When I think about fall, the first thing that comes to mind is Gilmore Girls. This iconic 2000s TV show not only utilized the cozy, autumn aesthetic but also became an inspiration for embracing the season. Whether it was the Gilmore's chic trench coats, Stars Hollow's lively fall festivals, or the backdrop's golden foliage, the show showcased everything the season has to offer, and through its characters, how to enjoy autumn.

If you're looking for tips on how to have a Gilmore-approved fall, here are my four pieces of advice:

Get Involved

The Gilmores were many things, including being active participants in their town's various events. Whether it was modeling matching red coats at a Chilton fundraiser or collecting cans for the Horn of Plenty food drive, Lorelai and Rory attended numerous activities across the show's seven seasons.

Signing up for fall-themed events in your town and school is a great way to give back to the community, meet new people, and create fun memories, just like the Gilmores. Consider checking your city's website or local newspaper for activities you might be interested in. With Halloween approaching, there will likely be haunted houses, pumpkin decorating, ghost tours, and scary movie nights available, along with more general fall activities like apple picking, arts-and-crafts, and volunteer opportunities.

These events are not only a great way to get into the fall spirit, but are also an opportunity to make memories with your friends and family. Lorelai and Rory typically went to Stars Hollow's functions together or with other community members, which made any activity more exciting.

Also, don't be afraid to get behind the scenes of your favorite events. The Gilmores often helped run the town's activities, whether that was posing for reenactments of famous paintings in the Festival of Living Pictures or running their friend Jackson's campaign for town selectman. These activities created some of the most memorable episodes on the show, and will likely make for a fun weekend for you and your crew as well.

If you're searching for activities to volunteer at, I recommend helping run events that you loved as a child. Some of my favorite autumn memories are assisting with community events, such as fall carnivals and street fairs, that I attended years prior. Plus, you never know what memories you'll create or the people that you'll meet along the way!

Take the Quiz: Plan Your Dream Vacation, And This Quiz Will Tell You The Perfect Fall Activity to Add to Your Bucket List

Look no further for a fun fall-themed activity for you and your crew.

Curl Up With a Good Book

Rory Gilmore and a novel go hand-in-hand, especially during the autumn episodes. If you haven't had the chance to get around to your long TBR (to be read) list, then this is the season to finally check off some of the titles. After all, the colder weather, falling leaves, and the smell of roasted pumpkin seeds create an ideal atmosphere for reading.

For book recommendations, there are many chilling reads available, but feel free to go beyond Halloween themed titles. During the fall season, I love reading novels set in high school or college, for all of the back-to-school vibes, and mystery books that have me on the edge of my seat.

If you're looking for specific novel recommendations, I recently read two books that provide a cozy and thrilling reading experience: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel and Little White Lies by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Sea of Tranquility

What if an extremely unusual event occurred identically across centuries? What if you met someone who looked exactly the same as they did decades ago? What if time travel existed? These are among the questions that sci-fi novel Sea of Tranquility raises through descriptive imagery and thought-provoking settings from the past, present, and future.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves multiple-perspective novels where the characters' seemingly distinct lives cross in unconventional ways. Blending science fiction, mystery, and a little bit of dystopian, Sea of Tranquility is a great, suspenseful read fit for fall.

Little White Lies

On the other hand, Little White Lies is set in the present day, where Sawyer Taft has agreed to become a debutante in exchange for half a million dollars from her estranged grandmother. As Sawyer enters a world full of secrets, lies, and hidden motives, she learns that she might have gotten more than she bargained for.

If you're looking for a novel that combines the glamour of The Selection with the intrigue of a Karen M. McManus series, then definitely add Little White Lies to your TBR.

Regardless of what your next read is, there's nothing like the crisp, cool autumn breeze and curling up with a good novel.

Embrace the Colder Weather

Fall means that the temperatures begin to drop and the days get shorter, which means it's time for sweater weather!

Throughout the show, the duo has dozens of trendy yet timeless fall outfits from oversized cable-knit sweaters to knee-high boots to graphic tees layered with chic coats. But the Gilmore's wardrobe isn't the only aspect of the show that embraces the chilly breeze. The amber foliage, the numerous pumpkins, and Taylor's holiday displays at Doose's Market create the warm and cozy atmosphere that the show has become known for.

To get into the fall spirit, consider adding a few autumn-themed additions to your living space. Maybe it's an old arts-and-crafts project from when you were younger or a cinnamon-scented candle that reminds you of the holidays. I love to have little reminders of fall in my room, whether that's a glossy calendar picture of a pumpkin patch, old photos from Halloween, or even an orange and yellow lock screen.

These small decorations can help you remember that December will be here before you know it, so be sure to make the most of the season!

Cherish the Little Things

If there's one thing that every episode of Gilmore Girls has in common, it's the small yet heartwarming moments shared between the characters. Breakfasts at Luke's Diner. Friday Night Dinners with the Gilmore grandparents.

Rory and Lane ambling around Stars Hollow. Taylor's town meetings.

Regardless of the event, Rory and Lorelai are able to make the little things exciting and memorable. They choose to see day-to-day tasks as fun, pairing these responsibilities with humor, community, and fast talking.

In your own life, you can also embody the Gilmore spirit by seeing responsibilities as opportunities for learning new things, strengthening bonds with others, and creating fond memories. A positive mindset will help turn seemingly mundane tasks into something more enjoyable and exciting.

Also, don't forget that fall flies by fast. It seems that on the show, the winter holidays approach not long after Rory returns to Chilton. I find that reflecting on the day, whether in the morning or in the evening, is a great way to cherish the events of the passing days. You can try journaling, meditating, or my favorite, scrolling through your camera roll to see all of the amazing adventures you've been up to.

Takeaways

With the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere occurring next Monday, it's finally time to check off items on your seasonal bucket list. After all, now's the perfect time to meet new people, try something different, and make lasting memories Gilmore-style.