We asked what tells you fall has begun in Chicago. Here’s what you told us, lightly edited for clarity and readability.
“When I put my patio umbrella away. Depends on the weather.”
Cheryl Lewis, 69, Calumet Heights
“The Bears’ first three-and-out.”
Vince LiFonti
“Apple cider in the stores.”
Wayne Brieman
“The leaves change color — with particularly beautiful viewing of them at the Morton Arboretum.”
Craig Barner
“The third day of three days in a row I have to wear a jacket.”
Scott Cowan
“Taffy apples!”
Kathleen Porter
“Sometime around Halloween, when the weather goes from mid-60s to hail and icy conditions in a matter of seconds.”
Craig Lensegrav, 46, Albany Park
“Day after Labor Day, when, as a kid, we had to go back to school.”
Nick Kosmas
“Chicagohenge!”
Jeanne Brady
“When the high only hits low 60s or worse. And death is all around — the dead leaves on trees or the ground, the dead flowers and dormant grass, etc. Such a sad time. And it only gets worse.”
Brice Notardonato Ellett, 52, Elmwood Park
“Pools and beaches closing.”
Christine Bock
“High school homecomings or Columbus Day.”
Thomas Basso
“Time to get my flu shot.”
Glorys Yarzagaray