Since summer is officially over, I thought it would be a good time to share some of our favorite fall places, crafts, and treats from last year. If you have any suggestions you'd like to share, from your own blog or around the web, please link in the comments! Also, if you do any of these, please write and let us know how you enjoyed it. :)I'm cuddled up under a wool blanket as I type this and I love love it. Welcome, fall!
GO:
-Bergey's Breadbasket: Quite possibly the best petting zoo in the area, with a PYO pumpkin patch and a delectable bakery attached. Bergey's inspired our apple dumpling recipe (below).
-Hunt Club Farm: The photos at the bottom of this post is from our visit last October (look how small my Nou was!). Their fall harvest fair runs through Nov. 1 this year and you can bet we'll be there again.
-Apple Picking at Martin Vineyard & Orchard: A recent trip that's going to become a family tradition. Apple season ends in November, but I would call ahead to make sure they're still open (their website doesn't seem to be updated frequently).
-New Earth Farm: A beautiful farmer's market in Virginia Beach, with probably the most interesting and delicious organic and seasonal produce in the area.
-First Landing State Park: So gorgeous this time of year. Try the Bald Cypress Trail, an easy hike for little legs.
-Big Woods State Forest: Some "real wilderness" hiking just about an hour away in Sussex County.
-Bennett's Creek Farm Market: Bennett's Creek is a treat in any season but fall makes us hungry and when the weather turns cool, we crave their she-crab soup.
MAKE:
-Pumpkin pie playdough: Adding pumpkin-pie spice makes everything feel more festive.
-Gravestone rubbing: A spooky craft to get older kids interested in family history.
-Pinecone prints: This is a great time of year for nature painting.
COOK:
-Maple cinnamon marshmallows: Dresses up hot cocoa; a lot easier than you'd think.
-Apple dumplings: A quick and easy version of the famous ones at Bergey's Breadbasket.
-Pumpkin quinoa: The perfect breakfast for fall mornings.
-Sugar cookies: Not our recipe, but one we use constantly. These cookies are tasty and don't spread!
First Landing State Park is absolutely breathtaking in the fall. I know Lynnhaven River Fest is coming up, but I believe they've moved it to the oceanfront this year. Last year it was at Pleasure House Point which was lovely.
ReplyDeleteFirst Landing has a fall festival, too, on Oct. 19 and 20. http://www.goldkeyvacations.com/Attractions-and-Events/Virginia-Beach-Events/Fall-Festival-at-First-Landing-State-Park-187.html
DeleteThanks for the suggestions!
Oh yes, totally forgot. We've gone in the past! The kids made s'mores (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13047587@N00/5133943303/in/photolist-8PENtR-8SS4KS), went on hayrides with goats, and pressed their own apple cider. There's pumpkin painting and music, too.
Deleteooooooooooooo playdough sounds fun! I need to do that.
ReplyDeleteThis recipe is made with food-grade ingredients so you wouldn't have to worry about Baby Whimsy eating it (is she still at that stage?)
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