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When September rolls in and the heat starts to break—well, sometimes—it feels like something’s shifting in the South. The cicadas grow quieter, the air smells of cut hay, and front porches get dressed with pumpkins and mums. But beyond the decorations and cooler mornings, early fall in the South has always carried a touch of mystery. Generations have passed down stories, signs, and superstitions that tie this season to both the land and the spirit world.

Signs Nature Gives

Southerners long relied on the natural world to predict what was ahead. If the goldenrod bloomed heavy, it meant frost was on its way. A big acorn drop warned of a rough winter coming. Blackbirds crowding power lines meant a chill wasn’t far off. Even the insects had something to say—crickets chirping fast at night promised more warm days, while sudden silence in the woods was taken as a bad omen.

Spirits Stirring in the Season

As the nights grew longer, folks whispered that the line between the living and the dead blurred. Families told tales of ghostly women wandering backroads, phantom lanterns luring travelers into swamps, and restless soldiers marching under the harvest moon. These stories weren’t just for scaring children—they were warnings to respect the season’s power.

Haunted Legends of the South

Early fall is the perfect time for old Southern ghost stories to resurface. In Tennessee, people still whisper about the Bell Witch of Adams, a spirit said to torment the Bell family in the early 1800s. Her laughter, shrieks, and strange voices are still part of local legend every autumn. In Arkansas, the Gurdon Light—a mysterious glowing orb that appears along railroad tracks—has been seen since the 1930s, believed by some to be the lantern of a murdered rail worker. Down in Mississippi, folks talk of Stuckey’s Bridge, where the ghost of an old innkeeper is said to haunt the waters, especially on cool fall nights.

Witches, Charms, and Porch Lore

Witches held a special place in early fall folklore. In Appalachia and the Deep South, people believed witches were at their strongest during the harvest moon. Carved turnips or gourds were set by doors to keep mischief away, a practice that later turned into the jack-o’-lantern tradition. Some even swore leaving a rocking chair empty on a porch at night invited a witch—or worse, a spirit—to make themselves comfortable.

Folklore as Guidance

Though the tales sound spooky, much of the folklore served a purpose. Farmers learned to prepare for winter by watching squirrels, crops, and skies. Families passed ghost stories to remind children not to wander too far after dark. Witches and charms gave people a sense of control when life was unpredictable.

The Story Lives On

Today, we may check weather apps instead of acorns, and porch rockers are more about comfort than superstition. Still, these stories linger. Around bonfires, tailgates, and porches, Southerners keep sharing them, weaving a little mystery into the cooling air. Early fall in the South is more than a season—it’s a reminder that tradition, superstition, and storytelling are as much a part of autumn as falling leaves.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

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Fall is finally here, and that means my favorite reading season has arrived. While I love reading all year long, there’s just something about autumn that makes it extra special. The cooler weather, the shorter days, and the cozy nights all create the perfect backdrop to curl up with a good book. For me, Fall through Christmas is my absolute favorite time to get lost in stories, and this year I’m preparing a reading list that’s filled with everything from lighthearted romances to mysteries and witchy adventures.

Why Fall Is Perfect for Reading

There’s nothing better than a chilly evening, a blanket, and a book that pulls you in from the very first page. Fall brings a slower pace compared to the busy summer months, making it easier to carve out quiet time for reading. The cozy atmosphere—pumpkins on the porch, candles flickering, and maybe even a pot of soup simmering—just pairs naturally with books. It’s the season where a story feels more like an escape, whether it’s heartwarming, mysterious, or magical.

My Fall Reading Vibe

When it comes to Fall reading, I don’t stick to just one genre. I like to mix it up depending on my mood. Some days, I want the comfort of a Hallmark-style story full of small-town charm, quirky characters, and happy endings. Other times, I’m craving something with a little mystery, where I can play detective alongside the main character. And of course, no Fall reading list would be complete without a few witchy, magical tales that lean into the spooky season.

This mix keeps things fun and ensures I always have a book that matches the moment. Whether it’s a breezy afternoon or a late night with a storm rolling in, I’ve got the perfect story ready to go.

What’s On My List This Year

I’ve already started pulling together books that fit all my Fall moods, and I’m so excited to dive in. Here are a few at the top of my list:

• The Cinnamon Spice Inn – A cozy romance that promises plenty of charm, comfort, and seasonal sweetness.
• The Pumpkin Spice Café – Another small-town romance that feels like wrapping yourself up in a blanket and sipping hot cider.
• Half Baked Witch – A fun and magical read that’s perfect for October nights when you want a little witchy mischief.
• A Dash of Disaster – A witchy mystery that blends humor, magic, and just enough suspense to keep the pages turning.

Right now, I’m finishing up Maid for Mayhem, but as soon as I’m done, I’ll be diving headfirst into this stack of Fall reads. These four may or may not take me all the way through Halloween, but that just means I’ll have room to add a few Christmas-themed books into the mix when November rolls around.

Looking Ahead

One of the best parts of creating a seasonal reading list is the anticipation. Just knowing that I have a lineup of cozy, magical, and mysterious books waiting for me makes me excited to carve out reading time each day. Whether I’m curled up on the couch, relaxing in bed, or sneaking in a few pages during the hubby’s drive to work, these stories are sure to keep me entertained all season long.

I can’t wait to share more about which ones end up being my favorites, but for now, I’m just thrilled to have a stack of books ready to go. Fall is here, the reading nook is calling, and I’m more than ready to answer.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

September is the perfect time to dust off the crockpot and bring back those cozy, slow-cooked meals. As the days get shorter and cooler, there’s nothing better than having dinner ready and waiting after a long day. Crockpot recipes are ideal for busy families, game days, or simply when you want comforting food without much effort.

Why Crockpot Meals Shine in September

September bridges the gap between summer and fall. While it’s not quite chilly enough for full-on soups and stews, there’s still a craving for warm, hearty dishes. Crockpot meals let you enjoy the flavors of fall without heating up the kitchen. They also save time—toss ingredients in during the morning and enjoy a ready-made dinner come evening.

Crockpot Chili

A classic that never disappoints. Chili is hearty, full of flavor, and perfect for cool September nights. You can customize it with ground beef, turkey, or even make it vegetarian. Toss in beans (if you must), peppers, tomatoes, and spices, then let the crockpot do the rest. Serve with cornbread for the ultimate comfort pairing.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Tender pot roast with carrots, potatoes, and onions is a meal that feels like a hug. Cooking it low and slow creates juicy, melt-in-your-mouth beef and rich gravy. This dish is perfect for Sunday dinners or when you want leftovers for sandwiches the next day.

Crockpot Chicken and Rice

This recipe is simple but filling. The chicken cooks until it’s tender, and the rice soaks up all the delicious seasonings. Add in mushrooms, peas, or broccoli for extra flavor. It’s an easy family favorite that doesn’t take much prep time.

BBQ Pulled Pork

September often still has cookout vibes, but the crockpot makes BBQ pulled pork effortless. Toss a pork shoulder in with BBQ sauce, onions, and a little seasoning, and you’ll have tender pulled pork for sandwiches, tacos, or nachos. It’s great for football watch parties or casual dinners.

Crockpot Apple Crisp

Not all crockpot recipes are savory—desserts shine too. Apple crisp made in the slow cooker fills the house with that sweet fall aroma. Apples, cinnamon, and a buttery oat topping make this dish a September staple. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a treat that feels just right for the season.

Final Thoughts

September crockpot recipes are all about warmth, comfort, and convenience. From savory favorites like chili and pot roast to sweet treats like apple crisp, these dishes make the transition from summer to fall delicious and easy. So dust off that slow cooker, and let it bring the cozy flavors of September right to your table.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.