EDGEWATER — Though technically autumn doesn't officially start until Sept. 22, the spirit of seasonal change and smell of spice is already in the air.
The leaves haven't quite yet turned, but for those wishing to bid adieu to summer and usher in fall, you're not alone.
From spicing up your snacks to painting your own skull-shaped stein, check out these four fall-themed ways to set the season's tone.
Pumpkin-Flavored Treats: When the pumpkin-flavored goodies come out, you know it's officially fall, calendar be darned. XO Marshmallow, 6977 N. Sheridan Road in Rogers Park, knows this and is now offering up gooey, homemade pumpkin marshmallows at its Wonderland-inspired shop. The pumpkin spice treats are infused with XO Marshmallow's signature caramel sauce and real pumpkin. Add a latte or smoosh and roast a few s'mores-style.
DIY Ceramic Halloween Decorations: For all the hard work, creativity and precision that goes into decorating the perfect pumpkin, it can be somewhat defeating to see your creation reduced to a lumpy pile of goop. But with the magic of ceramics, jack-o-lanterns and other Halloween decorations can live forever. RAM Art Studio, 6054 N. Broadway in Edgewater, has Halloween items in stock and ready to be painted: pumpkins, spider web-inspired dishes, skeleton and cauldron mugs and more.
Fall Kick-Off Festival: Every season needs a party to kick it off, and fall has its moment from noon-3 p.m. Sunday at Swift Elementary School, 5900 N. Winthrop Ave. in Edgewater. The picnic and potluck is open to the community and offers a place for neighbors to meet, eat and celebrate the start of the season. The event will feature a bounce house, games and music, and guests can bring a dish to pass if they wish.
Historic Home Tour: A classic tell-tale sign that fall has descended on Chicago is the historic tours. Rich with history, each neighborhood has many stories to tell. From noon-5 p.m. Sunday, the Edgewater Historical Society is holding its annual historic homes tour, highlighting the Edgewater Triangle area — one of the earliest residential regions of the community. Register for the $25 event until 4 p.m. at Edgewater Baptist Church, 1401 W. Hollywood Ave.
