Fall Back
It takes awhile for autumn to creep into my Austin life. But fall is finally here, months after the back-to-school seasonal merchandise change told us it was time to start wearing coats and clothing with leather and wool trim. Personally, I still have another month or so in flip flops. (My flip flops and sandals don’t get much of a break at all, actually, and my poor feet have paid the price.)
If a few cooler days in Austin didn’t force us to embrace autumn, setting the clocks back certainly will. I’m writing this on the first evening of the time change and it feels later than it should. I’m not a fan of messing with our clocks.
Since I left the east coast and moved to Austin, I’ve had to reevaluate what fall means to me. It was easy back home. Jewel-toned mums from the farmers markets were on everyone’s porches, people would clutch their steaming cups of coffee and cider to watch Halloween parades, and most notably, the leaves turned stunning colors. Fall in Austin means the heat subsides and I get to cease my strike on outdoor activities. I go back to the greenbelt, resume patio dining, and soak up the best season in our fair city.
The real turning point is the annual (512) party, a kickoff to Austin Beer Week. Originally held in midsummer, (512) mercifully moved their anniversary party to cooler days a few years ago. For me, sipping special beers on the grounds of their brewery with giant carved pumpkins is the official start of the season. Despite it being about 90° out, this year I reveled in the spices of Pecan Porter served out of a pumpkin and idled away a few hours with friends in patches of shade. Some people come dressed for the heat, while others dress for Halloween. Like this guy, who dressed as a keg:
