The651.com

Fall has always been my favorite season.  I don’t enjoy the humidity of summer nor do I appreciate the freezing-ness of winter. Spring is nice, but something about the greenery slowly and visibly withering before our very eyes has a dark, romantic appeal to me. Not to mention, the fashion! Oh, fall fashion, with your wools, velvets and suedes in dark, rich hues, how I love you. Berets can be flaunted without sarcastic quips about the French, cloaks can be creatively swooped about shoulders sans vampire reference, and tall boots with wool tights are a cozy, staple accessory.   To me, the only downfall to Autumn is that Winter soon follows.

Something about getting out and seeing the city while the colors turn and the leaves crunch underfoot has such a nostalgic vibe. It reminds me of rolling around in leafy piles as a child, all rosy-cheeked and zipped into a little hooded sweater, the crisp breeze and its earthy smell swirling about, and the promise of something warm and spicy to sip upon returning indoors.

While I’ve since traded apple cider for mulled wine, the childhood whimsy still remains. This Fall, be sure to get out and explore; whether it’s by taking a stroll down in Crosby Park to ooh and ahh over the changing fauna, embarking on a Fall Sightseeing Tour via paddleboat on the Mighty Mississipp, or maybe hitting up the historic James J. Hill House for a tour and a round of Victorian Ghost Stories with costumed performers.

This weekend, however, invites you to explore ART at the annual Fall Art Tour. Jump on the shuttle bus to be squired around to numerous galleries at educational institutions such as St. Kate’s, St. Thomas, Concordia University, Macalester, College of Visual Arts and more. A great way to kick off your Autumn explorations of Saint Paul, if you ask me! Also, save the date for the St. Paul Art Crawl in Lowertown St. Paul coming up Oct 9th-11th!