Ahh-ctober, finally

Big Tex at the Texas State Fair in Dallas. This version of the iconic giant burned down in 2012. But don't worry, there's an even scarier one that took its place.

Living in Dallas has its perks. It's affordable, it's cosmopolitan enough for big city transplants like me, and you're smack in the middle of the country which makes air travel to either coast doable without it being an all-day affair. But there's one thing I really don't like: the summer heat. It starts in late May and can go through September, sometimes into October. The searing, scorching, soul-sapping sun does little to motivate me. I know there are folks, particularly from northern climes, who would rather trade a Dallas August straight up for a Boston February and a late-round draft pick. I get that. I guess too much of anything can be the cause of weather weariness.

But it's now October. This month signals a significant change, not only in weather but in attitudes. Folks with kids are deep in the throes of another school year and those family vacations are now part of a picture book some parent is putting together for the holidays. Oh yea, that's only a little over two months away [checks blood pressure].

October turns another page in my year. I find the summers too noisy with activity, but when the leaves start slipping off their branches like post-party confetti, that's my signal to go explore. Though I'm not much for crowds, I do make one exception.

This time of year, Dallas welcomes people from all over Texas and the world to the annual State Fair of Texas. If you've never been, I highly recommend it for its people-watching, the art-deco buildings and the most outrageous artery-plugging food even your doctor has to try – for research, of course. Let's put it this way: if you can deep fry it, you're going to find it at the State Fair of Texas. I can't go through the entire list of arterial spackle over the years, but Google is your friend. Just look up "deep fried foods at the State Fair of Texas" and turn your screen away from your boss's eyes.

Even if you hate large crowds like I do, it's quite the spectacle. I mean, is it wrong for me to hang around the food venues to watch people eat this stuff? I remember one year, I was barely 5 minutes into my visit to the fair before I encountered a rather large man in a mobility scooter steering it with his forearms because he had a bucket-sized drink in one hand and a smoked turkey leg (more like ostrich leg) in another. My astonishment washed over my guilt for gawking but it's what I came to see – people having the time of their lives with no care in the world about what others like me might think.

If it ain't fried, it ain't right. Corn dogs are a must-eat at the State Fair of Texas

If you're looking for less bustle and not much hustle, October is a magnificent time to travel. Did I mention that airports are also great places for people watching? Airports are great places for people watching! I get to see people who look more stressed than I am. Where are they going? They're getting on a plane looking like that? I hope this person's not on my flight. I love it.

It's springtime in the Southern Hemisphere which means if you have your eyes on places like New Zealand, Australia or lower South America, you'll find good weather and a manageable pace for exploring and taking in sites. Keep in mind that weather during these "shoulder" seasons can take a turn toward the surprising and throw you as many curves as the name implies. Shifts in weather patterns can make for spectacular clashes of air masses so if you travel in fall or spring, take that into consideration. For me, I'll take the weather as the only risk in exchange for an uncrowded good time. Tropical zones are pretty predictable in terms of weather, hurricane seasons notwithstanding, so you really only feel the seasonal changes the farther south or north you travel.

Here's a non-secret secret: airlines know that you're done with your summer too. Some of the best fares in the northern half of the globe tend to spring up (pun?) during the fall between the U.S. Labor Day in September and just before the November Thanksgiving weekend. Take advantage of it if you can. It's a great time to go to Europe too but if you still want beach and sun, Puerto Rico's weather is magnificent in November with fewer mosquitos, less humidity and pleasant evenings. The locals don't take to the beaches as often as in the summer unless there's a holiday, so your time on the shore should be less crowded if you pick your beaches outside of the known tourist areas. The island is still recovering from the 2017 hurricanes but it's open for business and could sure use some tourist love – and dollars.

Playa (beach) "Los Tubos" (the tubes), Manatí, Puerto Rico

As a photographer, I appreciate the majesty of fall foliage and the stunning mix of cooler weather, clearer days and fire-bright colors. You don't get much of that in Dallas at the same time and for the trees to really glow, you need the right mix of summer rains (usually rare) and a cool, dry autumn. Like any good procrastinator, I have yet to take one of those famous tours of the spectacular fall colors that paint quiet places like New England in the celebratory palette of the head plumage during Carnaval in Brazil. It literally is the last big party before the winter fast.

Here in "Big D" the leaves don't change as dramatically and can cling to dear life all the way through November. You'll spot me well into December raking (or mow-mulching) the last of the leaves. Maybe my next trip north will be at this time of year instead of the usual summer escape, though going from Dallas to Halifax in July is something I can't see myself stopping. Hey, that's the beauty of travel. You can do both!

Just as springtime signals an awakening and a fresh renewal, the fall is also invigorating for me. The haze in the air starts to clear and the temperature drops begin to set you free from the need for nonstop air conditioning. It's time for Halloween, turkeys and Costco Christmas decorations in October. It's fall y'all!