Scents of September 🍂
September has always been my favorite month — not just because it signals the start of fall, but because it carries with it a sense of comfort I can almost smell before the leaves even start to turn. Growing up in Upstate New York, autumn was magical. The air cooled just enough to pull out a cozy sweater, the trees set the sky on fire with their colors, and the world seemed to slow down in the best way.
The sidewalks of course would be covered in crunchy leaves and you could feel the crisp change in the fall air. Our neighborhood had a large pond in the middle, and in the evenings, the view of the water with the sun setting behind it made everything feel so peaceful. Those small moments are what made fall in New York feel so special to me.
Apples Over Pumpkin Spice
I’ll admit it: I’m not a pumpkin spice girl. But apple cider? That’s a non-negotiable. There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a hot mug of cider on a cool day. It’s sweet, spicy, and comforting all at once. And while I may skip the lattes, I’ll never skip carving pumpkins. It’s messy, creative, and one of those traditions I look forward to every single year.
Finding Fall in the Desert
This year feels a little different, though. Being in Las Vegas, I don’t have the same autumn views that New York gives me — no chilly park walks or pond reflections framed with fiery trees. But I’ve realized fall is also about the rituals you make for yourself. For me, that might look like trying a new cozy recipe, like a homemade soup or a hearty chili that fills the house with warmth. Or maybe it’s decorating with pumpkins, finding a seasonal festival, or simply lighting a candle that smells like cinnamon and clove.
The Heart of the Season
At the end of the day, fall is about the little comforts that make the season feel special. For me, that’s apple cider, pumpkin carving, and cozy evenings spent slowing down. Even if I can’t make it back to New York in time this year, I’m determined to create moments that give me that same familiar feeling here in Las Vegas. Because fall isn’t just a season for me. It’s a special time of year — one of my favorites for so many reasons. Through scent, memory, and tradition, it’s a season I carry with me no matter where I am.
Xo, Nik
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