Farms, fairs and lots of food: What to look forward to about fall in Boston

Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's Saturday morning newsletter, The Weekender. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here. 

Today marks the first day of autumn, and in Boston, the shift in the city’s energy — not to mention the humidity — has been palpable. The soundtrack of those languid summer days — the distant construction and the occasional clang of a trolley bell — has been replaced by the hubbub of college students, schoolchildren and commuters on the streets as life picks back up for the season.

This is my favorite time of year, mostly because of the three F’s: Food, farms, and fairs. Once September hit, I started eating just about every kind of pumpkin treat available (including rapper Ice Spice’s Dunkin’ pumpkin munchkin drink, which I found tastier than expected), while patiently waiting for Wilson Farm in Lexington to announce the annual opening of its fresh cider doughnut stand and supercharged potato blaster.

You might also already have your fall events lined up — a visit to the fairgrounds in Springfield or Topsfield in September; a trip in October to your preferred Halloween haunt; and Thanksgiving in November spent tuned into something football-related (for me, it’s always checking the results of Kiss 108’s Turkey Toss).

But there’s room to make your autumn even more exciting with our new Field Guide to fall in Boston. It includes tips for timing your leaf-peeping excursion, fall hiking, apple-picking (and what to make with all those apples) and — of course — cider doughnuts. Beyond that, we’ve also penned down the local traditions, elections and Halloween happenings you should keep an eye out for this fall.

And if the weather is keeping you indoors this weekend, don’t worry — our arts and culture team’s annual fall arts guides have you covered. This weekend’s Who is Malden? film series is just one of many Greater Boston film festivals worth checking out this season. Plus, the arts guides include plenty of new local music and books to fall into on a rainy day like today.

So what’s left? Autumn is here, and you’ve got a backyard full of seasonal attractions to explore. Hop on the (figurative) hay wagon.

P.S. — What should Massachusetts residents do if they see a spotted lanternfly? Take our Boston News Quiz to see if you know the answer and test your knowledge of this week’s stories.