It’s October in the South

Cooler weather is finally here (well, sort of), and along with it comes fun in the South. The month of October welcomes in festivals, events and yes, leaf colors in the region. So, if yourself here anytime this month and wonder what to do, consider the following.

• Festivals here, festivals there, festivals everywhere: Hasn’t everyone caught on yet – there isn’t a dull moment (or weekend) in the South. From state fairs to fall events, such as Texas State Fair in Dallas to Autumn Tides along the Beaches of South Walton, there’s something for everyone. And when it comes to celebrating food, well, you are definitely in the right region. Let’s whet your appetite with the thought of attending the Great West Chili Fest in Okmulgee, Okla., the 24th annual Maury County Chili Cook-Off in Columbia, Tenn., or the Old House Vineyards 8th annual Chili Cook Off in Culpepper, Va., all on October 17. There’s the 35th Rockport (Texas) Seafair, October 9-11. The Feast of Flavors is happening in Ocean Springs, Miss., on October 3. And don’t forget about the 31st annual Destin (Fla.) Seafood Festival, October 2-4 or the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival, October 9-11.
• Orange, red, yellow: Leaves do change colors in the South and provide some spectacular views in the region. You can view the colors from the top in Lansing, WVa., or the bottom in Chattanooga, Tenn. Keep up-to-date as the leaves turn colors throughout the South.
• Become very, very frighten: Ghosts and ghouls come out and make their presence known in the South during October. Favorite haunts of the dead and undead include Galveston Texas, New Orleans, Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C., as well as St. Augustine, Monticello and Key West, Fla. As far as events go, you’ll find everything from spooky fun family to just frightful happenings. Are you a believer in the spirits? Find out at the Deja Vu Spirit Reunion in St. Genevieve, Mo., October 10, the Ghosts, Legends & Unexplained at Crowley’s Ridge State Park in Paragould, Ark., October 31, Ghost Trek in Bardstown, Ky., October 17 or Ghosts of Sotterley Tour in Hollywood, Md., October 15-17. For something a little less intense, consider the Horror Week Film Festival & Ghost Tales Around the Campfire at Jefferson College in Natchez, Miss., October 26-29.
• Hit the road: Have a free weekend? Then get out and explore! Visit Montgomery, Ala., Knoxville, Tenn., Independence, Mo., or Louisville, Ky.

The possibilities for fun in the South during October are endless.

photo credit: Fall colors, flickr, creative commons courtesy of skedonk