Maine.

Earlier this fall, Todd and I drove up the coast with no real plans in mind besides making it to Portland, Maine in time for dinner. We stopped in Portsmouth, New Hampshire first, where we poked around the cute downtown area and escaped the drizzle in a little pub. It had stopped raining by the time we made it to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, so we took our time exploring the tacky beach shops then continued up the coast, stopping at Crescent Beach State Park and Cape Elizabeth. We reached the Portland Head Light just as the sun was setting and an old park ranger was shooing everyone away, then drove into Portland for dinner at Eventide Oyster Co. My favorite thing about this trip? Realizing how incredibly diverse this small patch of New England coastline is. One minute I felt like we were in Ireland; the next, Florida.

cabin in the woods.

Todd and I had to admit that driving 12 hours was a bit far for a four-day weekend—especially since we'll be doing it again in a few weeks—so we decided to stick closer to home for Thanksgiving this year. We knew we didn't want to stay home and be lonely all weekend, so we rented a teensy little cabin on Cape Cod. Sadly, I don't think this monster storm is bringing us any snow, but I'm still excited to get cozy with a stack of books, movies, and magazines. If anyone has Cape Cod recommendations (specifically Provincetown), please leave a comment!

winterizing.

I've always loved Boston, but for years I said I'd never move here because of the winters. Then I changed my mind. Being an obsessive planner — I always like to have a five-year plan, a 10-year plan, etc. — this change was a bit disconcerting. But it's also exciting to know that I can surprise myself. Who knows where I'll be in five years? I really can't say.

So here I am, prepping for my first New England winter. The autumn leaves are blowing away fast now, and it's pitch black when I get out of work. I thought this would be depressing, but I find myself more energized than ever as I watch the lights come on in downtown's tallest buildings. I've always loved a skyline at night. It makes me want to take a long walk through the city, even though it's dark and cold and the wind makes me want to cry a little. The other night, I bypassed the warm tunnels of the T and walked straight through downtown, across Boston Common, and down Newbury Street to meet Todd for dinner.

I'm stocking up on fleece-lined leggings, sensible boots, and crock pot recipes. I'm winterizing the house and car and piling the bed and couch with blankets, and we even bought the dog a coat (why should he get cold and wet on walks?). I'm obsessively tracking the first snow, which might come as soon as next week. Call me crazy, but for the first time in my life I'm excited for winter.

Pumpkins: Put the knife away.

We bought our pumpkins at a local orchard earlier this month, but we've been waiting to carve them until this weekend. But as much as I enjoy getting all gooey with pumpkin guts, I really like these less invasive approaches as well.

Are you carving a pumpkin this year? What's your plan? (Click the photos for the links.)

and just because this photo cracked me up:

cute as a boot.

Now that I live somewhere where it actually gets cold, I'm having to do a lot of wardrobe adjustment — and believe me, I don't mind. I've been stocking up on scarves, cozy leggings, and even a fur-lined coat, but there's one thing I really need: Boots. Lots of boots. I lived in flats all year round in Charleston, but I've already realized that those just aren't going to swing it in Boston. If any of you New England ladies have boots-shopping advice, give me a shout. This is new territory for me.

Boots! by ericajackson on polyvore.com

Fall Libations: Applejack

A year or two ago, Todd and I hosted a little party to celebrate our favorite season: fall. We decorated with pumpkins, built a fire in the backyard, and I made a seasonal punch that was gone within the first hour. I haven't been able to track down the recipe since then, but I remember it blended bourbon, apple cider (regular and sparkling), and Laird's Applejack.

That was my first exposure to Applejack, but I soon learned that the spirit holds a special place in American history. Back in the 1820s, evangelist John Chapman, a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed, distributed apple seeds to his followers and taught them how to make Applejack. You can read more about the history here.

As for what you can make with it, you could swap it with whiskey in most recipes to give them an autumnal flair. I'll be mixing up these drinks, too:

The Jack Rose

The Applecar

The Un-Pink Lady

Lots more recipes here!

J. Crew does Fall right.

Colder weather is definitely making its way to Boston, and I couldn't be happier. Fall has always been my favorite season, and I missed out on it the last six years living in Charleston. The mornings and nights have been chilly here, and I've already been able to whip out my new suede booties and tweed blazers (even though it's still in the 70s most days). When it comes to fall fashion, J. Crew always gets it right. Here are some of my favorite J. Crew offerings this season.

J. Crew Fall by ericajackson on polyvore.com