.
- Speaking of harvesting, picking piñons (pine nuts) is tedious, but well worth the effort.
Swetlana P./Flickr If you see vehicles parked along the highway wherever there are pine trees, you can almost guarantee that people are harvesting those buttery, yet expensive, piñons. I did this for the first time in years last month!
- Go on a day trip to see the fall foliage before winter starts up.
Michael Wilson/Flickr You still have time to catch some of the leaves for a few more weeks before snow comes in.
- Open your doors and windows!
Jim Makos/Flickr Let your stale, air conditioned home air out now that the weather has cooled.
- Go running!
Sheila Unwin/Flickr Now that the weather is way cooler, races and other running events are in full swing. Sign up for a 5K and enjoy a morning run with plenty of other people.
- Stock up on firewood, wood pellets, and other cold-weather essentials.
Horia Varlan/Flickr Those of you living in the areas of the state that regularly see freezing or near-freezing temperatures probably already have a small cache, but stock up! This winter is supposed to see extra moisture, and if your home requires driving down a dirt road, you may want to make sure you have enough supplies in case you get stranded in your home for a few days or a few weeks.
- Enjoy heartier cold-weather foods.
Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar/Flickr Enjoy stews, chowders, roasts, pumpkin everything and chili with what’s left of the summer chile harvest. (Just try not to put on too much winter weight.)
- Take a breather before the holiday season starts up.
Ian Freimuth/Flickr Actually, no, it’s already here! I heard Christmas music playing in a Walmart days before Halloween.
- Spend a day at a fair, festival or other outdoor event!
Eric G./Flickr The weather is finally cool enough to enjoy some music, fried foods and an afternoon spinning on rides!
- Football season is well-underway and basketball just started. How do you think the Cards and Suns will do this year?
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
Are you looking forward to doing any of these activities this year? Let us know which is your favorite by leaving a comment!
Raniel Diaz/Flickr
If you’re not sure where to head out to, check out any of our previous hiking articles for inspiration!
Song River CowGirlZen Photography/Flickr
My mom lives in the northern half of the state and just gave me a ton of tomatoes, melons and squash over the weekend. And she’s still harvesting from her garden!
José Camba/Flickr
Meanwhile in Phoenix, I’m sowing my tiny garden and making sure the seedlings develop good roots before the freezes arrive in a few weeks.
Swetlana P./Flickr
If you see vehicles parked along the highway wherever there are pine trees, you can almost guarantee that people are harvesting those buttery, yet expensive, piñons. I did this for the first time in years last month!
Michael Wilson/Flickr
You still have time to catch some of the leaves for a few more weeks before snow comes in.
Jim Makos/Flickr
Let your stale, air conditioned home air out now that the weather has cooled.
Sheila Unwin/Flickr
Now that the weather is way cooler, races and other running events are in full swing. Sign up for a 5K and enjoy a morning run with plenty of other people.
Horia Varlan/Flickr
Those of you living in the areas of the state that regularly see freezing or near-freezing temperatures probably already have a small cache, but stock up! This winter is supposed to see extra moisture, and if your home requires driving down a dirt road, you may want to make sure you have enough supplies in case you get stranded in your home for a few days or a few weeks.
Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar/Flickr
Enjoy stews, chowders, roasts, pumpkin everything and chili with what’s left of the summer chile harvest. (Just try not to put on too much winter weight.)
Ian Freimuth/Flickr
Actually, no, it’s already here! I heard Christmas music playing in a Walmart days before Halloween.
Eric G./Flickr
The weather is finally cool enough to enjoy some music, fried foods and an afternoon spinning on rides!
Kevin Dooley/Flickr
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