The first things that come to mind when I think of fall are cool, crisp air, cozy clothes, and pumpkin spice everything. Those scenes paint a pretty picture – if you live in a place where it regularly drops below 70 degrees during Fall. Last year, Tampa had regular highs of 85 degrees in November, while the lowest it went was 60 degrees in the middle of the night. Florida is known for having year-round hot weather and, as someone whose favorite season is fall, it gets pretty annoying when I just want to enjoy basic fall activities.

Yes, there are stereotypical fall activities you can do in and around Tampa, but it’s just not the same when you’re sweating through your clothes in the middle of a corn maze. One of my favorite things to do when I’m really feeling the fall vibe is round up some of my friends to go to Sweetfields farm, which has a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and a hayride. Or, if you aren’t someone who’s into nature, bake. Because its indoors, baking is a perfect fall activity to get you out of the Florida heat. There are plenty of fall recipes going around, find one that sounds best to you then enjoy your treat while curling up to watch a movie.

But the best part of fall is the clothes. Fall fashion is full of fuzzy sweaters and warm jeans paired with the perfect pair of boots. Admittedly, I wear all of that even in the midst of summer heat, but I’d like to be able to wear my favorite outfits outside without risking heat stroke. One way to dress for fall while ditching the warmth is by wearing light layers, or keeping the dark colors of fall but wearing shorter clothes. A black skirt and a tee shirt, paired with a light jacket and boots is a way to rock the mood of fall, while accommodating for Florida heat.

Over the years of my fall obsession, I’ve learned to just suck it up, turn on the fan, and drink some hot chocolate.