As the summer begins to whine down and we will soon be welcomed to fall’s mystic presences that we are all accustomed to here in new england. There is no place on earth better for fall than New hampshire*. As most places fall is the down season for tourism as its in between beach and ski season, we are greeted with a surge of people from all over the world to enjoy the beautiful sights of our deciduous forests.
While sight is probably the most popular sense when it comes to fall I’d like to pay homage to the other 4 senses because I don’t feel like they receive enough recognition. Smell, taste,touch and hearing are integral parts of the new hampshire fall experience.
Smell Is by far the most favorite, so many things come to mind when thinking about fall smells: Cinnamon, apple, and most importantly decay. The sweet-musky aromas of the leaves breaking down is truly a treat to behold, it rivals the beautiful smell of pine trees we all know and love. The smells of fall bring so much nostalgia to anyone who’s had a nice slice of apple pie, sat down around a fire with good company or Hiked up a mountain.
Taste is the most enjoyable, who doesn't love a hearty beef stew or a warm apple crisp. Fall is also home to the holiday in which you eat the most, thanksgiving. For me fall wouldn’t be complete without some of my mom’s french canadian classics sugar pie and pork pie. The flavors of fall complement the weather so nicely that you’ll still want to eat outside no matter what temperature it is outside.
When I think of touch in fall the first two things that come to mind are the crunch of leaves and the cool chilly breeze. I think every person who grew up here in new hampshire has a core memory of their time jumping into a leaf pile. Its amazing how something so brittle when moved into a pile becomes a cushion for so much joy.
Sounds are the crackling of a fire and the pitter patter of rain on leaves. The sound of wind flowing through the woods, leaves and branches of trees can be calming and can give you a chance to reflect on nature.
*this sentence is not an Opinion, It is a fact.
Liam hopes to jump start a career in conservation after his experience serving at the Squam Lakes Association. Learn more about Liam here!