Mama cannot seem to explain to me sufficiently why it is so hot during summer…something about the earth’s axis and the sun…who can understand? I am, therefore, dubious about asking her the reason why leaves fall and trees change color in autumn. For now, I will be satisfied with enjoying the process. It is very pretty and I like the feeling of crisp, cool mornings instead of humid ones. Of course, each season seems to have its own delights. I will miss the swimming pool until next year, but there are so many joys to fall! With lower temperatures comes the harvest and corresponding festivals, more enjoyable times outside in the company of people that we love. I hope you’ll come to share some of them with us.

On October 5th & 6th, Patrick Henry’s Red Hill will be hosting Living History Days for home school students ages 8-10. Bring your children to experience 18th century life through spinning and weaving, basket making, blacksmithing, rope making, tin punching, pottery and Colonial medicine. Meet Jenny L. Cote, author of “The Voice, the Revolution and the Key”.

The first Saturday of every month from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm the Local APX Market opens for local producers and artisans to sell their goods. They place the highest importance on quality and hope to support local growers and artists as they continue to expand their operation.

For 44 years, the biggest weekend of the year in Appomattox next to the Anniversary of General Lee’s surrender to General Grant is Railroad Festival weekend! This year, it falls on October 14th & 15th. With music, magic, vendors and food, there is sure to be something to entertain everyone. After you walk around downtown on Saturday, perhaps you’ll feel like dressing up and watching a movie. Wolfbane Productions will be bringing back the much-loved showing of “Hocus Pocus” on October 14th at 7:00 pm out at the Wolf PAC. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and come in costume for a chance to win prizes! Sunday the Farm Use String Band will be performing here at the Babcock House during brunch service, so make your reservations for the deck so you don’t miss out.

If you’ve had your fill of trains, check out the 27th annual Garlic Festival at Rebec Vineyards. Enjoy MORE vendors, music, Virginia wine and garlic, garlic, garlic! There will even be a play area for the kids.

You would think all that garlic would be enough to scare off a fangy fiend or three, but it seems we still have to rely on good ol’ Abe to help out there…as if he has not done enough for us. Join the American Civil War Museum to watch “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” on October 21st at 6:00pm.

All of this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg for fall events here in the heart of Virginia. It seems I receive word of something new every other day that could go on our calendar of events, not to mention the opportunities that are here year round. I trust when you come to visit us in the next several months, you will never be able to say that your visit was boring.