Fall in Miami: A Different Kind of Autumn in South Florida

Since arriving in Miami a few days ago, I’ve been thinking about how different fall in South Florida feels compared to back home in Pennsylvania.

In some ways, we hated to leave Pennsylvania. Everything was so beautiful — bursts of orange, yellow, and red in the trees, cheerful fall decorations on porches and lawns, pumpkins everywhere, hayrides, and pick you own apple farms full of family outings. That classic autumn spirit was contagious, and it followed us at least as far as Maryland or D.C.

But the farther south we drove, the more it faded. The trees lost their colors, the porches lost their decorations and pumpkins, and by the time we reached Miami nineteen hours later, it just didn’t feel like fall anymore.

Tree in my neighbor's yard

Don’t get me wrong — we love being in Florida. There’s always that little thrill when we cross the border from Georgia to Florida and spot the first palm trees.🌴🌴

My condo in Miami

But autumn in Miami is a completely different experience. There’s no dramatic change in the air, no crunch of leaves underfoot. It’s more like a gentler, calmer version of summer. The days stay in the mid-80s, the ocean’s still warm for swimming, and it’s perfect for early morning or evening walks along the beach.

Palm trees don’t change color; they stay their steady, bright green. Still, a few tropical plants will still bloom as the temperatures drop, so there’s color here — just in a different way.

Fall in Miami also marks the end of hurricane season, less rain and humidity, and the start of art fairs, craft shows, food festivals, and outdoor concerts and activiites. After the long, humid, often oppressive summer, people finally start getting out again to enjoy the cooler, breezier weather. Fort Lauderdale is 1/2 hour ride for us. 

So while there’s no need for sweaters or leaf rakes, fall in South Florida has its own kind of charm. It’s warm, breezy, and full of life — like an endless summer, only softer. Whether we are enjoying the beach, exploring a weekend market, or catching a sunset concert, this really is one of the best times of year to be in Miami- not too hot, humid, or rainy.

Do you like pumpkin pie? 

Here is a really easy vegan pumpkin pie recipe  that is made in the blender. Nice and creamy and of course meets gluten-free standards.

Creamy Red Lentil Pumpkin Soup- "Curried Up" for Fall

Do you like the taste of pumpkin? Wait until you taste this red lentil pumpkin soup recipe that I've updated from a previous recipe and "curried it up" for this fall. 

I love the taste of curry, but if you don't, just leave it out, substitute pumpkin pie spice, and you will still have a wonderful creamy pumpkin soup.

Heading To Florida - On The Road Again

Ai generated photo

It’s that time of year and we are taking a road trip to Florida! 

In the past, we always powered through with just one overnight stop, but this time we’re slowing down, taking a little more time, and enjoying the journey with two nights in hotels and less driving each day, which will give us a little more time to stretch, explore, and take in the scenery along the way. It should take us 3 days traveling to reach Florida instead of two.

Ai generated photo

Of course, Mother Nature always likes to keep things interesting. A Nor’easter storm is moving through, and I’m crossing my fingers we can stay ahead of the rain. Either way, the open road and palm trees are calling!

Spider Webs and Misty Fog- Nature's Spooky Halloween Creations

Move Over, Fake Spiderwebs—Nature’s Got This Covered

It's definitely beginning to look more like fall as the leaves turn color and pumpkins and Halloween decorations begin to appear all around the neighborhood. So far— I've noticed fake spiderwebs, glowing pumpkins, giant dragons and ghosts, and spooky skeletons. 

When I stepped outside in the fog for my early morning walk today, everything looked a little mysterious.  I noticed hundreds of spider webs on the bushes and grass — real spider webs glistening in the morning mist. They were everywhere: stretched across bushes, woven through the grass, and draped over rocks like delicate lace.