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By Elisabeth Altamirano-Smith | Community Columnist

During most of the year, local residents are blessed to witness trees across Chilton’s countryside that are doused in vibrant colors; especially peach trees in the spring, boasting pinks and purples. In recent weeks, autumn winds have brought cooler temperatures to Chilton County that is welcomed and deemed long overdue by local residents. Fall transforms our rural farmland and ordinary green landscape into a living Bob Ross painting, hosting reds, oranges, yellows, blues, purples and of course, peaches.

Living in the midst of this metamorphosis, which can only be inspired by God’s hand, causes a reaction in people as well. According to a Yale University study, researchers found that when people hold a hot beverage, such as a cup of hot chocolate, they are more likely to see others as warmer and more personable. Besides our personal relationships, seeing a change in season allows us to hit restart and refresh on cleaning, decorating, gardening, fixing outdoor projects, replacing swimming with hiking, weenie roasts and apple cider. Chilton County has an abundance of outdoor recreation and hosts the perfect playground for autumn’s peach-colored season due to the abundance of nature. Not every part of the United States allows people to hosts hayrides, grow pumpkin patches, cut corn mazes through fields for family togetherness and a clean hometown atmosphere.

A multitude of activities are lining up from an antique and craft market at Cornelius Farms (Sept. 9-10), pumpkin picking, human hamster wheels and hay mountains at Penton Farms (opening Sept. 24), Trick or Treat at Higgins Ferry Park (Oct. 29) and scarecrow decorating at Peach Park are all open to the public.  These activities added to a blissful autumn bucket list of making pumpkin rolls, pulling out favorite sweaters, watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and a cozy fireplace make Chilton County second to none.

If quiet and solitude sound more appealing, watching the leaves turn colors on Lake Mitchell or hiking one of Minooka’s remote trails is a free opportunity to be in communion with nature.