Staycation Ideas

Posts Tagged ‘autumn’

America’s agrarian roots are celebrated every fall, all across the country. As pioneers settling the land, our fore bearers knew the importance of a good harvest, and celebrated their blessings accordingly. These celebrations of thanks remain with us today, a valued part of our cultural heritage. Even if you’ve never shucked an ear of corn, take the time to be grateful for our land of plenty.

How to Make it Happen

Autumn celebrations go by many names––Oktoberfest, Harvest Fair, Harvest Moon Celebration. Whatever name it goes by, join the party. The best way to find the celebration nearest you is to either do an online search, or to call your state tourism office for a published guide to the state’s annual festivals. These guides are usually free and many times are downloadable from state tourism websites.

Additional Activities

1. With tourism guide in hand, pick another festival in your state to attend. There’s surely one for every season.
2. Want to get back in touch with your agrarian roots? Start your own garden and discover how grateful you are when something actually grows!

Remember the romance of The Bridges of Madison County? Francesca and Robert falling in love at Roseman Bridge? It’s time to create your own romance. Covered bridges became popular in America during the 19^th century, and those that remain can usually be found in rural areas. Threatened by arson, flood and age, these bridges are disappearing, although they are often the beneficiaries of organized preservation efforts. If you live near some of these historic landmarks, take advantage of the ambiance, character and romance they add to the landscape.

How to Make it Happen

Do an online search for existing covered bridges in your region, or contact your state tourism office for locations and directions to covered bridges in your state. For a complete list of the National Register of Historic Places, visit www.nps.gov/nr/.  Travel by GPS.com also has a Covered Bridge GPS tour that you can download to your GPS device.  This Covered Bridge tour is for certain areas of Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Vermont.

Once you’ve determined your destination, go for a drive, or a bike ride, and experience these symbols of America’s past.

Additional Activities

1. If there are no historic bridges in your area, you can still enjoy a scenic drive. On a map, plan a drive that includes the curviest roads in your county. Take your time, pack a picnic, and enjoy the scenery.
2. Read a book on historical American landmarks. Pick one to go visit.

My kids’ favorite Fall activity—bar none—is visiting a nearby apple orchard where they get to run through the orchard and fill bags full of apples they pluck from the tree. We pick, we run, we laugh, we even climb trees for the high ones (and try not to get caught!) When we’re done, we return with our stuffed bags and spend the rest of the month eating apples—apple pie, apple cake, applesauce, apple salad…

How to Make it Happen

Do an online search for apple orchards in your area that are open to the public. Search their website or call for hours, costs and directions. Most orchards will have pre-packaged bags for purchase, but since you’re there, have some fun and pick your own. Don’t forget to try the homemade apple cider and treat yourself to some carmel apples.

Additional Activities

1. Make an apple pie.
2. Plant an apple tree in your backyard.
3. Make an autumn-activity weekend by combining an apple orchard trip with a trip to the pumpkin patch.