It’s that time of year again! Fall is here, and I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t be happier. I love the crisp air, the colorful trees, and finally getting to wear my favorite leather boots again. Thanksgiving, tailgates, football; I love it all. What is one of the best parts? Apples. Apples are taken for granted, even at this time of year.

A quintessential fall experience is apple picking. Taking a day to go to an orchard and pick your own apples is something I’ve done every year for as long as I can remember. Riding the tractor to the type of apple you want and climbing trees is always fun, but there is no better feeling than picking the perfect red Macintosh apple.You can’t leave the orchard without a caramel apple, which is another great fall staple. Imagine not being able to treat yourself to a delicious candy coated piece of fruit?

Now, you probably spent all day picking these apples for a reason. What do I do with my apples when I’m done picking them? I bake apple pie and apple crisp! There is no better combination than apples, cinnamon and sugar baked in the oven.

Another delicious apple treat is hot apple cider. I’d say it’s the equivalent of hot chocolate in the winter, the perfect drink to warm you up.

Next time you take a bite of apple pie or drink a glass of cider, think about how different fall would be if you couldn’t. Apples play a big role in the atmosphere of autumn, so pick, eat, and enjoy! Be grateful for every last bite, tis the season after all.

Taylor Gilmore can be reached at [email protected].