Fall, My Favorite Season

Fall is a favorite season for many. Some crave pumpkin spice everything, while others enjoy sweater weather. Many love the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, finding their beauty irresistible. Whatever your reason, fall is a season many of us can't get enough of.

I love exploring, whether it's hiking down a trail I've never been on, discovering an abandoned building or village somewhere in Manitoba, or testing new soap blends for my small business. Overall, fall feels like a calmer, more relaxed time—giving me the freedom to pause, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the journey.

Hiking in Emerson along the river with my boys, Danek and Gunnar

The changing nature, with its warm colors and falling leaves, helps you see places you might have overlooked before. It also opens the door to new experiences, ideas, and breathtaking moments.

Grab a hot chocolate—perhaps white chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte for coffee lovers—and get outside to enjoy the season.

For those interested in exploring, there are many amazing sites to see.

• Pine Point Hiking Trail has been a favorite of mine since childhood, with rapids along the way and interesting spots where kids can imagine building forts.

  
  

  

  Pine Point Rapids

  

  Finding painted rocks with Gunnar at Pine Point Rapids

• Emerson is a more recent favorite; if the weather is good, you can walk far along the river between the campground and the town, where you'll find a historic fur trading post, a basement of an old dwelling, and even a half-buried truck. My boys and I also enjoyed feeding the horses there.

  
  

  

  Abandoned truck at Emerson

  

  Abandoned truck at Emerson

  

  Fur trading post at Emerson

  

  Railway bridge with Danek at Emerson

• Snowflake offers fascinating abandoned farmsteads and a community where some residents still live, making it a thought-provoking place to visit—just be respectful of the locals.

  
  

  

  Grain elevator in Snowflake

  

  Abandoned house outside of Snowflake

  

  Abandoned house outside of Snowflake

If you prefer to stay indoors, cuddle up with a good book or movie, and let fall inspire a cozy atmosphere, I completely understand. I won't suggest specific books or movies, since there are so many genres and tastes vary. However, a warm beverage and a soft, cozy blanket might be just what you need to enjoy the season from the comfort of your home.

If you love pumpkin spice and all things cozy, be sure to check us out online or at one of the upcoming craft markets. We have something for everyone—artisan soaps, unique skincare products for sensitive skin, acne, eczema, or aging (trust me, we all face it eventually). For those chilly evenings, we also offer large, cuddly blankets perfect for curling up. We hope you'll take a moment to visit and discover something that makes your fall even sweeter.

Cuddle Blankets from West Five Story

Artisan soaps and natural skincare from West Five Story

Visit us online at www.westfivestory.com or see us in person at the following markets:

• Brandon's Big One on October 25 and 26 at the Keystone Centre,

• All I Want For Christmas Market on November 2 at the Victoria Inn

• Last Chance Christmas Market on December 20 at The Green Spot