Summer is coming to an end, but the beauty of fall in southwest Michigan should go a long way toward drying up any tears of abandonment.

Autumn has always been my favorite season. This will be my third one here and there are countless reasons to be excited:

> First of all, since I am writing this on my birthday, I have to say I am overjoyed to be heading into my fourth decade of life. (I apologize to anyone who saw the recent newspaper advertisement with my head plastered on Superman’s body. I blame my wonderful staff here at Leader).

> The natural beauty and comfortable temperatures make this a perfect time for relative newcomers like me, and life-long residents alike, to explore the great outdoors of Michiana.

> Most kids are pumped up to return to school. My children are definitely excited, both now attending the same school for the first time as a kindergartner and second grader.

> Anyone who knows me is well aware of the fact I love football and basketball. Within a few weeks both professional and college leagues for both sports will be going strong.

> Along those same lines, fantasy football returns. This makes otherwise basically meaningless sporting events interesting to thousands of people.

> Fall contains two of my favorite holidays in Halloween (mostly for my kids) and Thanksgiving (mostly for my taste buds).

> It will mark the one-year anniversary of the launch of Leader’s lifestyle magazine Michiana Life. An exciting party to celebrate is in the works.

> Fall is also a great time to start looking toward the next year, planning goals and objectives to make the coming year even better than the current one.

I am sure I have only scratched the surface when it comes to all the things that make fall great.

So, what do you think? What is your favorite season in southwest Michigan? What do you love most about fall?

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.