Apples, pumpkins, and hayrides, oh my!

It's fall, ya'll and it is glorious!  Here in Chattanooga there is a crispness in the air, my maple tree has a hint of red in its leaves, and everyone is lighting up my pinterest feed with pumpkin spice latte recipes!  Fall has so many wonderful activities that it's hard to fit them all in and a shame to miss any of them.  So what's an autumn-loving girl to do?  Well, first decide on your budget.  Whether big or small there is some new fall adventure to be experienced.

Farmers' Markets can give you a taste of fall, literally.  This trip is right around the corner and very budget friendly.  Many farmers' market close after October, so make sure to stock up on all the autumn produce.  Apples, beets, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and winter squash are at their peak.  

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes offer a fun afternoon of family togetherness.  Many places will provide a hayride to and from the patch.  There are usually fun extras like a barrel train ride or a petting zoo.  These might cost extra as well.  We have enjoyed the Enchanted Maize at Blowing Springs Farm,  (http://www.blowingspringsfarm.com/), which is at the base of Lookout Mountain.  Even Floridians can enjoy an autumn adventure in their shorts and t-shirts when they visit Long and Scott Farms in Mt. Dora, FL.  Check out some of these amazing mazes: (photos courtesy of travelchannel.com)

Around here apple season takes center stage.  If you are in driving distance of Ellijay, GA, make the drive to enjoy picking apples from one of the many orchards the area boasts.  And you can experience all things apple at the Georgia Apple Festival, which is held Oct. 11-2 & 18-19, 2014 in Ellijay.  This festival brings together Southern comfort and charm with every apple goody and treat imaginable.  There are many apple houses to choose, but our favorites are Mercier's and Panorama.  In addition to a wide selection of apple varieties, Mercier's Orchard has a deli, bakery, and hard cider store. (http://www.mercier-orchards.com/)

Finally, if foliage is your passion and time and money are on your side, consider a tour to experience some of America's most beautiful fall locations.  Globus and many other tour groups provide amazing New English destinations that highlight the beauty of the changing colors in national parks and scenic locations.  These tours also focus on the northeast's deep history and quaint rural lifestyles.  

So after all this autumn goodness, I'm ready to run through some corn and carve up some pumpkins.  Or maybe I'll settle in with a warm pumpkin spice latte and a hunk of apple pie.  Or maybe I'll do both this month!

Happy roving,

Kyleen